What is a Speakers Bureau?
In the most simple term, speakers bureaus are “matchmakers” with the ability to connect companies and keynote speakers for paid speaking engagements.
There are many different types of speakers bureaus, which represent different types of speakers. For example, some bureaus specialize in working with motivational or inspirational speakers. Others might focus on professors, politicians, or published authors.
What does a Speakers Bureau Offer a Keynote Speaker?
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, bureaus pitch you. When the proposal to have you on stage 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.
How is a Speakers Bureau Different Than a Speaker Manager?
A speaker manager is much like a business manager. Speaker management firms tend to do little (or no) marketing and tend to focus more on the administration side of the keynote speaker business. They wait for leads to come in, send out contracts when a speaker is booked, then create an invoice and send the speaker a check (minus their cut).
As for their cut, speaker managers generally charge 10-25 percent administrative fees for handling your administrative tasks. The better ones, who do market you more and are more proactive, tend to charge more and they deserve it.
Why is it Important for Speakers to Partner with Bureaus?
When the partnership is working at its best, the bureau takes care of everything except for being on stage and giving the mic-drop speech (most bureaus don’t book travel either). Bureaus handle all marketing, proposals, negotiations, contracts, logistics, billing, and follow-ups.
In exchange, the speaker sends all their business and leads to their exclusive bureau, allowing the speaker to focus on honing their message and stagecraft.
How Can a Speaker Become Listed with a Speakers Bureau?
To be listed with a major speakers bureau and speak in front of F1000 audiences, speakers generally need:
- Video: a speaker should have video footage of appearing on stage at several events/talks. A sizzle reel is preferred.
- Major Testimonials: a speaker should have testimonials from major companies
- High Fee Range: a speaker should be already earning a $10K+ range
- Evidence of Demand: a speaker should be working regularly, have inbound leads, and performed at least 10 paid gigs in the last year.
- Book: a speaker should have a book to show their credibility and expertise in the field. A bestseller is even better.
How Can a Speaker Become Exclusive with a Speakers Bureau?
For exclusive representation, bureaus are looking for the minimum necessary to be listed, plus a minimum gross booking revenue of $300K with a potential to grow. There are exceptions to the requirement, such as an in-demand topic, diversity appeal, or “rising star” potential.
How is Being Exclusive with a Speakers Bureau Different than Being Non-Exclusive?
The main differences to a speaker being exclusive with a bureau are that exclusive speaker are top of mind, promoted more, and generally have preferential terms with their exclusive bureau.
Since you are their client, they get you the best terms, fees, and other considerations possible. Bureaus can help increase your business because they have relationships with event organizers, conferences, and Fortune 1000 companies.
How Much Does a Speakers Bureau Charge a Keynote Speaker?
Speakers bureaus charge nothing to list speakers or recommend them for events. Bureaus make their money by taking a percentage of the fee charged to the booking client, which is typically between 25-35% of the fee. While this may seem high, speakers who work with bureaus are booked more often and earn bigger fees. This fee also covers the costs of marketing, billing, contracts, etc., that a speaker would typically have to pay out of their own pockets.
Interested in learning more? Read tips from BigSpeak EVP Ken Sterling’s latest Inc. article.
Feel free to contact us at 805.965.1400 or info@BigSpeak.com and we’ll get you started.