If you have been tasked with hiring a speaker, you may be wondering whether or not you should try and book one directly or through an agency.
Here are the seven benefits of working with a speakers bureau:
1. Vetted Speakers
While there are numerous professional speakers in the industry, not all of them meet the stringent criteria set by speakers bureaus.
Bureaus possess a wealth of experience in identifying and evaluating the qualities that define a truly exceptional speaker.
Because they have worked with thousands of speakers and managed many events, they have the experience and understanding of knowing which speakers can deliver a presentation at a high level.
By partnering with a speakers bureau, you gain access to their expertise, ensuring that the speaker you hire has met a certain standard threshold and has been thoroughly vetted for their abilities.
2. Time-Saving Efficiency
If you are trying to find a speaker, navigating through thousands of potential candidates can be an overwhelming and daunting task.
When you collaborate with a speakers bureau, you tap into their knowledge and expertise, allowing them to curate a tailored list of speakers that align with your specific objectives and budget.
This streamlined approach saves you invaluable time and effort, eliminating the need to approach speakers who may fall outside your desired parameters, a common pitfall that often leads to wasted resources.
3. Access to High-Profile Speakers
Securing the services of renowned speakers or celebrities can be challenging for many organizations working independently.
However, by leveraging the connections and relationships cultivated by speakers bureaus, you gain access to these highly sought-after individuals.
Additionally, high-profile speakers often have specific preferences and requirements when considering speaking engagements, and bureaus can guide you through the necessary steps to increase your chances of booking them successfully.
Example: Tim Ferris is a very high profile speaker. However, he does not accept a lot of engagements. If you were to try and contact him directly, he would most likely turn you down or not even respond to you. But when you work with a bureau, they can help craft your pitch to someone like Tim so that you have a better chance of booking him.
4. Cost Savings
Depending on the speaker you seek, speakers bureaus can assist in negotiating fees and potentially saving you money.
When it comes to booking a speaker, numerous variables can influence their fees, either increasing or decreasing them.
Bureaus possess a deep understanding of these variables and can work with you to find a solution that allows you to book your desired speaker within your allocated budget.
5. Logistical Support
Coordinating the details and back-and-forth communication involved in booking a speaker can be a tedious, monotonous, and potentially frustrating process.
Speakers bureaus can alleviate this burden by leveraging their established systems and expertise in facilitating these logistics.
Since bureaus handle such tasks on a daily basis, they can streamline the process, saving you valuable time and mitigating potential headaches.
Here are some examples:
- Ability to handle fluctuating global currencies, strained travel vendors, geopolitical considerations, visas and entry requirements, multiple time zones, and political sensitivities, especially with short lead times.
- Access to a team of experienced agents and event coordinators, global network of vendors, and ability to “move mountains” when needed.
- Helping speakers understand the importance of accountability and being great both on-site and on-stage.
- Providing a partner that event planners can lean on in case of unpredictable factors like travel delays, weather issues, sickness, or civil unrest that could prevent a speaker from arriving.
- Offering vast resources, complex tools, deep vendor relationships, and crisis mobilization capabilities to handle unforeseen situations.
6. Event Consultation
Organizing successful events or meetings requires a comprehensive understanding of best practices and attention to detail.
While many organizations may not have extensive experience in this area, speakers bureaus have been involved in thousands of events.
By working with a bureau, you gain access to their consultative expertise, ensuring that your event is meticulously planned and executed according to industry best practices, increasing the likelihood of its overall success.
7. Less Risk
Working with a professional speaker booking agency significantly reduces the risk associated with last-minute cancellations or changes. These agencies maintain extensive databases of qualified speakers, allowing them to swiftly find a suitable replacement should any unforeseen circumstances arise.
In contrast, booking a speaker directly leaves you vulnerable to handling cancellation logistics and the daunting task of securing a last-minute substitute on your own.
By partnering with an agency, you can have peace of mind knowing that a contingency plan is in place, ensuring your event proceeds smoothly, even in the face of unexpected disruptions.
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