How to Book a Speaker

It’s pretty simple, really.
  1. You tell us your desired talent and event essentials (date, location, audience demographics, etc) or we can offer solutions based on your needs.
  2. Once you’ve arrived at your decision, We send you a contract within 48 hours for your approval
  3. You sign the contract and return it to us with your 50% deposit.
  4. We present the contract to the Talent and secure their acceptance.
  5. We notify you with the fully-executed contract

That’s all there is to it.  Quick. Easy. Convenient.

More about Selecting a Speaker

Finding the right speaker can seem a bit overwhelming when you have over 15,000 names to choose from. The good news is, we have a team of experienced Content Consultants with the knowledge and expertise to provide you with extraordinary suggestions and guide you through the selection process. Call 800-842-4483 to be matched with a consultant now.

The process starts with a discussion about objectives. You explain what you want to see accomplished, as well as relevant parameters such as date, budget, scope and logistics. Your Client Consultant then uses that information to generate a “short list” of possible speakers, including any potential candidates you might have already identified.

If you need further assistance narrowing down the list, we’re here to help. If not, you tell us who you want to book and we do the rest. It’s efficient, and it’s pain-free.

8 Tips for Finding the Right Speakers and Entertainers

Your speaker/talent selection is one of the most important elements in a successful meeting. Selecting the right speaker or entertainment for your meeting can be a daunting task, as speakers and entertainers are available in every fee range and specialty topic.

1. Determine the needs of your audience
Thorough knowledge of the needs of your audience is essential in selecting the right speaker and/or entertainer.  Do you need a speaker to deliver leading-edge content?  Does your group need motivation to accomplish specific tasks, deal with change or achieve results?  Are you looking for big name entertainment or local acts who can entertain during or after an awards banquet?

2. Establish your date, time and budget

  • Start looking for a speaker as soon as you have decided on the focus and content of your event.  Many speakers book engagements up to a year in advance and entertainers have tour dates set months out.
  • Consider how much time you have to fill and where that time falls in your overall program. Your bureau consultant can help you decide on the right amount of time for your speaker.
  • Be aware of the fee you are willing or able to pay for your speaker(s) and entertainment.  This will help your bureau consultant narrow the search for you.   

3. Identify the type of speaker who will best match the needs of your audience
A speaker's expertise in a given field may be the big draw, or you may need a well-known name as a draw to entice attendees to the event.  Your ISB Content Consultant can guide you through the process of deciding if your program will benefit most from a celebrity; a motivational and inspirational speaker; an expert in the field; a popular sports personality; a best-selling author; or a business speaker who has a thorough knowledge of the appropriate topic.

4. Review your options and interview your speaker candidates

  • Your ISB Content Consultant will be a real partner in this process.  After you have narrowed your selection to your top 2 or 3 choices, your ISB consultant can arrange conference calls with the speakers you’re considering to answer questions specific to your audience needs and what they can accomplish for you.  You can ask for references, and can also preview them in person if they are speaking in your area.
  •  Be sure your speaker is willing to tailor his or her presentation to your group, if appropriate.

5. Select your speaker
When selecting your speaker, consider that you are not only paying for the time the speaker is on the platform but also for the hours spent researching, preparing and customizing the presentation. Some speakers may negotiate their fees when they are doing more than one program for you.

6. Work with your speaker
Share information about your group or company. This will help the speaker become familiar with your organization, while facilitating a customized presentation.

  • Send your newsletter or anything which would include key people, buzz words or insider news and views.
  • Give the speaker access to your website and electronic information.
  • Give the speaker a clear outline of what you expect.
  • Be specific about the size and demographics of your audience.
  • Let the speaker know in advance about other speakers on the program. This gives the speaker the opportunity to build on (and not duplicate) what the other speakers say.

7. Set the stage

  • Make sure the room is set up for optimum impact.  Consider room temperature and lighting.
  • Stay on schedule. Although a speaker will be able to "make up" time or slow things down if needed, keeping your program on schedule will allow your audience to get the full impact of the program you have created for them.
  • Your speaker will provide you with a introduction of themselves and their topic. The introduction should be short, energizing and create positive expectations.

8. Evaluate the results
Have your audience complete evaluations on the speaker/entertainer and his/her presentation. This will allow you to gauge your results and plan for future programs. Send copies of the evaluations to your ISB consultant to give to the speaker.

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International Speakers Bureau

"The premiere provider of keynote speakers, best-selling authors, world-class athletes, business leaders, trainers and celebrity entertainment. Based in North America and motivating the world."

© 2008 International Speakers Bureau

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1.800.842.4483
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Hear why some of our clients have chosen to work with us...

I have absolutely no words to describe the impact that Ben Zander, Amanda Gore and Mark Burnett had on my team. But if singing at the top of their lungs (Ben); walking out of the ballroom singing and whistling (Amanda) and a collective gasp that almost drained all of the oxygen out of the room when I introduced him (Mark) are any indication, then hopefully you can imagine the overall feeling.

The CEO of our company, Fotios Kalatzis, was so pleased with everything that he spent 15 minutes of his 25 minute address recapping and quoting the speakers.

I have to thank you for all of your amazing efforts on our behalf, because truly, none of this would have been possible without your help.

I look forward to speaking with you on the telephone, because I have so many stories to share!

With gratitude,

Senior Vice President
Sebastian North America

I could not be happier with the service that was provided to Washington Mutual by ISB as we put together our new "Regional" sales meetings. The choices provided to us and the service you gave us to make sure we got just the right speaker for the occasion made our new format a hit with our Sales Force.

The best compliment I can provide is to tell you that the only Speaker Bureau phone number I will dial again is that of ISB.

In addition, the website was of particular help as I was able to "sample the menu" before making any decisions. I have referred your website to many others in this industry.

Thanks again for a great job :)

Regional Sales Manager
Central Coast Region
Washington Mutual

I cannot begin to say enough great things about International Speakers Bureau. I have used ISB several times to obtain outstanding speakers and performers for company meetings. Most recently, I worked very closely with ISB to confirm a top entertainer for one of our employee business meetings.

From the moment the Content Consultant and I spoke about my needs and special requests, she was moving forward and attending to every single detail. There were some extenuating circumstances along the way that were not in her control, but she was right there problem solving and ensuring that everything was going to be alright and exactly as I wanted. She was amazing. She is patient, detail oriented, organized, and most of all – very professional. She constantly kept me updated even if it meant calling me “after hours” to ensure me everything was going to be just right. I know she worked tirelessly on my project and she never ever was anything but professional, friendly and honest with me. In the end – everything came off just as requested by me. It was perfect!

There is no doubt in my mind that I will call ISB for our next meeting when my company is looking for a speaker/entertainer.

Manager of Corporate Events
Brinker International

ISB provided several outside speakers over the course of the PricewaterhouseCoopers Partner meetings. Related to that, I want to pass along special recognition and thanks to your organization for the great work and the assistance provided in helping us fill a subset of 17 different openings. I found dealing with ISB a professional pleasure and applaud the committed time to work with us against some difficult speaker selection criteria. In the end your work was very creative, very timely and your suggestions helped us make the appropriate placements.

My thanks to ISB for a job well done.

Partner
PricewaterhouseCoopers