Choosing a Speaker You are probably beginning to formulate your event in your mind. You have been receiving calls and direct mail pieces and catalogues from many speakers bureaus more each year. And, they all seem to have pretty much the same people in all of their promotional pieces. How about talking with a couple of bureau representatives and choose the person you relate to and feel you can develop an ongoing relationship. The more you work with the same person, the more helpful that person becomes, because they learn how you wish to work together, what you expect and the type of speakers that fit with your organization.
Speakers come in all shapes and sizes . . . and fee ranges.
It saves a lot of time and expense if you are clear on topic and fee range before talking with the bureau rep. Because of short timelines, most materials have to be overnighted. And, this can become a 3 or 4 time event, if fees and topics are not clear prior to getting the bureau involved. The bureau rep can give you ideas and help you focus on topics to fit with your theme. It is very important that you have a budget figure in mind and share it with the bureau rep.