If you are a professional speaker, speakers bureau, or event planner, then you might be interested in joining the International Association of Speakers Bureaus (IASB).
On this page we will provide a full review of the IASB where we will cover:
- What is the IASB?
- What do they do?
- What are the benefits of joining them?
- How to get the most from your membership
What is the IASB?
The International Association of Speakers Bureaus (IASB) is a global network of professionals dedicated to connecting the world’s most inspiring and influential speakers with audiences who seek their expertise, insight, and motivation. Born from a vision to create a unified voice for the speaker bureau industry, the IASB has grown into a thriving community that sets the standard for excellence in the field.
The story of the IASB begins in 1986 when Dottie Walters, a pioneer in the speaker bureau industry, founded the organization under the name International Group of Agencies and Bureaus. Walters recognized the need for a platform that would bring together speakers bureaus, lecture agencies, and speaker management companies from around the world to share best practices, collaborate, and elevate the industry as a whole.
As the organization grew and evolved, it underwent a significant transformation in July 2000. The IGAB Board of Governors voted to establish a separate entity called the International Association of Speakers Bureaus (IASB). This move signaled a new era for the organization, one that would focus on strengthening the relationships between speakers bureaus and their clients while promoting the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in the industry.
In 2002, IGAB merged with IASB, consolidating their resources and expertise to create a more powerful and influential organization. On July 1, 2002, IASB became incorporated as a 501c6 nonprofit trade membership organization in Indiana. This status allowed the association to better serve its members and advocate for the interests of the speaker bureau community.
As the IASB continued to grow and expand its reach, the organization made the decision to relocate its headquarters to Arizona in 2010. This move positioned the IASB at the heart of a thriving business community and provided greater opportunities for collaboration and networking with industry leaders.
Today, the International Association of Speakers Bureaus is a global force in the speaker bureau industry, representing a diverse community of professionals who are committed to connecting the world’s most dynamic and engaging speakers with the audiences who need to hear their messages. Through its ongoing efforts to promote excellence, ethics, and innovation in the field, the IASB continues to shape the future of the speaker bureau industry and inspire audiences around the world.
What does the IASB do?
The International Association of Speakers Bureaus (IASB) plays a crucial role in setting industry standards and promoting best practices for the three main participants in the speaker bureau industry: professional speakers, speakers bureaus, and event planners. By establishing clear guidelines and expectations, the IASB ensures that all parties involved in the industry operate with integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence.
At the heart of the IASB’s efforts is the Standards of Professional Conduct, a comprehensive set of principles that serves as a guide for all members. As a condition of membership, IASB members must subscribe to these principles both at the time of their initial application and upon annual renewal of their membership. This requirement demonstrates the IASB’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and ethics within the industry.
IASB Standards
The IASB Standards of Professional Conduct consists of five key articles:
1. Article 1 requires IASB members to comply with the terms of all contracts, ensuring that all parties involved in a transaction are treated fairly and with respect.
2. Article 2 mandates that IASB members accurately, truthfully, and appropriately represent their relationships with speakers, speakers bureaus, and others, and prohibits the use of names or entities in a misleading manner.
3. Article 3 emphasizes the importance of effective and truthful communication between IASB members, customers, speakers, and other speakers bureaus.
4. Article 4 requires IASB members to act with diligence in a professional, competent, and timely manner, ensuring that clients receive the highest level of service.
5. Article 5 mandates that IASB members comply with all international, federal, state, and any other applicable laws and regulations, demonstrating a commitment to legal and ethical business practices.
In addition to setting industry standards, the IASB is guided by a clear mission and vision. The organization’s mission is to provide global leadership in facilitating the exchange of ideas and expertise, advocating for the value of the speaker bureau industry, and promoting standards of excellence. The IASB’s vision is to ensure that every organization providing speakers in the global marketplace through representation adheres to the standards and professional practices of the association and becomes a member of the IASB.
To further its mission and vision, the IASB holds annual conferences via their IASB Convention where industry professionals gather to discuss best practices, share case studies, and explore ways to improve the industry. These conferences provide a platform for collaboration, learning, and networking, allowing members to stay at the forefront of industry trends and innovations.
The IASB’s guiding principles underscore its commitment to professional standards, partnership, and inclusivity. By providing standards to build trust and accountability, collaborating to create an equitable exchange of value, and being open to all members and business models, the IASB fosters a strong and vibrant speaker bureau industry that benefits all stakeholders.
Benefits of Joining the IASB
Joining the International Association of Speakers Bureaus (IASB) offers numerous benefits to the three main participants in the speaker bureau industry: professional speakers, speakers bureaus, and event planners. By becoming a member of the IASB, each group can gain valuable advantages that help them succeed in their respective roles.
Benefits for Speakers
As a professional speaker, being a part of the IASB sends a strong signal to speakers bureaus that you are serious about your speaking career. IASB membership demonstrates your commitment to professionalism, ethics, and excellence in the industry. As a result, speakers bureaus are more likely to book you for the requests they receive, increasing your exposure and potential for securing speaking engagements.
Learn more: Resources for Speakers.
Benefits for Bureaus
For speakers bureaus, the IASB provides a platform to set “fee integrity,” ensuring that all speakers they work with are charging fair and consistent rates. This helps maintain a level playing field and promotes healthy competition within the industry. Additionally, IASB membership allows bureaus to co-broker deals with each other. If your bureau does not have access to a particular speaker, you can collaborate with another IASB member bureau to book one of their speakers, expanding your offerings and providing better service to your clients.
Benefits for Event Planners
Similar to the PCMA, event planners who are part of the IASB gain access to valuable networking opportunities and stay up-to-date on the latest trends within the speaking industry. IASB membership also grants event planners access to exclusive speakers who may be difficult to reach on their own.
By connecting with IASB member bureaus, event planners can secure high-quality speakers for their events, ensuring a successful and impactful experience for their audiences.
Learn more: Resources for Planners
The Value of Bureau Partnerships
IASB members share a common passion: making a difference in the lives of others through the power of speech. Within the IASB, members share their own stories, from those who helped shape the industry to those who continue to propel it forward. With expertise from across the globe, IASB members unite in their joy of connecting professional speakers to audiences and making a lasting impact. The IASB produces videos that showcase why members commit to one another, their clients, and the professional meetings and events industry.
Access to Industry Studies
The IASB consistently produces industry studies that members can access. These studies provide valuable insights, trends, and data that help members make informed decisions and stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving speaker bureau industry.
Here is an example of the Benchmarking Study.
Ongoing Learning
Another significant benefit of joining the IASB is the opportunity for ongoing learning. The association features relevant, customized content presented by subject matter experts, seasoned industry professionals, and world-class trainers in a virtual workshop environment.
By participating in these workshops, members can acquire new techniques, essential business practices, and specialized knowledge that enable them to successfully navigate the ever-changing landscape of the speaker bureau industry.
IASB’s Four Pillars of Focus
The IASB has identified four areas of focus to guide its goals and actions:
1. Advocate for the value of working with IASB members, ensuring that those in the meetings business understand the value of partnering with speakers bureaus.
2. Develop essential resources and tools for members to be successful, assisting with effective, responsible, and ever-improving speaker representation and business operations.
3. Encourage local, national, and global collaborative relationships, promoting an inclusive and engaged membership.
4. Represent the highest standards of excellence in association and business operations, focusing on recommended practices and ethics, and providing guidance to members.
By joining the IASB, professional speakers, speakers bureaus, and event planners gain access to a powerful network, industry-leading resources, and a commitment to excellence that helps them thrive in the dynamic world of the speaker bureau industry.
Contact the IASB
If you need to contact the IASB, you can do so here:
480-839-1423
Become a member: iasbweb.org/page/MembershipFAQ
1922 E. Fairmont Drive, Tempe, Arizona 85282 USA
Facebook: facebook.com/IASBpage
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/groups/IASB-1865918/about