Keynote Speaker vs Guest Speaker: What is the Difference?

If you’re stuck between booking a keynote speaker or guest speaker for your next event, you’re not alone. Understanding the difference between the two and knowing which will cater to your needs best can be tricky. Ultimately, both bring something special to the table, but their roles are quite different.

We’re going to break down the difference between a guest speaker vs a keynote speaker so you can make the best choice for your next event.

What is a Keynote Speaker?

A keynote speaker’s role is to headline an event and will set the overall tone and theme of the night. They will deliver the big-picture message that ties everything together and their primary job is to leave people feeling motivated and connected to the event’s theme.

At Evolve, we’ve worked with some of the best keynote speakers in the game, such as Gary Neville and Tim Peake who have wowed audiences with their talks on leadership, mindset, innovation and more.

Keynote speakers are great for the events listed below.

• Opening or closing of a big conference.
• Corporate events where you want to energise and inspire your team.
• High-profile events like award ceremonies or fundraisers.

What is a Guest Speaker?

Guest speakers, on the other hand, are your go-to experts on specific topics. They will be able to dive right into particular areas of discussion and add depth to your event. While they may not be the headliner of an event, they play an important role by sharing their knowledge, stories or unique perspectives.

For example, at Evolve we have guest speakers such as Yuval Dvir and Mike Bates who excel at leading workshops and delivering topic-focused sessions that stick with audiences long after the event is over.

Book your guest speaker if you’re holding any of the events below.

• A panel, breakout session or workshop.
• Niche events that focus on specific industry topics.
• Smaller gatherings like networking events or seminars.

What is the Difference Between a Keynote Speaker and Guest Speaker?

Below is an overview of how the roles of a keynote speaker and guest speaker differ.

Can One Person be Both a Keynote and Guest speaker?

Yes, a they can be both a keynote and guest speaker. Some speakers are incredibly versatile and can adapt to both roles. For instance, a thought leader may kick off a conference with a keynote and later join a panel as a guest speaker. It’s all about choosing a speaker whose skills match your event’s needs.

Choosing a speaker with flexibility to transition between both styles will help give you more options when planning your event’s agenda, create a sense of continuity throughout, and will allow you to get the most value from a single speaker.

At Evolve, we can help you find speakers who are great at wearing multiple hats.

How to Choose Between a Keynote Speaker and Guest Speaker?

Choosing the right speaker comes down to a few key factors. Below are some quick tips to help in your decision making:

• Goal – Do you want to inspire your audience with a big-picture message or are you looking for someone to tackle a specific topic?
• Audience – Consider what your guests will value most. Is it broad insights or detailed expertise they desire?
• Style – Match the speaker’s style to your event. Whether it’s formal, interactive or motivational, the right fit makes all the difference.

Quick tips:

• Define what your goal is.
• Check out speaker portfolios to see their styles and strengths.
• Ask for recommendations from agency experts.

Speakers at Evolve

There is no denying that at Evolve we have the creme de la creme of keynote and guest speakers to choose from. Our fantastic lineup of speakers will have you covered whether you need a big-name headliner or a subject matter expert.

Explore our full range of speakers to see all the talent we represent. If you’re not sure where to start, simply give us a call on 0115 718 0831 or email us at agent@evolve-agency.co.uk.