February 27, 2023

If you’re an event planner or professional keynote speaker, a relationship with a good speakers bureau could be very beneficial. Speakers’ bureaus are the matchmakers of the events industry. The top speakers’ bureaus can match the perfect speaker with the right event to create an exciting, memorable, and successful experience.

It’s important to note that not all speakers bureaus are the same—finding the right speakers bureau for you depends on the type of speaking you do or the speaker you need. Some bureaus only work with university professors, retired politicians, or published authors. Other bureaus focus on celebrities and business speakers.

Once you find the perfect bureau for your needs, they can provide many benefits. Here we are going to show you the benefits of working with speaker bureaus as a Keynote Speaker or as an Event Planner/Coordinator.

Benefits for Event Planners and Coordinators

It doesn’t matter whether your event is virtual or in-person. A top speakers bureau can provide you with benefits like expertise, extensive networks, logistical experience, and a safety net.

Expertise: Top bureaus have extensive experience pairing the needs of an event with an expert speaker, ensuring the keynote always resonates with your audience. There are many talented keynote speakers, but each speaker excels in different settings. For example, do you need a celebrity to build excitement, a thought leader to stimulate ideas, or a motivational speaker to inspire?

Extensive Networks: Top speakers bureaus have relationships with many high-quality and famous speakers. Ever had trouble contacting the speaker you want? They can help you get a timely response and exact fee quotes. You may even find an ideal keynote speaker you were unaware of.

Check the Availability of Your Preferred Keynote Speaker Here

Logistical Experience: Top speakers bureaus have seen and done it all. A keynote address can be surprisingly complicated, whether it’s in-person or virtual. While proper audio equipment is required for any event, in-person events also require coordinated travel, hotels, per diems, contract logistics, and more. A top speakers bureau can provide a hands-free experience so you can rest assured the speaker is prepared, on time, and delivers.

Safety Net: Ever have an emergency? Top speakers’ bureaus provide a safety net in case of a crisis. Speakers can get sick, miss flights, or have weather delays. A top speakers bureau can often reach out to its network of speakers to provide a high-quality substitute speaker at a moment’s notice.

Benefits for Professional Keynote Speakers

Forming a successful relationship with a speakers’ bureau can improve almost every aspect of a professional keynote speaker’s career.

Services: Speakers bureaus handle almost everything for a speaker, including marketing, branding, negotiation, book deals, speaker coaching, making sales/booking, logistics, contracts, and billing.

For example, when an event planner has an “open canvas” search, the bureaus pitch you. When your proposal hasn’t been replied to, they follow up. When someone is slow to pay, they chase them down. And when you need to make a connection, they know who to call.

Being Exclusive: Moreover, when you are an exclusive speaker with a top speakers’ bureau, you get the best terms, fees, and other considerations possible. Bureaus can increase your business because they have relationships with event organizers, conferences, and Fortune 1000 companies.

Shop Around: However, not all speakers’ bureaus can provide you with every service. When looking for a speakers’ bureau, remember to shop around. Ask for references. Talk with your fellow speakers before working with a bureau. There are many private speaker forums where they candidly discuss the pros and cons of various bureaus and managers. For instance, LinkedIn is a great professional community for this.

Download our GUIDE: What To Consider When Choosing A Speaker For Your Online Event

Generally, if you want to put on a great event or improve your speaking career, forming a relationship with a top speakers bureau can be the answer. A top speakers bureau has the knowledge and experience of putting on many events and has connections with the top speakers.

As an event planner or professional keynote speaker, a relationship with a good speakers bureau could be very beneficial. Speakers’ bureaus are the matchmakers of the events industry. The top speakers’ bureaus can match the perfect speaker with the right event to create an exciting, memorable, and successful experience.

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