The complete guide to hosting a guest speaker.

Abstract

The ability to effectively host a guest speaker is an important but underemphasized aspect of career development in the physiological and broader biomedical sciences. Currently, there is scant information available to guide early-career scientists through this multifaceted, subtlety-filled process. In this Personal View on Training and Mentoring, I first describe the importance and benefits of hosting visiting speakers. I then discuss the many considerations involved in selecting an appropriate speaker and how to formulate the invitation to present. The key activities involved in planning and preparing for a speaker's visit are described next, including information that must be obtained from the speaker, the logistics of travel and lodging, constructing an effective itinerary, food/meals, and how the presentation will be advertised. I then delve into the essential components of host responsibilities during the visit: best practices for introducing speakers, other hosting duties associated with the presentation, tips for enhancing trainee interactions with the speaker, and keys to properly completing the visit on the right note. I next discuss events occurring after the visit, including speaker expenses, reimbursements, and honoraria. Last, the distinct aspects of virtual visits (i.e., remote presentations and meetings) compared with in-person visits are noted. Overall, this viewpoint is intended to provide a comprehensive guide to successfully hosting a guest speaker that should help advance the professional development of students, postdoctoral fellows, and other early-stage investigators.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This Personal View on Training and Mentoring provides a comprehensive guide to successfully hosting a guest speaker that should help inform and advance the professional development of students, postdoctoral fellows, and other early-stage investigators.