Frequently Asked Questions

A speaker bureau represents professional speakers and helps event organisers find, book, and manage the right speaker for conferences, corporate events, and functions.

Utilising a bureau’s expertise saves an event planner time while offering expert advice on choosing the right speaker and help with the pre-event communication and coordination process to ensure a smooth experience.

A bureau provides clients with access to a diverse range of professional speakers, some of whom may be difficult to find or book on their own. Information on talent is provided based on the brief and budget and tailored so the right talent is selected for the client’s needs.

A bureau provides advice, shortlists speakers, handles availability checks, negotiations, contracts, travel and logistics, and reduces the risk of booking the wrong speaker or overpaying.

Bureaus provide access to a large roster of vetted speakers and can offer expert guidance to match a speaker’s style, tone, and expertise to your specific event objectives and audience. They handle the extensive process of researching, availability checks when contacting speakers, saving you hours of work. By managing administration and logistics Bureaus manage and provide all the details, including travel, accommodation, contracts, and technical needs, so you don’t have to.

Risk mitigation is of immense importance when considering speakers ensuring they are professional and reliable, which reduces the risk of last minute cancellations or a no-show. Should there be a last minute cancellation for a range of unexpected reasons a bureau will always find a replacement speaker where they can of the same experience and reputation and usually better.

There are many factors involved when Platinum decide on listing a speaker or talent to represent and this can come through a range of avenues. Firstly we list a speaker we feel we’re able to get work for and position well based on our client’s enquiries and needs. A speaker may approach us directly or they may be recommended to us. Sometimes clients recommend speakers they have engaged or seen at an event.

Platinum will also do their own independent research when trying to source speakers. We do this when working on a client brief sometimes too. Speakers are carefully vetted based on experience, presentation quality, reputation, and alignment with client needs.

Platinum are one of the few bureaus who don’t charge a booking fee when clients engage speakers. Agencies are paid through a speaker commission on the fee.

A speaker bureau specialises in booking keynote speakers, MCs, and presenters for corporate and professional events.

Speaker bureaus provide expert advice on speaker suitability, handle logistics, and manage the entire booking process. Their focus is on public speaking engagements and event outcomes.

Talent agencies typically manage a broader range of performers such as actors, musicians, and models for film, television, advertising, and stage work. Some large agencies may have speaker divisions, but specialist speaker bureaus focus exclusively on speaking engagements.

Platinum Speakers and Entertainers has been delivering expert speaker and entertainment advice and services to clients since 2009.

Many speakers are booked months in advance, often up to 12 months ahead of an event, particularly for peak seasons and high-demand profiles.

Last-minute bookings can sometimes be arranged, subject to availability. Booking early also allows organisers to promote the speaker as part of their event marketing.

Availability can vary depending on the speaker, the time of year, and the type of event.

To recommend suitable speakers, we typically require:

• Event date and location
• Audience size and demographics
• Topic or theme
• Budget range
• Preferred presentation style (motivational, educational, humorous, etc.)
• Desired event outcomes

The more detail provided, the more accurately we can tailor our recommendations.

At Platinum Speakers and Entertainers, we make the booking process simple and seamless.

The typical process includes:

• Initial enquiry and consultation
• Understanding your event goals, audience, and budget
• Recommending suitable speakers
• Checking availability
• Confirming fees and contracts
• Coordinating travel, logistics, and technical requirements
• Managing pre-event briefing and communication
• Supporting you through the event and post-event follow-up

Experience matters, and our role is to remove the complexity and risk from the process.

Yes. Platinum Speakers and Entertainers works closely with many of Australia’s most experienced event planners and professional conference organisers (PCOs).

Partnering with an experienced bureau provides access to detailed talent information, saves valuable time, and mitigates risk when assembling an event program.

Yes. Platinum Speakers and Entertainers is available throughout the lead-up to the event, during the event, and afterwards.

Clear communication is essential, particularly if schedules change, last-minute briefs arise, or travel logistics are adjusted. Client and audience feedback is also highly valued to ensure expectations are met and exceeded.

Speaker fees vary widely based on experience, profile, demand, and the nature of the engagement.

Platinum Speakers and Entertainers books speakers and entertainers from approximately $2,000 + GST and upwards.

Factors influencing fees include:

• Speaker experience and reputation
• Public profile and demand
• Location and travel requirements
• Duration and type of presentation (keynote, workshop, MC role)
• Interstate or international travel

Some highly experienced speakers offer excellent value at moderate fees, while others command premium rates due to demand or profile.

No. Travel and accommodation expenses are additional to the speaker’s fee.

This typically includes airfares, ground transfers, meals or meal allowances, and accommodation where required.

Most professional speakers have structured fee schedules for local, interstate, and international engagements.

Fees vary depending on:

• Presentation type (keynote, workshop, half-day, full-day, MC role)
• Duration of the session
• Location and travel requirements

Most professional conference keynote speakers in Australia charge between $5,000 and $20,000 (ex GST), though fees can range significantly depending on the speaker.

Platinum Speakers and Entertainers does not charge a booking fee, unlike many bureaus that charge an additional administration fee.

Most keynote speakers prefer to present in person. However, live virtual presentations can be arranged if required.

Not all speakers are suited to or comfortable with virtual delivery, so this is confirmed at the enquiry stage.

Yes. Not all speakers choose to be publicly listed on websites.

Platinum Speakers and Entertainers can source and book speakers even if they are not featured on our website.

While rare, cancellations can occur due to serious illness or unexpected travel disruptions.

Risk mitigation is a key role of a speaker bureau. If a last-minute cancellation occurs, Platinum Speakers and Entertainers will source a suitable replacement speaker of comparable or higher calibre and relevance wherever possible.

Yes. Platinum Speakers and Entertainers regularly sources international keynote speakers based on specific client briefs.

We tailor recommendations based on topic, availability, logistics, and budget.

A typical keynote presentation runs for 45–60 minutes, often followed by an optional Q&A of approximately 10 minutes.

In some programs, shorter timeframes of 30–40 minutes may apply.

Most speakers can tailor their presentations to align with the client’s brief, event theme, and objectives.

Extensive customisation may attract an additional fee. Some speakers do not customise content, which is clarified during the recommendation process.

Most speakers are happy to stay briefly after their presentation to network with guests.

Many speakers are also willing to participate in panel discussions. Workshops or extended sessions are available with some speakers and typically attract an additional fee.

Yes. One of the key benefits of using a speaker bureau is access to expertise in matching speakers to specific topics.

Topics include leadership, inspiration, futurists, AI, mental health, workplace safety, business, sport, and many more.

Yes. Platinum Speakers and Entertainers regularly books MCs, facilitators, panel hosts, and panel members in addition to keynote speakers and entertainers.

We support a wide range of events, including:

• Conferences
• Corporate events
• Awards nights
• Workshops
• Fundraising lunches and dinners
• Sportsman’s nights
• School programs
• Charity events
• Workplace training
• Industry expos

Choosing the right keynote speaker is critical to the success of your event.

Key considerations include your event theme, audience, program objectives, and desired outcomes. Speakers are shortlisted based on suitability, ability to engage the audience, and alignment with the brief.

Engaging a speaker bureau significantly assists in selecting the right keynote speaker.

Yes. Platinum Speakers and Entertainers specialises in recommending motivational speakers in Australia.

Australia has a diverse range of motivational speakers, including athletes, business leaders, entrepreneurs, survivors, and coaches who share powerful stories of resilience, leadership, and overcoming adversity.

Popular corporate speakers include:

• Leadership and business speakers
• Motivational speakers
• Futurists and AI experts
• Industry thought leaders
• Sporting champions and Olympians

These speakers deliver engaging, insightful, and memorable presentations that educate, inspire, and energise audiences.

Professional speakers generally hold public liability insurance.

Platinum Speakers and Entertainers also holds business and public liability insurance.

Yes. Not-for-profit organisations, schools, community groups, and fundraising events make up a significant portion of our clients.

Depending on the event, some speakers may offer reduced fees for schools or community organisations.