This is Part 1 of 4 in our series on organizing a successful corporate workshop.
When we organized the GenAI Masterclass with Stephan Janssen — founder of Devoxx Belgium and one of the most respected voices in the European tech community — we saw firsthand how the right speaker transforms a workshop from an ordinary training into an unforgettable learning experience. Here is what we learned about finding and selecting the right person for the job.
Why Speaker Selection Matters
A corporate workshop is only as good as the person leading it. Unlike a keynote or panel, a workshop demands active engagement: the speaker needs to teach, facilitate, answer questions on the fly, and keep a room of professionals focused for hours. Picking the wrong speaker means your team walks away uninspired — or worse, confused.
Look for Domain Expertise Combined with Teaching Ability
The best workshop speakers are not just experts — they are educators. Stephan Janssen is a perfect example: he has deep expertise in AI and developer tools, but he also has decades of experience running Devoxx, one of the largest developer conferences in the world. He knows how to read a room, adjust pacing, and make complex topics accessible. When evaluating a potential speaker, look for evidence of both: published work, conference talks, or industry recognition for expertise, and past workshop reviews or training experience for teaching ability.
A Speaker's Reputation Brings Attendees
Don't underestimate the power of a well-known name. When we announced the GenAI Masterclass with Stephan Janssen, registration filled up quickly — largely because people already trusted him as a thought leader. For corporate workshops where attendance is internal, a reputable speaker still matters: it signals to your team that the company is investing in quality learning. For open or semi-public workshops, a recognized speaker is your strongest marketing asset.
Align the Speaker's Topic with Your Team's Learning Goals
Before you even start looking for a speaker, define what your team needs to learn and why. A hands-on GenAI workshop has very different requirements than a leadership seminar or a compliance training. Once you have clear learning objectives, you can evaluate speakers against those goals. Ask yourself:
Does this speaker have hands-on experience with the specific tools or methods we want to cover?
Can they tailor the content to our industry or skill level?
Are they willing to collaborate on the agenda, or do they only deliver a fixed program?
Do they offer follow-up resources or post-workshop support?
Handle Logistics Early
Once you have identified your ideal speaker, lock in the practical details as soon as possible. Check their availability for your preferred dates, discuss travel and accommodation needs, and agree on fees upfront. For international speakers, factor in time zones, jet lag, and visa requirements. The earlier you handle logistics, the fewer surprises you will face closer to the event.
Conclusion
Finding the right speaker is the single most impactful decision you will make when organizing a corporate workshop. Prioritize people who combine deep expertise with genuine teaching ability, and whose reputation will lend credibility to your event. In the next part of this series, we will cover how to find the right venue — because even the best speaker needs the right environment to shine.
