Keynote speakers – getting the right mix

Choosing keynote speakers for any event is always a minefield, writes Sonny Cutting, of Sussex Business Show. Will they appeal to the audience? Are they great at public speaking? Do they have anything interesting to say?

I believe a keynote speaker should not just inspire but should shake up the status quo and offer their audience new and innovative ideas. They should motivate them and galvanise them, delivering their wisdom through powerful storytelling and relatable examples. 

Not only do their stories need to be impactful and unforgettable, they need to deliver them in an amusing way. Being a successful keynote speaker is as much about engaging with the audience as the content they deliver – after all, what’s the point of great content if no one is listening?

It does require some careful consideration but getting the right mix is vital to creating a great business event. I firmly believe we’ve put together the perfect line up for the upcoming Sussex Business Show, supporting talented local entrepreneurs who offer real value to the delegates with what they have to say.

The speakers this year include business owners who are forward-thinking, entertaining, innovative and creative with plenty of tips and advice for Sussex’s business community. It’s guaranteed to be a valuable learning experience for anyone attending.

First up is Flo Powell, joint MD of Midnight Communications, one of Brighton’s most respected PR companies. Talking about the secret ingredient for business growth, Flo will discuss how the right PR can help a business to grow, reposition itself and attract investment. She’ll also deliver examples of those who’ve done it right and reveal the common mistakes businesses should avoid.

James Dempster, co-founder of Fox & Bear, an award-winning marketing agency will follow. James, who is a huge fan of historical fiction and coach to Shoreham FC’s under 10s and under 7s in his spare time, will describe how delivering the right stories at the right time to get an emotional response can help level up any business. 

Third keynote speaker Clare Griffiths will talk about turning ideas into innovation and launching successful businesses. Clare, who runs social enterprise Thrive, empowering students to start their own venture, is a hugely experienced innovator and award-winning entrepreneurship educator.

The final speaker will be Gavin Willis, co-founder of Search Seven, who will talk about how charity fundraising can benefit business. Gavin, who runs a Brighton-based search marketing agency specialising in SEO, will share tips on charity events, engaging the community and building long-lasting partnerships.

What all four speakers have in common is a wealth of experience, the ability to hold an audience’s attention and to present a new perspective on common entrepreneurial issues. They are a great asset to our show, which also features business masterclasses and more than 100 exhibiting businesses, and are not to be missed.

The Sussex Business Show takes place on September 28, 2023, at The Dome, Corn Exchange, Brighton. As one of Sussex’s leading business shows it attracts companies from all over the county to network, build contacts and showcase their businesses in a relaxed and informal way. 

Register for the show now at 

www.sussexbizshow.com