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."

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ISB's Creative Meeting Consultation

Combined, the staff at ISB represents over 75 years in the Meetings and Events industry. So if you are looking for some help to create the ultimate experience for your attendees, tap into our creative knowledge base. ISB's core competency is booking public speakers and entertainment, but in doing so we have also developed extensive experience in helping our clients plan the ideal event. Additionally, we offer in-house resources in the area of graphic design, marketing, event promotion and corporate sponsorship. If you would like to see how we can enhance your planning process, take a look at what at the features and benefits of our Creative Meeting Consultation.

ISB's Partners In Excellence Program

Wouldn't you rather work with a partner than a vendor? Don't you wish you could maximize your ROI when booking speakers and entertainment? Wouldn't you like to leverage your buying power to get the best deals possible? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might want to learn more about our Partners In Excellence program.