Q: Why should I work with SpeakInc?

With 177 years of collective experience, our experts take the guesswork out of hiring the right speaker.  We know the top speakers and maintain a thorough database of audience reviews, which help guide our suggestions.  Additionally, we are not contractually obligated to any speaker, so our recommendations are made solely with your meeting success in mind.

Q: I’ve never booked a speaker.  How should I proceed?

Our website is here for you as a resource, but we are always available to consult with you by phone or email.  Submit your request on-line or give us a call to discuss your speaker needs. You may already know exactly which speaker you want, but if not we’ll be happy to offer recommendations and send you a proposal via email along with video clips you can review.

Q: Are all the speakers you work with listed on your website?

No. Although we are adding speakers and entertainers to our website daily, we can book almost any speaker or entertainer in the world. If you would like information on a speaker, but do not see him/her on our website, please give us a call. Chances are, we have worked with that speaker in the past.

Q: I am interested in “exclusive” speakers I saw in another bureau’s materials. Can I book them through SpeakInc?

Yes. SpeakInc maintains long-standing relationships with all of the major exclusive bureaus, so we can book their speakers for your event at no additional cost.

Q: Will I get a better price if I go direct to a speaker rather than through a bureau?

No. The vast majority of speakers we work with maintain a high-degree of fee integrity, which means they charge the same fee to everyone who books them.

Q: How much do speakers charge?

Speakers’ fees range anywhere from $5,000 to over $100,000. However, most of our customers choose speakers in the $10,000 to $50,000 range for a 60-90 minute presentation. In addition to the fee, you can expect to pay for full coach or first-class airfare, ground transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, incidentals such as parking and tips, and audio-visual requirements.

Q: How can I save money on speakers?

Consider booking speakers who live close to your meeting site to keep travel costs low. Or, ask your SpeakInc representative to negotiate an inclusive fee (fee plus expenses) with your speaker before going to contract. If you have multiple meetings where a single speaker would be appropriate, ask your SpeakInc representative to negotiate a multiple bookings fee with the speaker.

Q: Once I select a speaker, what happens next?

We will negotiate all of the details of the speaker’s appearance, and prepare the contracts for you. As your meeting date nears, you’ll have an opportunity to fill out a pre-program questionnaire, which will help familiarize your speaker with your organization and objectives, we’ll arrange a conference call, and ensure that handouts and/or multimedia presentations are prepared in advance. We pride ourselves on taking care of the little details that help make your event a big success!

Q: Do I have to arrange travel for the speaker?

No. Typically, SpeakInc works with speakers to arrange their own travel. Our customers direct-bill the speaker’s hotel room and sometimes, depending on the speaker, arrange for car service.

Q: Will the speaker I choose play golf with attendees, sign autographs, etc.?

This varies by speaker. Please let your SpeakInc representative know about any and all special requests of the speaker BEFORE going to contract. Typically, speakers are very accommodating, and we will be happy to negotiate these requests for you.

Q: Can I video or audio record my speaker?

Speakers’ policies regarding their intellectual property vary. Some speakers will allow recording for internal use only, others will allow wider distribution for a one-time fee or require a percentage of sales. This is one of the details that we will help you negotiate prior to contracting a speaker.

Q: Does SpeakInc book entertainers as well?

Yes. We work with a great variety of talented comedians, dance bands, hypnotists, jugglers and impressionists.

Q: What happens if my speaker cancels or doesn’t show due to an emergency?

Although it doesn’t happen often, occasionally a speaker will have to cancel due to a personal emergency, weather, or travel delay. With our depth of resources, we will quickly identify a suitable replacement for you.