Why should I work with a speakers bureau? And why Speak, Inc.?
I've never booked a speaker before. How do I begin?
How can I preview a speaker?
Are all the speakers you work with listed on your Website?
I am interested in "exclusive" speakers I saw in another bureau's materials.
Can I book them through Speak, Inc.?
Will I get a better price if I go direct to a speaker rather than through a bureau?
How much do speakers charge?
How can I save money on speakers?
Do I have to pay a fee for Speak, Inc's services?
Once I select a speaker, what happens next?
Do I have to arrange travel for the speaker?
Will the speaker I choose play golf with attendees, sign autographs, etc..?
Can I video or audio tape my speaker?
Does Speak, Inc. book entertainers too?
What happens if my speaker cancels or doesn't show due to an emergency?

Q: Why should I work with a speakers bureau? And why Speak, Inc.?
A: Speakers bureaus specialize in booking speakers and all the details that are a part of the process. We make suggestions based on your objectives and our experience and then guide you through the selection process, contracts, and all the details leading up to your meeting. At Speak, Inc., we have over 70 years of combined agent experience in satisfying customer needs and are constantly seeking input on how to better serve them.

Q: I’ve never booked a speaker before. How do I begin?
A: If you have a good feel for what you are looking for, take a moment to search our extensive database of experts and review their backgrounds. Then, either submit a request form on-line or give us a call directly to discuss your program and objectives. Our website is here for you as a tool, but we are always available to consult with you by phone, make suggestions, and send you demonstration tapes and written materials to review.

Q: How can I preview a speaker?
A: You may preview speakers on our website, searching our database by topic, geographic location and/or fee.

You may call us for demonstration tapes and written materials via next-day service.

We also encourage customers to attend live previews when their schedule permits. If you would like to be added to our monthly National Speaker Showcase, please send us a request at si@speakinc.com. You will receive an email listing of speakers whose presentations you may be able to preview live in your hometown or when you are travelling.

Q: Are all the speakers you work with listed on your Website?
A: No. Although we are adding speakers and entertainers to our website daily, we can literally book almost any speaker or entertainer in the world. If you have heard of a speaker, but do not see them on our website or in our catalog, please give us a call. Chances are, we have worked with them, or if not, our staff of researchers will find them and gather their materials and references for you.

Q: I am interested in "exclusive" speakers I saw in another bureau's materials.
Can I book them through Speak, Inc.?
A: Yes. Because Speak, Inc. maintains an excellent reputation with all of the top bureaus in the industry, we are able to co-broker speakers at no additional cost to you.

Q: Will I get a better price if I go direct to a speaker rather than through a bureau?
A: No. The vast majority of speakers we work with maintain a high-degree of fee integrity, which means they charge the same fee to everyone who books them.

Q: How much do speakers charge?
A: Speakers' fees range anywhere from $2000 to over $100,000. However, most of our customers choose speakers in the $5000 to $30,000 range for a 60-90 minute presentation. In addition to the fee, you can expect to pay for full coach or first-class airfare, ground transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, incidentals such as parking and tips, and audio-visual requirements. Longer presentations will generally require a higher fee.

Q: How can I save money on speakers?
A: Consider booking speakers who live close to your meeting site to keep travel costs low or ask your Speak, Inc. representative to negotiate an inclusive fee (fee plus expenses) with your speaker before going to contract. If you have multiple meetings where a single speaker would be appropriate, ask your Speak, Inc. representative to negotiate a multiple bookings fee with the speaker.

Q: Do I have to pay a fee for Speak Inc's services?
A: No. Because our fee is paid (in the form of a commission) by the speakers we book, you pay nothing additional for our services.

Q: Once I select a speaker, what happens next?
A: Once you have selected a speaker, we will negotiate all of the details of the speaker's appearance, and prepare the contracts for you. As your meeting date nears, we make sure your speaker is familiar with your organization and objectives, arrange conference calls for you and ensure that handouts and/or multimedia presentations are prepared well in advance. We pride ourselves on taking care of the little details that help make your event a success.

Q: Do I have to arrange travel for the speaker?
A: No. Typically, Speak, Inc. works with speakers to arrange their own travel. Our customers direct-bill the speaker's hotel room and sometimes, depending on the speaker, arrange for car service.

Q: Will the speaker I choose play golf with attendees, sign autographs, etc..?
A: This varies by speaker. Apprise your Speak, Inc. representative of any and all special requests of the speaker BEFORE going to contract. Typically, speakers are very accommodating, and Speak, Inc. will negotiate requests for you.

Q: Can I video or audio tape my speaker?
A: Speakers' policies regarding their intellectual property vary. Some speakers will allow taping for internal use only, others will allow taping for wider distribution for a one-time fee or require a percentage of sales. This is one of the details that Speak, Inc. will help you negotiate prior to contracting a speaker.

Q: Does Speak, Inc. book entertainers too?
A: Yes. We work with a great variety of talented comedians, dance bands, hypnotists, jugglers and impressionists.

Q: What happens if my speaker cancels or doesn't show due to an emergency?
A: Although it doesn't happen often, occasionally, a speaker will have to cancel due to a personal emergency, weather or travel delay. With our depth of resources, we can quickly identify a suitable replacement for you. Our 24-hour emergency paging service ensures that help is always available should an emergency arise.