


It may take place on a standalone basis or in conjunction with a place-based conference (i.e., a “hybrid” event). “A virtual event is a Web-based event that replicates many aspects of a traditional place-based conference, membership meeting, or trade show.
KEYNOTE ADDRESS DEFINITION PROFESSIONAL
I like this definition of a virtual event from Leading Learning, which provides resources for lifelong learning, continuing education and professional development: So keynotes at a virtual event are just as important as keynotes at an in-person event (and perhaps even more so.) After all, people expect to hear one or more keynotes as part of an in-person event, and they expect the same from a virtual event. You probably have plenty of time to pivot and adapt since your event has likely been postponed for at least a couple more months.Īs many events transition from in-person to virtual, keynote presentations remain important as calling cards that motivate people to register for the overall event.Chances are good that you can leverage much of what you or your speechwriter has already prepared.A keynote speech designed for an in-person event is not too difficult to adapt for a virtual event.A closing keynote speech sends people forward, often with a new set of marching orders. A closing keynote speech tends to be even more inspirational (with a healthy dose of hope and optimism) because it is the last experience the audience has and remembers as part of the event.An opening keynote speech pumps people up and gets them in the right frame of mind for what’s coming next.

An opening keynote speech, either for an entire event or a dedicated educational track, sets the tone and often drives home a unifying theme.The job of a keynote is different: to engage, entertain, reveal, unite, inspire, motivate and compel a change of thinking or behavior. Let’s first be clear about what we mean by a keynote speech.Ī keynote speech, by definition, is not the same as an educational webinar.

