Celebrity speakers can draw attention and add star power to your event, but are they the right investment for your goals and budget?
Thinking about booking a celebrity speaker for your next event or conference? It’s one of the more heavily debated decisions in the events industry. A famous face on stage can generate buzz, draw attention to your marketing, and give your delegates a memorable experience. But with price tags often ranging from £25,000 to £50,000 (plus travel, visas, and rider costs), the question many organisers face is: is it really worth it for the return on investment (ROI)?
In this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of booking a celebrity speaker, compare the difference between after dinner speakers and conference speakers, and outline how to measure whether the return on investment (ROI) makes sense for your event.
Why Book a Celebrity Speaker for your Event?
The main appeal of hiring a celebrity speaker is clear: star power. Some of the business cases event organisers may make for booking are:
- They drive attention – A household name can make your event stand out in a crowded market.
- They can influence registrations – Announcing a celebrity speaker could lead to a measurable spike in sign-ups.
- They create memories – For mandatory internal events like strategy kick-offs, a celebrity can make the experience stick.
- They offer marketing leverage – Beyond the live talk, negotiated extras like meet-and-greets, social posts, or video rights can extend the value long after the event ends.
And if the celebrity is genuinely interested in your cause or sector, the value goes further. A sustainability-focused celebrity at a green tech conference, for example, adds both credibility and reach.
After Dinner Speakers vs Conference Speakers: What’s the Difference?
When considering your options, it helps to understand the differences.
- After Dinner Speakers – As JLA, one of the UK’s leading speaker agencies explains, after dinner speakers are “often the highlight of an event, a chance to retire the PowerPoint slides and offer insights and tales from the outside world.” The best of them are engaging storytellers who mix humour, perspective, and substance. They entertain, but also reveal fresh insights that leave guests feeling they’ve connected with something familiar in a new way.
- Conference Speakers – According to JLA, conference speakers are influential figures such as industry leaders, innovators, and motivators. They’re chosen for their expertise and their ability to inspire in line with your event’s goals. Their purpose is less about star power and more about delivering credibility, authority, and insight.
These categories can overlap. A celebrity can also be an effective conference speaker if they have expertise in your space. Likewise, an after dinner speaker may shine in a conference setting if their stories reinforce your message. The key is matching the speaker type to your event objectives.
What to Consider Before Booking a Celebrity Speaker at your Event
While the benefits are clear1. Costs Beyond the Fee
It’s not just the appearance fee – you may also need to budget for:
- Additional Security (sometimes even metal detectors).
- Additional staff time for logistics.
- Travel and accommodation.
- Special rider requests.
- Other VIP services
2. Alignment with Your Goals
For many attendees, a celebrity is a fun bonus, not the main reason to attend. If your event is highly content-driven, you may get more value from multiple subject-matter experts or a high-impact engagement experience instead.
3. Measuring ROI
One of the simplest ways to measure ROI is to track registrations before and after your celebrity announcement. If the lift in sign-ups matches or exceeds the fee, it’s easier to justify the spend. You can also:
- Secure permission to repurpose video clips for year-round marketing.
- Negotiate a share of book or merchandise sales.
- Add in meet-and-greet packages to boost premium ticket revenue.
4. Creative Negotiation
Celebrities often support charities or nonprofits. Linking your event to a cause they care about can help secure a reduced rate. For instance, Mariah Carey has long supported The Fresh Air Fund; tying ticket sales to that charity could make an appearance more feasible and meaningful.
How Much Does It Cost to Book a Celebrity Speaker?
In the UK, typical fee bands look like this:
- AA: Over £25k
- A: £10k – £25k
- B: £5k – £10k
- C: £2.5k – £5k
- D: £1k – £2.5k
Source: JLA.co.uk
The top tier is usually reserved for globally recognised stars. Well-known industry figures and thought leaders are more commonly found in the lower bands.
So, Is Booking a Celebrity Speaker Worth It for your Event?
The answer depends on your strategy.
If you do book a celebrity, maximise ROI by aligning them with your message, negotiating add-ons, and considering long-tail opportunities like content reuse.
If your metric is engagement and memorability, such as for internal company events, a celebrity speaker can provide standout value.
If your aim is authority, education, or industry credibility, a conference or after dinner speaker may be a better fit.
Celebrity Speakers: Final Thoughts
PaBooking a celebrity speaker can be a powerful decision – but it should be strategic, not just for show. The best choice is the one that aligns with your goals, resonates with your audience, and delivers value that extends beyond the day itself.
Whether you choose an after dinner speaker or a conference speaker, the right voice at the right time can turn a good event into an unforgettable one.
Need Expert Advice?
Partnering with a full-service events agency like Live Group means you don’t have to make the decision alone. You’ll gain not only strategic advice on whether a celebrity speaker is the right fit for your objectives, but also the benefit of our industry relationships, helping you secure the best possible rates on guest bookings and maximise ROI across your entire event.
Ready to take the stress out of event planning?
Chat to us today about how our delegate management services can help bring your next event to life – on time, on budget, and beyond expectations. Whether you need full-scale delivery or targeted support, Live Group is here to help.
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