Planning a Corporate Away Day or Conference? Here’s Why a Speaker Makes the Difference
If you’re responsible for planning a corporate away day, leadership retreat or team conference, there’s a lot to juggle – venues, schedules, logistics, team dynamics. And while great food and a well-run agenda go a long way, what really transforms an event is the experience your people take away.
That’s where a brilliant speaker can make all the difference.
At Inspirational Speakers, we’ve worked with HR teams, L&D leads and internal comms professionals across the UK to help elevate their internal events with handpicked speakers who bring energy, insight and impact.
Here’s why a speaker isn’t just a nice-to-have – but often the secret ingredient to a memorable, meaningful day.
The comparison comes down to how the speaker will deliver determination, courage and taking action.
1. They create a shared moment of inspiration
Whether your team is navigating change, celebrating success or simply in need of a fresh perspective, the right speaker can spark connection and emotion across the room. It gives everyone a shared experience that anchors the day – something people refer back to long after the final breakout session.
2. They bring an outside perspective
It’s easy for internal conversations to stay, well… internal. A great speaker can shine a light on new ways of thinking – whether it’s leadership, resilience, mental health, DEI or innovation – and encourage people to see their work, their team or their own potential differently.
Speakers bring stories, frameworks and lived experience that complement your company values, but also challenge and stretch thinking in a good way.
3. They energise the room
Even the best-planned away day can dip in energy, especially after lunch or late in the afternoon. A skilled speaker knows how to read a room, lift the atmosphere and re-engage your team. Whether it’s through humour, storytelling, or thought-provoking content, they help carry the momentum of the day.
4. They reinforce your message
Got a theme to your day? A change in direction? A new initiative you’re launching? We’ll work with you and the speaker to ensure their message ties into your goals. Many of our speakers tailor their talks to your business priorities – making them feel like part of the team, not just a bolt-on.
5. They offer lasting takeaways
The best speakers don’t just inspire in the moment – they leave a lasting impression. They plant ideas, offer tools, and encourage people to think or act differently back at their desks. That’s where the real return on investment comes in.
What types of speakers work well for corporate events?
We work with an incredible range of individuals – from business leaders and adventurers to mental health advocates, high-performing athletes and change-makers. Depending on your aims, we can suggest:
Leadership experts for executive-level audiences
Motivational speakers to energise whole teams
Mental health and wellbeing speakers to support workplace culture
Diversity and inclusion speakers to spark conversation
Entrepreneurs and innovators to inspire creativity and action
Not sure where to start?
That’s what we’re here for. At Inspirational Speakers, we’re known for being easy to work with and truly getting to know both our clients and our speakers. Tell us what kind of event you’re planning, what you’d love your team to take away, and we’ll do the rest.
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