The Speaker Strategy

Join us for 'The Speaker Strategy', where you'll experience strategic speaker curation in action rather than just hearing about it.

Too many events settle for booking a recognisable name to fill seats, hoping their presence alone will create impact.

Yet, so often the content doesn't connect to your event or business purpose. Whilst everyone agrees it was a nice day out, it's an expensive missed opportunity.

In ‘The Speaker Strategy’ we’ll show, rather than tell, how choosing your speakers wisely can move your event beyond having ‘a lovely time’, to a legacy that people remember (far beyond whether the coffee was decent in the break). You’ll learn what makes a good speaker for your event, experience different, immersive event content formats, and how deliberately and thoughtfully selecting speakers can create specific audience shifts.

Demonstrating the process live for you are:

Rosie Hawkins - Strategic event consultant, RedHawk Events Management & Consultancy

Immersive format: Presentation and host

Rosie will reveal the thinking behind The Speaker Strategy event — explaining how and why it was created, and how applying strategic principles can transform events from logistical exercises into powerful business development tools. Attendees will gain insight into the consultancy process Rosie uses with clients and see it applied in real time, as well as demonstrating the power of presenting without slides to create authentic audience engagement.

Emily McGuirk – Classically trained actress, teacher, and confidence coach

Immersive format: Workshop

Emily will deliver a workshop demonstrating how to prepare speakers for peak performance. You'll learn practical techniques for supporting speakers (and yourself) to show up confidently, whether pitching to partners or answering ‘What do you do?’ at a dinner party.

James Knight-Paccheco – Michelin-Awarded Chef, TV Personality, Podcast Host (Spotify, YouTube, Emirates Airlines), Hospitality Consultant

Immersive format: Panel discussion/fireside chat, Q&A

James brings dual perspectives as both speaker and curator/host. With experience across television, live demonstrations, and podcast production, he’ll illustrate how to get the best from speakers across different formats. Sharing his curator’s lens on selecting talent with the right relevance and chemistry, rather than defaulting to big names, you’ll discover how to turn live sessions into repurposable content that builds audience and momentum.

Ben Cajee – BBC Children & CBeebies Presenter, BBC Sport Presenter and ICC Cricket Stadium Host

Immersive format: Panel discussion/fireside chat, Q&A

Ben brings a presenter’s and host’s eye to this section. Drawing on television, performances and live broadcasts, he’ll discuss how to adapt content to audience and purpose, what an effective briefing must include, and how skilled hosting, timing, and Q&A can land key messages that you want to communicate to your attendees. He’ll also cover the pitfalls to avoid so speakers appreciate the invite and deliver with impact.

Esther McCann – Manifestation and Business Coach

Immersive format: Live demonstration of EFT tapping, panel discussion/fireside chat, Q&A

Esther gives her take on making non-traditional content land in traditional contexts. Having spoken at events including Fearne Cotton's Happy Place Festival and Mind Body Spirit, Esther will cover how to position speakers who bring fresh perspectives without dismissing them as ‘too alternative’. She’ll look at why thinking beyond the obvious speaker choice for your event can create more memorable experiences.

This isn't about collecting tips on speaker selection. It's about immersing yourself in what strategically curated content feels like as an attendee – the shift from passive listening to genuine engagement. When you leave, you'll understand not just what strategic speaker curation delivers, but how it actually works in practice.

This event is ideal for: Event organisers, marketing directors, and business owners who plan events and suspect their speaker selection could be more strategic but aren't sure where to start.

With huge thanks to our event partners LEAP Thirty Two Marketing and Rockbeare Manor for their skill, support and commitment to quality in producing this event.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Rockbeare Manor, Rockbeare, Exeter, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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