Are you considering working with a speakers’ bureau but aren’t sure how it works? We’ve compiled the top seven questions we receive from clients to help you understand the process and make the most of your next event.
1. “I’ve never worked with an agency before. How do you help me find a speaker?”
Our team is trained to help you narrow down the range of choices. We are familiar with the strengths and abilities of a vast array of speakers. Once we understand your requirements, we can steer you in the right direction and make helpful suggestions. In the end, the decision is yours. You may want to start by asking yourself a few key questions:
- Why is this event being held in the first place?
- What do we want the attendees to know, think, or feel after this event?
- What expectations will they bring to the event?
- What special circumstances, issues, or challenges are we facing right now?
- How should this event build upon previous events?
Your answers will help us both narrow your search and find just the right speaker to complement your vision and accomplish your goals.
👉 Ready to find the perfect speaker? Contact us today to get personalized recommendations!
2. “Are there any ‘hidden’ or extra charges when I book a speaker?”
Generally speaking, any travel expenses will be billed on top of the speaker’s fee, such as:
- Ground transportation – limousine, taxi, or rental car – to/from departure airport and to/from arrival airport, airport parking charges, or automobile mileage at a pre-set rate (whichever is applicable)
- Airfare
- Accommodations
- Meals and incidental expenses
- Audio-visual equipment (slide projector, projection screen, wireless lavaliere microphone, etc.) is arranged for and paid by the client
- GST and HST when applicable
We believe in transparency, so we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of all costs upfront.
3. “What is the cost of ProSpeakers.com’s service?”
Our clients are never billed for our services; you pay only your speaker’s fee and expenses. Everything we do to ensure the success of your event—from providing preview videos, contracting the speaker, coordinating schedules, doing all the preparatory legwork, and much more—is free of charge. Instead, it is the speakers we represent who pay our fees.
4. “Will I be permitted to audio or video tape the speaker’s appearance?”
If you plan to capture your speaker’s presentation on audio or video, written permission must be obtained prior to the event. We can facilitate this process to ensure all parties are in agreement.
5. “What are the payment terms?”
A non-refundable deposit is collected at the time a speaker is booked for the event. This deposit guarantees the date will be reserved for you on the speaker’s calendar. In the event of a cancellation by your organization, the deposit will be forfeited. If a cancellation occurs within 30 days of the event date, the entire fee and any already-incurred travel/preparation expenses may be due.
6. “What services does ProSpeakers.com offer once we have selected a speaker?”
Once a speaker accepts your invitation, we handle all the business details to make absolutely certain there are no misunderstandings or glitches:
- Contract Management: We issue a clear and concise contract outlining all details.
- Communication Coordination: We facilitate all communication between you and the speaker to ensure your specific program requirements are met.
- Logistics Support: We work with you on all the logistics—from speaker bios to schedules and itineraries.
👉 Let us handle the details so you can focus on your event. Get started with us now.
7. “What if something happens and my speaker is late or, even worse, cannot make it to my event?”
We truly shine in situations like a speaker’s plane being delayed, a traffic jam on the way to the convention center, or even a last-minute cancellation. While such instances are rare (thankfully, we’ve had to deal with very few cancellations in our 18-year history!), we are prepared to act swiftly:
- Rapid Response: All our resources, knowledge, and contacts can be mobilized to find a replacement speaker as soon as possible.
- Contingency Planning: We work proactively to minimize any disruptions to your event schedule.
Make Your Next Event a Success with ProSpeakers.com
Choosing the right speaker can make all the difference in creating a memorable and impactful event. At ProSpeakers.com, we’re committed to guiding you every step of the way.
👉 Have more questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us or call us at 416-420-4525 or email us at https://www.prospeakers.com/contact/. Our team is ready to assist you!
For more insights and tips on event planning and speaker selection, be sure to check out our blog.