APB Weekly

One of the most important decisions in event planning isn’t just who you bring in as a speaker, but how you structure the session. Some speakers are at their best delivering a traditional keynote, building a clear throughline that inspires and energizes an audience from start to finish. But when a speaker’s content spans multiple ideas, areas of expertise, or perspectives that don’t naturally fit into one linear flow—or when you want the speaker to cover several topics within a single session—a different format can create a stronger, more cohesive experience. We’re seeing more planners lean into moderated conversations or fireside chats in these moments, allowing the content to unfold with more focus, flexibility, and clarity.

One of the biggest shifts in today’s events landscape is that organizations aren’t just looking for a keynote, they’re looking for something their audience can actively engage with and remember. That shift is showing up in how programs are built. More speakers are incorporating real-time interaction, whether that’s audience participation, reflection moments, or simple exercises that help people apply ideas on the spot. We’re seeing more and more planners choose interactive formats over traditional keynotes, prioritizing programs where audiences can engage with and apply ideas in real time.

Before diving into speaker options, take a step back and define what success actually looks like. The goal of your program should shape every decision that follows. Are you looking to leave your audience with meaningful, actionable takeaways? Or is the priority to drive attendance with a recognizable headliner? Both are valid, but they lead you down very different paths.

As change accelerates across every sector, leadership is shifting from having answers to asking the right questions. That same approach applies to speaker selection. The strongest programs start with curiosity, remaining open to new ideas, formats, and voices. This mindset leads to stronger collaboration and more thoughtful outcomes. Takeaway: Start with curiosity, not certainty. Better questions lead to better decisions. Want to learn more? APB speaker Kelly Corrigan explores how curiosity fuels collaboration, innovation, and leadership growth.