28/02/2018
How To Book A Speaker For A Corporate Event
The performance and strength of your corporate event speaker is central to the success of the event; therefore, booking a speaker is the type of PA task that requires your best efforts. If you get it wrong it could impact your credibility. If you get it right, it will create trust in your professional abilities.
The first question you should ask yourself is how will the audience benefit from the speaker’s experience? The speaker must be carefully matched to the tastes of the audience and to the type of event.
You should also ensure that the speaker is professional in their delivery and attitude, and their attire reflects the brand and image your company likes to portray. And, as always, offensive imagery or language is risky and should be seen as a no-no.
GETTING THE BEST FROM YOUR SPEAKER
Before booking a speaker, make sure your budget is adequate. Try to avoid scrimping, especially if the speaker is the central feature of the event. But if push comes to shove, here are some tips for making savings.
- Hire a local speaker
- Negotiate a fee that includes expenses
- Negotiate some workshops as part of the deal
- Buy the speaker’s CDs and books in lieu of payment
- Allow the speaker to sell their products at a discount
If you consider hiring a speaker who is considerably cheaper than most, do your homework and check all references - you could find that a cheaper speaker is better value all round.
HOW TO FIND A GOOD SPEAKER
Ask around for speakers that people are happy to recommend: ask your colleagues, your friends, your business network, PA forums, professional speakers' associations, etc. Note that some agencies charge a finder’s fee of up to 10% of the speaker’s fee. You should also Google “best ?? speakers”.
Before booking a speaker, always request a demo tape. When reviewing the tape focus on the speaker's delivery and interaction with the audience. Then consider your overall impression of the delivery. If you're not impressed by the speaker’s performance, find someone else.
Another strategy to help you select the right person is to request a preview of their performance in addition to a demo tape.
ESSENTIAL T&Cs
The speaker's performance should be covered by a contract that deals with delivery of the services. The terms and conditions should cover:
- duration of the performance
- time overruns
- equipment needed
- set-up time
- space needed for equipment / props
- meals and refreshments
- insurance issues
- emergency contact numbers, etc.
Finally, the best speakers and entertainers are usually booked up well in advance, so make this task a priority on your Event Planning Checklist and begin your search as early as possible.
Marguerita King
Personal-Assistant-Tips
