Delegates at Convene Queensland (Convene Q) on July 29 will have the opportunity to get the lowdown on 'The Who, How and Why of your Conference Speaker Program'.

Just confirmed, the session will be conducted by Dr Helene Hagemans, senior consultant at Saxton Speakers Bureau, and will address why this element of a conference is so vital to its overall success.

Being held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Convene Q now has two informative seminars on the program. An address by Sandra Passaro of Tourism and Events Queensland was confirmed earlier.

Convene showcases Queensland like it has not been seen at business events with exhibitors as diverse as Brisbane Greeters, One&Only Hayman, O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat and many more. Saxton Speakers Bureau will also exhibit.

Winston Broadbent, managing director of Saxton Speakers Bureau, says the right speaker can really lift the entire event – or destroy it.

'You could have 800 people listening to an absolutely inspiring speaker, but on the other side of the coin things could be a disaster. That's one hundred working days – twelve and a half weeks sitting in the room so it is a critical time to fill.'

He says that most of the time the cost of a speaker is less than the cost of dessert. 'And what do people remember?'

Broadbent points out that Saxton has about 20 sales people with a combined experience of more than 100 years. 'So we ask the customer what the brief is and we will match to that.'

He says people can obviously find speakers and entertainers a number of ways – including via the Internet.

The problem with the web is that everyone sells themselves well there. But what happens if something goes wrong? Where is the support if, for example, the plane is delayed?'

He says a speakers' bureau obviously has a vested interest in ensuring the right speaker is chosen. 'We're putting our name behind the speaker, so we want it to work out well.'

Winston Broadbent says requirements are changing for many corporate and association events. 'There is less demand now for pure entertainment. People are asking how they improve their bottom line. If you get the process right you can make a massive difference to your company.'

Business event organisers can register here:

http://www.convenequeensland.com/visitor-registration

For more information:

www.convenequeensland.com

Contact: Stu Freeman ++64 9 818 7807  email stu@promag.co.nz