End your event on the perfect note... a 'locknote'.
You don't have to choose between "inspirational" and "insightful", "energetic" and "educational", or "practical" and "provocative". You can choose the closing keynote that offers it all. You can choose a "locknote" from Dom Thurbon — The Closer.
Looking for the perfect way to wrap your conference? Want delegates to experience what people have called 'the best closing keynote I've ever seen' and 'the perfect way to end an event'?
As a world top-10 debater with nearly two decades' experience as a facilitator and speaker, Dom can help you deliver a cracker of a conference close!
Dom has developed an approach to closing conferences that is unlike any other.
Why the close matters
Event planners spend loads of time planning the opening of their conference... but the closing matters, too. In fact, it matters heaps! There is an established social science phenomenon called the 'peak-end effect'. It shows that when people rate an experience (like your event), the two things most important to their rating are the 'peak' (the most emotionally intense bit) and the 'end' (the last bit).
Researchers found that 'end of conference experiences had the strongest effect on loyalty'.
The closing keynote is critical: it's one of the most important determinants of what people think of your event! Dom calls the closing keynote a 'locknote'. A key opens a door and a lock closes it; a keynote opens an event, the locknote closes it.
The three pillars
1. Summarise
Artfully capture and bring together the core themes of the event in an engaging, humorous and insightful way. Events have so many threads, and they must be brought together for people to give them the 'a-ha' moment.
2. Operationalise
Help people make sense of and apply what they've heard. The value of a conference is in the behaviour change that comes after it. Events have real impact when people take forward what they've heard, seen and learned.
3. Energise
Have people sprint, not stumble, from the room by energising and uplifting them. Events are mentally taxing for delegates. Ironically, the better and more packed the event, the more cognitively demanding it is.
How it works
Dom takes a detailed briefing and reviews all conference materials prior to the event, to understand the theme, objectives, subject matter, and speakers/topics.
With permission, Dom reviews the slides and materials of all speakers to integrate parts of what they're saying into the wrap-up presentation. Further research into the industry and themes ensures conversancy.
Dom attends the entire event (rather than just showing up for the speech). Ideally this is everything. Dom then adapts slides in real-time during the event to insert learnings, themes, quotes, and images from the event.
The locknote doesn't just feel like it ties the event together, it actually does.
Frequently asked questions
How long should it be?
My suggestion is 50-60 minutes. But as always it can be adapted to fit your agenda.
What do you need?
A place to plug-in a laptop and a lapel mic. And minds for blowing, of course. It is also extremely helpful to have a short break in the agenda before the final session to work with A/V to integrate content from the session immediately prior. It's not essential, but it can help.
Does that mean you don't send slides in advance?
Correct. If I'm going to summarise an event, I need to be able to adapt content on the day. So, no slides in advance.
What people say
“What Dom does in his closing keynote is like magic, and for us it was no different. He delivered the perfect closing session for our 2-day event, and our attendees had wonderful things to say. He left people energized and inspired.”
Samantha McLean, Managing Editor, Elite Agent
“I've spoken in over 40 countries at over 1000 conferences and I've just seen Dom. He did the most outstanding summary I've ever seen. Phenomenal. I've never come across anyone who's done it as well.”
Paul McGee, Global Bestselling Author, S.U.M.O
“Dominic's conference closing keynote was the best we've ever had. A masterfully crafted synopsis where he distilled clear themes and weaved them in with his perspective. An energising and engaging communicator.”
Ben Maynard, Chief Operating Officer, Grange Resources
“It would have to be the best closing keynote I have seen at any conference. I have attended many conferences over the years, and no one has wrapped it up like you did.”
John Stanton, Regional Manager, Epiroc