Keynote Speaker
A keynote speaker is usually an individual that is prominently scheduled at an organization's annual meeting or convention who sets the tone for the event and lays down the framework for the entire event. They set the theme for the convention or the event. These speakers are particularly famous at political conventions where many keynoters have gone on to establish names for themselves in national politics. In business, a keynote address is often given by the CEO and may be delivered at an annual meeting or convention to set the theme for the coming year and announce the goals that the company is trying to achieve.
A keynote speaker is often chosen to gain more interest and raise awareness about an event. They may be a celebrity or have some notable respect in the field of their interest. For academic conventions and convocations, the keynoter is usually someone who has achieved some great standing in the academic world and will attract an audience. That is really the purpose of a keynoter, to attract an audience and also articulate the central themes and goals that an organization or institution is trying to put forth for an event, a convention or a business meeting.
When there is a convention or convocation, chances are there is a theme surrounding it. The theme needs to be articulated early on and will drive the rest of the presentations at the event. Where a keynote address is placed is usually important. Sometimes they are usually the first major address of a convention or meeting. Sometimes they occur in the middle and sometimes they are at the very end. Usually, they are at the beginning because the purpose of a keynote address is to set a clear agenda for the future of the event or convention.
The keynote speaker is often chosen to honor them for past accomplishments or because they are a rising star in the particular organization or institution. In political conventions, many keynoters have gone on to become leaders in their party, and in the case of Barack Obama, who was the 2004 Democratic Convention keynoter, he went on to become president four years later. While not all keynoters have had that dramatic a rise, many are memorable for what they said and the tone they have set forth. In the political world, many have had an impact on the turnout of an election and have influenced the dialogue of the campaign.
Selecting the right keynote speaker is important if you want your event or convention to leave an indelible mark in people's minds. The keynoter should really inspire and challenge people and set the tone for the remainder of the event by sounding the themes of the event early and often.