The quality of your speakers can make the difference between a mediocre event and a true highlight. They are not only carriers of knowledge but also emotional anchors of your event. Speakers shape the atmosphere, bring inspiration and create lasting impact. In this article, you’ll find the key points for selecting speakers, how to realistically assess costs, and how a structured briefing can secure the success of your event. We’ll also cover aspects that are often overlooked.
Speakers are to business events what DJs or bands are to festivals: they bring energy, create identification and attract people.
Content matters: Speakers deliver your event’s content with precision and translate complex knowledge into clear messages.
Audience magnet: Well-known speakers can significantly increase attendance – often they are the decisive factor in the RSVP.
Atmosphere & inspiration: A charismatic talk can build an emotional connection that lasts well beyond the event.
Knowledge transfer: Speakers make content tangible, provide impulses for practice and spark discussion.
Not every expert is automatically a good stage personality. The right mix of expertise, presence and relevance is needed.
Expertise: Does the content match the event theme?
Presentation skills: Can the person speak clearly, engagingly and in a way that fits the audience?
Audience fit: Does the person speak the language of your guests?
Authenticity: Do they come across as credible and approachable without artificial effects?
Familiarity: Does a prominent name increase the appeal of the event?
Costs: Does the fee fit into the budget?
💡 Practical tip: Watch video clips or past appearances to get a realistic impression of style and stage presence.
Bring closeness to the company and practical knowledge. They are ideal for internal events, project updates or cultural topics. But beware: not every executive is a strong stage personality. An interview or talk format can help ease nervousness.
Bring fresh impulses, credibility and inspiration. At conferences, they are often the “headliners” and play a major role in ticket sales. A big name generates attention but should still be relevant to the event’s content.
Finding the right personalities can be time-consuming. Beyond your personal network and LinkedIn, specialised agencies in the DACH region offer a wide selection of business speakers:
Speakers Excellence (Germany)
Premium Speakers (Switzerland)
5 Sterne Redner (Germany)
Online Redner (DACH-wide)
CSA Speakers (DACH-wide)
Speakers.ch (Switzerland)
💡 Tip: Good agencies actively advise you and also suggest lesser-known but fitting speakers.
Fees for speakers vary greatly – depending on their level of fame, experience, duration of the appearance and exclusivity.
Young professionals / subject-matter experts: approx. 1,000 – 3,000 €
Experienced speakers with industry profile: approx. 3,000 – 7,000 €
Familiar names / bestselling authors: 7,000 – 15,000 €
High-profile personalities / top keynote speakers: from 15,000 up to 50,000+ €
Additional costs may include travel, accommodation and possibly technical equipment. For international figures, contracts often specify first-class flights or VIP treatment.
💡 Budget hack: Consider whether a speaker can cover multiple formats – for example, a keynote, a panel and a workshop. This increases value per fee.
Even the best speakers need a good briefing. This ensures their content matches the storyline and dramaturgy of your event – and prevents unpleasant surprises.
Objective & context: Why is the event happening, what should it achieve?
Audience profile: Who is in the room? What are their expectations and prior knowledge?
Event storyline: What overarching theme or motto connects all sessions?
Content framework: Are there key topics, must-haves or no-gos?
Technical framework: Slot length, format (keynote, Q&A, panel), media usage.
Organisational points: Contact person, arrival, schedule, tech rehearsal, accommodation.
💡 Extra tip: Send a written briefing at least 2–3 weeks before the event and hold an alignment call. This prevents misunderstandings.
Here are some aspects that matter in practice and are worth considering:
Diversity on stage: Ensure a range of perspectives (gender, age, background). A diverse line-up feels more modern and authentic.
Sustainability: Does someone really need to fly in from overseas for a 30-minute talk? Virtual keynotes are now technically mature and resource-friendly.
Long-term collaboration: Instead of booking new faces for every event, consider building a “speaker pool”. Familiar faces create trust and continuity.
Combination with interactive formats: Speakers don’t have to monologue. Discussion rounds, fishbowls or AMA (“Ask me anything”) sessions can make talks more dynamic.
Speakers are the heart of many events – they inspire, share knowledge and shape how your event is perceived. By taking time for careful selection, planning costs realistically and providing a professional briefing, you ensure the stage becomes a highlight.
And remember: speakers are more than programme items. They are partners in your event story – and can turn a gathering into an experience that will be remembered long after.
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The 2m2c - Montreux Music and Convention Centre is a multi-purpose exhibition center on the shores of Lake Geneva. Known for the Montreux Jazz Festival, the location offers space for up to 1,500 participants for congresses. Even after the ongoing renovation until 2025, the location will remain known for its unique atmosphere and views.
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Better known as a trade fair location, Bernexpo will be offering new, different rooms for conferences in the federal city of Bern from 2025. The new construction of the "Festhalle" will create interesting possibilities with a capacity of up to 1,300 guests in one hall.
With five spacious halls and 25 conference rooms, the Congress Center in Basel offers many possibilities for a wide variety of events. In addition to its central location in Basel's city center, the congress location has the advantage of being directly connected to the exhibition grounds, making it the largest congress center in Switzerland in terms of space.
The Convention Center (Kongresshaus) Zurich describes itself as the newest congress center of its kind in Switzerland. It is located directly on the shores of Lake Zurich and, thanks to its flexible room layout, offers options for a wide variety of event types and parallel break-out sessions for up to 4,500 participants. A breathtaking panorama on the terrace offers ideal conditions for relaxing breaks.
The Lucerne Culture and Convention Center is located in central Switzerland on the shores of Lake Lucerne and offers space for conventions with up to 2,815 participants. Numerous break-out rooms offer the opportunity for parallel sessions. The concert hall is known worldwide for its outstanding acoustics and is therefore ideal for a musical show to round off a conference.
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Known for the International Motor Show, Palexpo offers eight conference rooms of different sizes with a maximum capacity of 2,500 participants. The venue, which has been established for many years, underwent a further expansion in autumn 2023, adding 12 new conference rooms to its offering.
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Arena Berlin is a versatile event venue in the Alt-Treptow district of Berlin, perfectly suited for congresses. The listed site comprises six indoor and outdoor locations, including the impressive 6,500 m² Arena Hall, which can accommodate up to 9,000 people with its free-span roof structure. Thanks to its flexible space design and modern infrastructure, Arena Berlin offers optimal conditions for congresses, trade fairs, and conferences.
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The CCH – Congress Center Hamburg is one of Europe's most modern and largest congress centres, offering flexible spaces for events with up to 12,000 participants. With top-class event technology, sustainable design, and a central location in Hamburg, the CCH provides optimal conditions for international congresses and conferences. Its excellent transport connections, extensive service offerings, and proximity to hotels and cultural attractions make it a premier choice for organisers.
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The Congress Center Essen offers three congress centres with a total of 28 adaptable spaces, including ten halls and thirteen conference rooms, providing flexible solutions for congresses and conferences of various sizes. Its direct connection to the Grugahalle and exhibition halls allows events for several thousand guests. Each year, around 800 events with a total of 80,000 attendees are held here, demonstrating the centre's versatility and capacity.
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The HCC Hannover Congress Centrum is a historic yet modern congress venue with versatile space options for events of all sizes. With state-of-the-art event technology, a sustainable infrastructure, and excellent transport links, it provides ideal conditions for national and international congresses. The combination of historic charm and contemporary facilities makes the HCC a unique event venue in the heart of Hannover.
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The ICM – International Congress Center Messe München is a cutting-edge congress venue, distinguished by flexible room concepts, first-class technology, and a capacity for up to 6,000 participants. Directly connected to the Munich Exhibition Centre, it provides ideal conditions for international congresses, conferences, and corporate events. With sustainable infrastructure, top-tier service, and state-of-the-art event technology, the ICM sets new standards in professional event organisation.
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The Kultur- und Kongresszentrum Liederhalle in Stuttgart combines listed architecture with a modernised conference area, providing an ideal setting for congresses. With 14 flexible meeting rooms and 5 halls accommodating up to 2,100 people, it enables a wide range of events. Its central location in Stuttgart’s city centre, direct hotel connections, and proximity to the Bosch-Areal with shops, restaurants, and bars offer attendees convenience and a variety of leisure options.
Messe Magdeburg is a modern exhibition and conference centre in Saxony-Anhalt, ideal for congresses. With three halls offering a covered exhibition space of 9,000 m² and an adjoining conference centre, it allows for flexible event planning for up to 2,314 people in theatre seating. Thanks to its high-end technical equipment and versatile room layouts, Messe Magdeburg provides optimal conditions for successful congresses and conferences.
Messe Magdeburg is a modern exhibition and conference centre in Saxony-Anhalt that is ideal for congresses. With three halls, which together offer a covered exhibition area of 9,000 m², and an adjoining conference centre, it enables the flexible organisation of events for up to 2,314 people seated in rows. Thanks to its state-of-the-art technical equipment and variable room concepts, Messe Magdeburg offers ideal conditions for successful congresses and conferences.
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The RuhrCongress Bochum is a modern event venue in the heart of the Ruhr region, making it an excellent choice for congresses. With its flexible, state-of-the-art spaces, it provides the perfect setting for events of all types and sizes, from business and science to trade fairs. Thanks to its excellent infrastructure, cutting-edge event technology, and well-planned logistics, your vision can be brought to life professionally.
The Schwabenlandhalle in Fellbach, near Stuttgart, is a versatile cultural, congress, and conference centre, ideal for congresses. With a total of nine bright and fully equipped rooms, it offers flexible event spaces for gatherings of all sizes. The largest hall, the Hölderlin Hall, has a floor area of over 1,100 m² and can seat up to 1,400 people in theatre-style seating, making it particularly suitable for large congresses and conferences.
The Tempodrom in Berlin is a multifunctional event venue with impressive architecture, perfect for congresses. Its main space, the Grand Arena, accommodates up to 4,200 guests and features flexible room elements that create adaptable spaces for different event formats, including conferences and congresses. With its central location near Potsdamer Platz and its modern facilities, the Tempodrom offers excellent conditions for successful congresses and events.
The Uber Eats Music Hall in Berlin is a state-of-the-art event hall, ideal for congresses and corporate events. With a standing capacity of up to 4,350 and seating for around 2,250 guests, it offers flexible space solutions for various event formats. The hall features excellent acoustics, optimal sightlines, and cutting-edge event technology, making it a versatile venue for conferences, product presentations, and corporate celebrations.
The myticket Jahrhunderthalle in Frankfurt am Main is one of Europe’s largest private cultural initiatives and offers a variety of congress and conference spaces, including its impressive dome hall and several conference rooms. The dome hall spans 4,800 m² and can accommodate up to 3,000 people, making it ideal for large congresses. Additionally, the venue offers modern technology and flexible space concepts that can be tailored to different event requirements.
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