Introduction
If you want to hire a guest speaker for your next event in Perth, this guide shows clear steps to plan, recruit, and manage speakers so your event succeeds. Whether you need inspiration, training or keynote presence, knowing how to hire a guest speaker saves time, reduces risk, and improves outcomes.
Key Takeaways:
- Define your event goals before you hire a guest speaker.
- Use local networks and speaker briefs to find the right fit.
- Budget and logistics planning are essential when you hire a guest speaker.
Understand why you should hire a guest speaker
Clarify audience needs
When you hire a speaker, start with the audience. Identify their knowledge level, interests, and expectations so the content will be relevant and engaging.
Match event goals to speaker outcomes
Decide whether you hire a guest speaker for motivation, education, or entertainment. Clear goals make speaker selection and briefing precise.
Measure impact
Plan how you will measure success when you hire a guest speaker. Use surveys, attendance metrics, and post-event engagement to assess value.
Estimate speaker fees
Know typical rates before you hire a guest speaker. Fees vary by experience, travel and preparation time; include GST and possible agency fees.
Venue and AV costs
When you hire a guest speaker, account for venue hire, audio-visual equipment, and support staff to ensure a smooth presentation.
Travel and accommodation
If you hire a speaker from outside Perth, budget for flights, transfers and accommodation. Clear terms upfront avoid surprises.
Find and shortlist speakers
Use local networks
Tap Perth business groups, universities and industry associations when you hire a speaker. Local contacts often recommend reliable options.
Search online and review reels
Watch videos and read reviews before you hire a guest speaker. Previous presentations show style, pacing, and audience connection.
Create a shortlist and compare
Compare shortlisted candidates by topic fit, availability and cost when you hire a speaker. A comparison table helps final decisions.
Create a clear speaker brief
Define objectives and outcomes
Your brief should state why you hire a guest speaker, audience profile, and desired takeaways. Clear objectives help the speaker prepare focused material.
Provide logistics and schedule
Include event date, venue details, session length and AV setup when you hire a speaker. The more specific you are, the better the delivery.
Set branding and content boundaries
Clarify any sensitive topics, sponsorship rules, and branding expectations before you hire a guest speaker. This avoids conflicts on the day.
Negotiate contracts and terms
Fee structure and inclusions
Negotiate clear terms for fees, travel costs and any additional sessions when you hire a speaker. Specify payment milestones and invoicing details.
Cancellation and contingency plans
Agree cancellation terms and backup arrangements in case the speaker cannot attend. When you hire a guest speaker, plan a contingency to protect your event.
Intellectual property and recordings
Define ownership of presentation materials and permissions for recordings when you hire a speaker. Get written consent for reuse or marketing.
Prepare the speaker and the team
Run a pre-event briefing
Hold a briefing call or meeting a few weeks before the event. Share the audience brief and presentation expectations when you hire a guest speaker.
Technical rehearsal
Arrange a rehearsal to test sound, slides and lighting. A tech check reduces risks when you hire a speaker and helps timing.
Speaker support on the day
Assign a staff member as the speaker liaison. They handle arrival, introductions and any last-minute needs when you hire a guest speaker.
Create engaging content and formats
Tailor presentations to local context
Encourage the speaker to include Perth or Australian examples. Relevance improves audience connection when you hire a speaker.
Offer interactive formats
Consider panels, Q&A or workshops. Interactivity increases retention when you hire a guest speaker.
Use follow-up resources
Provide handouts, links, or recordings after the event. This extends impact and value when you hire a speaker.

Promote the event effectively
Create targeted marketing
Use email, social media and local listings to reach Perth audiences when you hire a speaker. Tailor messaging to specific sectors like education, business or community groups.
Leverage speaker networks
Ask the speaker to promote the event to their audience. Collaboration increases reach when you hire a guest speaker.
Offer early-bird incentives
Use discounts or group rates to boost registrations. Clear benefits encourage commitment when you hire a guest speaker.
Manage the session delivery
Start on time and set expectations
Open with a concise introduction and housekeeping. Setting the tone helps the session flow when you hire a guest speaker.
Monitor audience engagement
Use live polling or moderated questions to keep the audience involved when you hire a guest speaker.
Handle feedback professionally
Collect feedback immediately after the session. Timely responses inform future decisions when you hire a guest speaker.
Evaluate outcomes and follow up
Analyze feedback and metrics
Review survey responses, attendance trends and engagement levels. Data helps measure the success after you hire a guest speaker.
Debrief with the speaker
Hold a short debrief to share feedback and next steps. This reinforces relationships when you hire a guest speaker.
Plan next steps
Decide on recordings, resources or future events based on results. Use insights gained when you hire a speaker to improve future programs.
Practical tips specific to Perth and Western Australia
Local timing and transport
Consider peak travel times and public transport options in Perth. Factor travel time into schedules when you hire a guest speaker from elsewhere.
Venue recommendations
Choose venues with reliable AV and accessible locations in Perth. A suitable venue reduces technical problems when you hire a speaker.
Engage local suppliers
Work with Perth-based AV and catering services. Local partners make logistics easier when you hire a guest speaker.
Common mistakes to avoid
Vague objectives
Not defining goals is a frequent error. Always set clear aims before you hire a speaker to ensure alignment and measurable results.
Poor communication
Late or unclear communication causes confusion. Keep open channels and confirm details when you hire a guest speaker.
Underestimating AV needs
Insufficient technical support is costly on the day. Test equipment and have backups when you hire a speaker.
Why Nathan Baws is a reliable choice
Relevant experience
Nathan Baws has experience delivering practical presentations across business and community events. If you want to hire a guest speaker with local knowledge, Nathan brings clarity and actionable insight.
Clear briefing and delivery
Nathan works with organisers to craft tailored sessions. When you hire a speaker like Nathan Baws, you get a collaborative process and measurable outcomes.
Local focus and flexibility
Nathan understands Perth audiences and logistics. Choosing to hire a guest speaker from within Western Australia reduces travel risks and increases local relevance.
Actionable checklist: step-by-step when you hire a guest speaker
Step 1: Define event goals
Write a short brief that states purpose, audience, and key messages before you hire a speaker.
Step 2: Set a realistic budget
Include speaker fee, AV, venue and contingency costs when you hire a guest speaker.
Step 3: Shortlist and contact
Contact three ideal candidates, share your brief and request availability when you hire a speaker.
Conclusion
Knowing how to hire a guest speaker is essential for event success in Perth. Clear goals, structured briefs and reliable logistics make the process straightforward. If you want to hire a speaker who understands local needs and delivers practical value, contact Nathan Baws to discuss your event requirements.
Contact Nathan Baws at https://nathanbaws.com/ today to explore options, confirm availability and get a tailored proposal when you hire a guest speaker in Perth.
FAQs
1. How much does it cost to hire a guest speaker?
Costs vary by experience, travel and event length. Average rates depend on market and speaker profile. Request a quote to get an accurate price.
2. How far in advance should I hire a guest speaker?
Book at least 6–12 weeks ahead for local speakers. Longer lead time is best for in-demand or interstate speakers. Early booking improves availability and planning.
3. What should be in a speaker brief?
Include goals, audience profile and session length. Add logistics, AV needs and branding rules. Clear briefs lead to better presentations.
4. Do I need a contract when I hire a guest speaker?
Yes, always use a contract to set terms. Include fees, deliverables and cancellation terms.
This protects both parties and clarifies expectations.
5. Can a guest speaker provide marketing support?
Many speakers share events with their audiences. Agree promotion details in advance with the speaker. Collaboration increases event reach and attendance.
6. What if a speaker cancels at short notice?
Have a written cancellation policy in your contract. Prepare a backup plan or local alternative speaker. Maintain clear communication and contingency funds.
7. Should I record the session when I hire a guest speaker?
Recording extends value and reach beyond the event. Obtain speaker permission and agree usage rights. Use recordings for training and future promotion.
8. How do I assess speaker performance?
Use post-event surveys and attendance data. Look for engagement metrics and qualitative feedback. Share results with the speaker for improvement.
9. Are there cheaper alternatives to hire a guest speaker?
Consider local community experts or panels to reduce fees. Virtual sessions can lower travel costs. Balance budget with expected impact when choosing.
10. How do I contact Nathan Baws to hire a guest speaker?
Visit Nathan Baws’ website to find contact details. Provide event date, audience and brief for a quote. Discuss options and get a tailored proposal promptly.


