News of Note

 

Study shows executive speaking engagements on the rise

By PR Tactics and The Strategist Online, 1/15/08

C-level executives are increasingly being tapped to build thought leadership, executive visibility and enhance reputation in the rapidly growing global speaking circuit, according to analysis released yesterday by Weber Shandwick.

The “Five-Star Conference” study of CEOs and C-level executives (CMOs, CFOs and CTOs/CIOs) in the world’s top 50 most admired companies found that executive participation in top-tier events is soaring. Since 2005, there has been a 525 percent increase among elite C-level executives at these speaking forums. For elite CEOs during the same time period, there has been an increase of 35 percent in participation at these events. The rising importance of these events as a vital communications tool is also underscored by a 50 percent rise in the number of top-tier global conferences from 2005 to 2007.

“CEOs and C-Level executives are clearly considering new ways to connect with customers and industry peers,” Jennifer Risi, executive vice president of Weber Shandwick’s Global Strategic Media Group, said in a release. “CEOs clearly recognize that speaking opportunities serve as platforms for senior executives to further amplify corporate messages to key stakeholders and increase mind share and market share.”