BOOKING SPEAKERS ...
Frequently Asked Questions
Selecting a speaker is an important decision that can greatly impact the overall success of your event. Here are a few tips we believe will help bring clarity to the decision-making process, enable you to narrow down your list of choices, and allow you to pinpoint your best options:
How does your bureau work? Is there a charge for your service?
We are paid by the speaker out of their fee. We provide you with expert advice and ongoing support and service at no additional cost. This service is value-added and there are no hidden agency costs. Further, the cost on a speaker in most cases, is identical whether working through us or in dealing directly with a speaker via their web site HOWEVER one of the major reasons to work with a reputable bureau such as us is in the event of a short notice cancellation.
I've never booked a speaker before. Where do I begin?
Phone or email us! We enjoy learning about your events and requirements. We have the most experienced, enthusiastic, friendly, and helpful staff in the industry. We are here to answer your questions and provide you with recommendations, guidance, and assistance. Our website is designed to be a resource to assist you with your search, however, our job is to personally help you select the speaker who will best achieve your objectives and make your event extraordinary.
What type of speakers do you represent?
Our speakers are recognized leaders in their fields, and address a wide-range of topics. They include acclaimed business and political leaders, renowned public figures, celebrated entrepreneurs, bestselling authors and subject-matter experts, leading academics and researchers, champion athletes and coaches, media personalities and celebrities, inspirational figures and award-winning entertainers. To browse our entire roster click here.
** Please note that the speakers featured on our website do not represent an exhaustive list of the speakers we have access to. We are often asked to source specific speakers or topics not listed on our website, and are pleased to do this at no cost to you. If there is a speaker or topic you can’t find on our website, please contact us and we will be happy to source them out for you.
How can I preview your speakers?
1. Videos:
The fastest and easiest way to get a sense of a speaker’s style and substance is to watch a video clip. We have videos posted online for most of our speakers. These clips are available on each speaker’s page on our website. Or, you can preview all of our video clips on our YouTube channel.
While videos are a fast and convenient way to preview speakers, they can’t tell the entire story. Please call us and we will be pleased to provide you with additional insights and answer your questions about how a particular speaker might address a specific topic, customize their presentation to best address your theme or objectives, and whether or not they might be the best fit for your event.
2. In Person at Another Event:
We often arrange for clients to preview a speaker at one of their speaking engagements. This is not always possible since permission needs to be obtained from the event organizers, but we always do our best to make this possible. Previewing a speaker at another event can be helpful, yet as the presentation is customized for another organization it is not always the best way to determine if the speaker is the best fit for your event.
What's the best way to find the right speakers for my events?
While videos and in-person previewing of speakers can be helpful, we believe that the best way find the right speakers for your event is to work with us. Don’t be afraid to ask for our opinions, for references on the speakers you’re interested in, or if it would be possible to arrange a call directly with the speaker before making a decision. We are your sounding board for ideas, and consider ourselves a partner in the success of your event.
How much do speakers typically cost?
We represent and work with speakers in a wide range of fees. In Canada, and in order to be able to present some options, most professional speaker fees begin at $7,500 while other speakers can command up to, or well exceed fees of $25,000 (CDN) depending on a number of variables. In the US, fees typically start at $10K (USD) and can go as high as $100,000 (USD) or more. Our job is to help you select the speaker who fits best with your event, who will achieve your objectives, and who (of course) fits within your budget. The most expensive speaker is not always the best speaker for an event, and because we do not employ commission-driven sales people, we are not motivated by booking the most expensive speaker for your event. To find a speaker that fits your budget, you can search by fee range in our advanced search or contact us to get recommendations and detailed information about a particular speaker’s fees.
Does the fee vary depending on the type of engagement or length of the presentation?
Many speakers have different fees for keynote presentations, half-day, and full-day programs. Some speakers have a per diem or engagement fee that does not vary based on the length of the presentation. Please contact us for an exact quote based on your specific requirements, and for guidance and advice on how you can get the most value from a speaker for your event.
What if I'm interested in a speaker and I don't see them on your website?
While our speaker roster is extensive, it is by no means exhaustive. We are often asked to source specific speakers or topics not listed on our website, and are pleased to do this at no cost to you. We have an extensive database and network of contacts not available to the general public. We can usually book the person you are interested in, or at the very least tell you if they do speaking engagements and what their fee is. If there is a speaker or topic you can’t find on our website, please contact us and we will be happy to find them for you.
Do you provide services beyond keynote speakers, seminar leaders and workshop presenters?
Yes. We are also full service corporate event and conference planners and as such, provide an extensive list of in-house services which include AV, decor, musical as well as variety shows and entertainment, and much much more. For a full list of the extensive services offered by us, click here. Whether you’re looking for a high profile athlete, a television personality, a celebrity chef or musical artist/band, or a top corporate comedian, we can help.
What happens if the speaker can't make it to the engagement?
Fortunately, this rarely happens. Cancellations occur in less than one percent of the engagements we book, and only in situations such as unexpected illness or unavoidable weather and travel delays. We consider ourselves partners in the success of your event, and in the rare instances that these occur, we will jump into action and call upon all of our resources to make alternate arrangements so you won’t be left without a speaker. This is one of the main advantages of booking your speaker(s) through a reputable speakers bureau, as opposed to booking a speaker directly through their web site.
Do you allow audio or videotaping of the speaker's presentation?
Most speakers approve recording for archival purposes, but every speaker is different, and some are sensitive about audio or videotaping. In all cases, you need to ask permission before recording of any kind, and we will seek to obtain permission from the speaker on your behalf.
Will the speakers do more than just a presentation? For example, will they attend a meal or reception as well?
Most speakers will participate in functions beyond the speech, but the extent varies by speaker. All arrangements for meet and greets, book signings, photo opportunities, Q&A sessions, etc. should be agreed to and approved in advance, and included in the contract.
Can you assist me in arranging for the speaker’s books to be available at my event?
If you are interested in pre-purchasing or making books available at your event, we will help you select the best source for your requirements.
Will I be able to communicate directly with the speaker prior to my event?
Most of our speakers are available to speak with you directly, both prior to your choosing them as your speaker, as well as after the selection has been made. In any case, we will assist you in arranging these calls, and ensure that information about your event is communicated to the speaker so they can best prepare their presentation for your event.
Will the speaker customize or tailor their presentation for our event?
Yes. Most speakers will customize or tailor their presentations to your theme, audience, and event. However, the degree and the process by which this is done depends on the speaker. Most speakers will review information about your organization and the event, and then participate in a conference call with you. Some will even meet face-to-face if necessary. Not all speakers, however, will customize their presentation, and it’s important to be aware of this if customization is important to you. You should always ask whether the speaker is willing to tailor their presentation, and how they go about doing so. Regardless of the degree of customization, any good speaker should know who they are speaking to, and personalize their presentation so that it is relevant, timely, and relates back to the audience.
Are there any "hidden" or extra charges when I book a speaker?
Generally speaking, travel and related expenses are not included in the speaker’s fee. If the speaker has to fly to your event, you should be aware of the class of travel that is required. Audio-visual requirements are another cost that is not included in the speaker’s fee, so it’s important to be aware of what these requirements are in advance.
Lastly ... fee ranges for most speakers & stage show programs can be found at the bottom of the respective pages.