Do I pay more for using a speakers bureau?
How can I preview speakers and entertainers?
What if I am looking for a speaker not listed on your site?
How do I check the availability of a speaker or entertainer?
What are the typical costs I can anticipate when I book a speaker or entertainer?
Once I choose a speaker or entertainer from ISB, what can I expect?
Where do I go for BIG NAME speakers and entertainers?
Where do I go for affordable speakers and entertainers?
How do I access speakers and entertainers outside of the U.S.?
How do I access speakers and entertainers close to major convention cities?
How do I save money on travel?
Who are some of ISB's clients?
Will the speaker sign books and other memorabilia?
Can I audio or video tape the presentation?
Will the speaker or entertainer attend special VIP events?
Can you help with a satellite or video conference?
Does ISB provide exclusive speaker representation?
Q: Why ISB?
A: ISB is committed to making it easy for you to find the best speaker possible on your timeline and budget. Here’s a glimpse of what sets ISB apart from other speaker bureaus:
In other words, WE DO THE WORK FOR YOU.
Q: Why use a speakers bureau?
A: We make it easy for you.
You have direct access to more than 15,000 professional speakers and entertainers from big names to top speakers under $10,000.
ISB handles the details so you don’t have to.
Making contact …confirming availability …negotiating fees …executing contracts …arranging conference calls …securing travel and accommodations... You tell us who you want and when and we handle the rest.
Sometimes it’s more than booking a speaker. It’s finding the perfect fit for your company and event. ISB’s team of consultants and coordinators has a combined 200+ years of experience doing exactly that. You tell us what you’re looking for and we use our expertise to produce recommendations that we know are going to meet your expectations.
Pre-booking Services
Post-booking Services
Q: Do I pay more for using a speakers bureau?
A: In most instances, speakers pay speakers bureaus a commission on their fee. This means you can enjoy free consulting service, independent recommendations, a high level of event coordination, plus many additional services at no additional cost to you.
Q: How do I book a speaker?
A: Working with ISB is having a partner you can trust. Someone you can count on to provide what you need, when you need it. Here is the process we follow to ensure just that…
Step 1: We gather your preliminary information and match you with the Content Consultant with the background, knowledge and experience to best meet your needs.
That person contacts you to make an introduction and gather all the pertinent details pertaining to you, the organization, the event, and timeline and budgetary requirements. You’re also given a mobile number so you can reach your Content Consultant at all times in case of emergency.
Step 2: You receive an e-mail proposal with speaker recommendations based on your criteria, including any you might have already browsed by topic or category and placed in your Speaker Wishlist.
These recommendations will be accompanied by bios and photos, availability, references, pricing and any additional information we feel might help you narrow your search. And while they are sent by your consultant, you should know that our entire team plays a role in making those suggestions.
Step 3: Once you’ve arrived at your decision, our contract specialist prepares and distributes all ISB contracts between you and your speaker.
Step 4: Both parties return their signed contracts.
Step 5: We send you your copy of the executed contract.
Step 6: Your client consultant manages the information flow between all parties involved to ensure that every last logistical detail is addressed.
These include things like setting up conference calls with speakers, coordinating travel and hotel accommodations, as well as any specific speaker-related requirements. All the while keeping you informed every step of the way so you can rest assured that every last “i” is dotted and “t” is crossed leading up to the event.
Step 7: Your event goes off without a hitch.
Step 8: Your Content Consultant follow ups within a few days to confirm your satisfaction and get feedback on your experience.
That feedback is invaluable in helping to give future clients the information they need to make their own decisions. We’ll also be interested to know about any future opportunities that might give us the chance to deepen our relationship by working with you again. Our hope is that we can help deliver such an incredible experience that you think of us as your “go to” agency whenever you need a speaker or entertainer.
This is how the process works. No pressure. No surprises. Our goal is to create a lasting partnership that is satisfying for everyone involved. We believe we can achieve that by taking the time to get to know you, putting our expertise to work and doing what we say we’re going to do, when we say we’re going to do it.
Q: How can I preview speakers and entertainers?
A: The fastest and easiest way of previewing speakers and corporate entertainers is to visit their listing on ISB's site. ISB features streaming videos of over a thousand speakers and entertainers! Additional talent is added nearly daily. ISB also maintains preview DVDs that can be sent to you.
Q: What if I am looking for a speaker not listed on your site?
A: We have access to any speaker in the world whether you see their profile on our website or not. Call one of consultants for information on the best speaker or entertainer for your event.
Q: How do I check the availability of a speaker or entertainer?
A: For the most current information on the availability of any speaker, we encourage you to fill out our Speedy Speaker Request or call one of our consultants for immediate assistance.
Q: What are the typical costs I can anticipate when I book a speaker or entertainer?
A: Typical expenses include the fee, audio/visual expenses, air travel, accommodations, meals, ground transportation, and incidentals such as tips.
Q: Once I choose a speaker or entertainer from ISB, what can I expect?
A: Simply put, the best service in the industry.
You will be assigned a Content Consultant to ensure that your event goes smoothly from start to finish.
After selecting your speaker or entertainer, ISB will issue you a contract including logistical details and terms and conditions of the contractual arrangement. The contract requires you to submit a deposit of 50% of the speaking fee within 14 days of booking your speaker. The balance is due 14 days prior to the event date. This may vary depending on speaker’s or entertainer’s requirements.
Q: Where do I go for BIG NAME speakers and entertainers?
A: ISB! We have direct access to the biggest names on today's lecture circuit and in the entertainment scene, including former presidents, vice presidents, prime ministers, cabinet secretaries, leading media personalities, best-selling authors, famous sports figures, Hollywood stars, corporate entertainment, celebrities and more!
Q: Where do I go for affordable speakers and entertainers?
A: Call us! ISB has the the most comprehensive database for affordable speakers and entertainers, including hundreds in the less than $10,000 category. See Top Speakers under $10,000.
Q: How do I access speakers and entertainers outside of the U.S.?
A: Call us! ISB has direct relationships with international speakers and entertainers and also maintains brokering relationships with agencies throughout the world.
Q: How do I access speakers and entertainers close to major convention cities?
A: ISB has hundreds of speakers and entertainers located close to popular convention cities such as Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Miami, New York, Orlando, Palm Springs, Phoenix, San Diego, and San Francisco, to name a few. Considering this, ISB's speaker search allows you to locate speakers and entertainers that are in or near your meeting destination city. Also bear in mind that ISB works with many speakers and entertainers who are not presently listed on our site, so if you can't find exactly what you are looking for here, give us a call at 1-800-842-4483.
Q: How do I save money on travel?
A: Try booking speakers and entertainment close to your meeting site. ISB makes it easy with speakers throughout North America and the world.
Q: Who are some of ISB's clients?
A: ISB clients include Fortune 500 companies, top associations and professional societies, (national, international, and regional), leading universities, and civic groups.
Q: Can you help me with books?
A: Yes! In most instances, ISB can provide you with books at substantial discount over the list price and deliver them directly to your meeting site. We can also help you arrange author book signings and/or book plates. There is no additional charge for this service.
Q: Will the speaker sign books and other memorabilia?
A: Each individual is different. Some will be glad to do so. Others have contractual obligations that preclude them from doing so. It is important to make your requests known in advance, before the contract is signed, to ensure that any special requirements are agreed to in advance and made part of the contract.
Q: Can I audio or video tape the presentation?
A: Many speakers do allow taping at no additional charge. Some do not wish to be taped or charge an extra fee. It is important to make your requests known in advance, prior to booking the speaker. ISB can then give you the correct information and include it in the contract.
Q: Will the speaker or entertainer attend special VIP events?
A: Some speakers and entertainers will agree to attend a special event at no additional charge. Some will not. It is important to make your requests known in advance and include this in the contract.
Q: Can you help with a satellite or video conference?
A: Yes! ISB maintains relationships with partners around the globe to deliver satellite video conferencing within the U.S. and internationally.
Q: How do I become a speaker?
A: Read through our speaker requirements and fill out our online registration form. If the ISB staff believes you have a marketable potential we will be in contact with you.
Q: What is an exclusive speaker?
A: An exclusive speaker is someone who signs an exclusive representation agreement with a speakers bureau or agency. ISB maintains relationships with speakers bureaus and agencies throughout the world to provide you with most all of their exclusive speakers.
Q: Does ISB provide exclusive speaker representation?
A: Yes, ISB does represent a number of select speakers exclusively. Our roster of exclusives includes such notables as Mike Milken, Dr. Jonas Ridderstrale, Dr. Kjell Nordstrom, and Carl Schramm.