Speakers Bureau

Speakers Bureau’s serve as both exclusive and non exclusive agents for professional speakers. There are a lot of excellent keynote speakers to choose from so coming to a decision can be confusing and time consuming sometimes particularly when speakers present on an array of various topics and fees can range greatly. For this reason many organizations use the services of a speaker’s bureau to help them with advice and speaker requirements to ensure the right fit for the client.

Utilising an experienced and professional speaker’s bureau for your organisation can be an invaluable resource as it can assist in matching the appropriate speaker for every type of event you may be planning to organize. You can be rest assured that a speaker’s bureau will recommend superb speakers who consistently deliver positive results for their clients. A speaker’s bureau will provide you with speaker suggestions and recommendations, provide fees, availabilities, arrange phone briefs or meetings. And this is before you even book a speaker.

So why would you use a speakers bureau when you have to pay them a commission? Well you don’t. Speaker’s bureaus work for you for free! The commission they earn is paid for by the speaker. So although a speaker would take home less being booked through a bureau the value of their relationship with a bureau is obvious. All leading speakers have representation through speaker’s bureaus. The more often they are recommended to clients by bureaus the more speeches they will have the opportunity to give, the more exposure they obtain and so greater is the opportunity for repeat and referral work.

Other benefits and services provided by a speaker’s bureau is that that you are guaranteed that the contracts and logistical aspects for the speaker are undertaken by the bureau with utmost efficiency and professionalism. Speakers Bureau’s also provide assistance with booking travel and accommodation if required. This will make your task a lot easier particularly if you are arranging a large program of speakers and entertainers for your event or conference. A reputable speaker’s bureau will walk you through the entire process to make sure that even smallest of details are not overlooked.

Using your time in finding the best speaker can divert your attention from your core business or day to day working requirements. Working with a speaker’s bureau allows you to devote more time to all other important details while enjoying the assurance of knowing that the perfect speaker will be selected and booked accordingly.

10 Recommendations for Finding the Right Speaker

1. Determine the needs of your audience
Thorough knowledge of the needs of your group is essential in selecting the right speaker. Does your meeting require that the audience leave with specific or technical information? Do you need someone to motivate the group to sell? Are you looking for after-dinner entertainment with a message?

2. Establish your date, time and budget
• Start looking for a speaker as soon as the date for your meeting is set. Many speakers book engagements up to a year in advance and you will want to get on their calendar as soon as possible.
• Consider how much time you have to fill and where that time falls in your overall program. If your time slot is flexible, a professional speaker can often tell you the right amount of time for the job. A professional can also make recommendations about the order of topics/speakers if one presentation will follow another. (You may not want to follow a humorist with a detailed educational presentation.)
• Factor in the fee you are willing or able to pay for a speaker. Your search for a speaker can be narrowed or broadened based upon your budget.

3. Identify the type of speaker who will best match the needs of your audience
A speaker's expertise in a given field may be the big draw, but a well-known name does not guarantee a professional presentation. High prices don't always mean high quality. Will your audience and the overall program benefit most from a celebrity; an expert in the field; a popular sports personality; a best-selling author; or a professional speaker who has a thorough knowledge of the appropriate topic?

4. Locate your resources
• Personal referrals are a great way to narrow your search. Ask colleagues for recommendations.
• Speakers bureaus locate and book speakers according to your specifications and needs. A bureau can locate speakers and quote fees. Many bureaus specialize in particular speakers such as celebrities, authors or athletes. Speakers bureaus can be found entering a relevant Google search You can also find a list of speakers bureaus at the International Association of Speakers Bureaus (IASB) website.

5. Review your options and interview your speaker candidates
• A professional speaker will be a real partner in this process. Often they will ask questions about the needs of your audience and what they can accomplish for you. Ask your candidates for references and, if they are speaking in your area, ask if you can attend the program and observe them in action.
• Assure that a potential speaker has addressed groups similar to yours. Talk with them about their experience. Ask for a biography, testimonials and videos of their presentations, preferably before a live audience.
• Find a speaker who will tailor his or her presentation to your group.
• Ask the speaker if they belong to professional associations. Also ask what awards or certifications they have earned. The National Speakers Association's designation is the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP). The CSP is earned for extended speaking experience and client satisfaction.

6. Select your speaker
• Hire a professional and you'll hire an ally. Professional speakers understand that your reputation is riding on their performance. Their experience with hundreds of audiences can add to your peace of mind and to the success of the event.
• When selecting your speaker, consider that you are not only paying for the time the speaker is on the platform but also for the hours spent researching, preparing and customizing the presentation. Some speakers may negotiate their fees when they are doing more than one program for you or when they are allowed to sell their products. Ask about your options.

7. Get it in writing
You should have a letter of agreement or contract that clearly outlines the expectations of both you and your speaker. Consider:
• travel arrangements and transportation;
• accommodations and meals;
• fees, reimbursements and payment terms;
• whether you want the speaker to attend social events;
• if the speaker may sell products and if so, how this will be handled;
• an agreement on any audio- or videotaping of the presentation;
• cancellation policies;
• audio/visual requirements;
• and legal implications, if any, your contract may contain.

8. Work with your speaker
Share information about your group or company. This will help the speaker become familiar with your organization, while facilitating a customized presentation.
• Send your newsletter or anything which would include key people, buzz words or insider news and views.
• Give the speaker a clear outline of what you expect.
• Be specific about the size and demographics of your audience.
• Let the speaker know in advance about other speakers on the program. This gives the speaker the opportunity to build on (and not duplicate) what the other speakers say.

9. Set the stage
• Make sure the room is set up for optimum impact. Consider the number of chairs and how they are arranged. Also consider room temperature and lighting.
• Stay on schedule. Although a professional will be able to "make up" time or slow things down if needed, keeping your program on schedule will allow your audience to get the full impact of the program you have created for them.
• Your speaker should be able to provide you with a good introduction of themselves and their topic. The introduction should be short, energizing and create positive expectations.

10. Evaluate the results
• Have your audience complete evaluations on the speaker and his/her presentation. This will allow you to gauge your results and plan for future programs. Send copies of the evaluations to your speaker.