The event industry is on the brink of substantial growth, as outlined in the Event Industry Council's 2021 Annual Event Industry Trends Report. Projections indicate a 5.9% increase in 2022, catapulting global spending in the sector to an impressive $950 billion. This surge is propelled by a confluence of factors, including heightened demand for corporate events, the ascendancy of experiential marketing, and the growing popularity of virtual and hybrid events.

How to Secure a Speaker via an After Dinner Speaker Agency

The process of booking a speaker through an agency remains systematic, but now, armed with the latest industry insights, event organizers can make even more informed decisions. Here's a stepwise guide:

  1. Define your event's objectives and audience: Before approaching an event speaker agency, articulate the goals and target audience of your event. This clarity aids agencies in suggesting speakers aligned with your event.
  2. Research and compile a list of agencies: Investigate reputable event speaker agencies representing speakers pertinent to your event's theme and industry. Scrutinize agency websites, peruse reviews, and seek recommendations from colleagues or industry peers.
  3. Reach out to the agency: Contact your shortlisted agencies, providing event details like date, location, audience size, and type. The agency will then propose speaker options tailored to your requirements.
  4. Evaluate speaker profiles: Examine the profiles of speakers provided by the agency. Pay attention to their speaking experience, areas of expertise, and presentation style.
  5. Arrange speaker demonstrations or interviews: If feasible, request demonstrations or interviews with potential after dinner speakers to better understand their presentation style and compatibility with your event.
  6. Reach a decision and finalize the booking: After selecting the speaker, the agency manages the booking process, including negotiating fees, coordinating logistics, and finalizing contracts.

The Speaker Booking Process in Detail

The speaker booking process unfolds through the following stages, now enriched with additional industry insights:

  1. Initial inquiry: You initiate contact with the agency, providing event details and speaker requirements.
  2. Speaker suggestions: The agency presents a selection of speakers based on your criteria.
  3. Speaker assessment: You review speaker profiles and may request demonstrations or interviews.
  4. Speaker selection: You choose the speaker best suited to your event's needs.
  5. Negotiating contracts: The agency negotiates fees and terms with the speaker on your behalf.
  6. Contract signing: You sign the contract with both the speaker and the agency.

Handling Booking Cancellations

Cancellation policies vary among agencies and speakers. Generally, a cancellation fee applies if you cancel within a specified timeframe, either as a percentage of the speaker's fee or a flat cancellation fee.

Agency Policies on Speaker Cancellations

UK speaker bureaus typically implement protective policies in case of speaker cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances. These may involve:

  • Replacement speaker provision: The agency may offer a replacement speaker with similar qualifications.
  • Fee adjustments: The agency may negotiate a fee adjustment or refund if the cancellation is beyond the speaker's control.

Additional Costs in Speaker Bookings

Apart from the motivational speaker's fee, other potential costs include:

  • Travel and accommodation expenses: Typically covered by the event organiser.
  • Agency fees: Agencies may levy a commission or booking fee for their services.
  • Technical and production costs: If the speaker necessitates special equipment or technical support, these costs may be the responsibility of the event organizer.

Industry Insights

Incorporating the latest industry insights enhances our understanding of event speaker agencies:

  1. Factors Influencing Speaker Selection:
    • Speaking Experience: A substantial 78% of event organizers prioritise a speaker's experience.
    • Expertise in the Event's Topic: 72% consider the speaker's proficiency in the event's subject matter.
    • Presentation Style: 68% value a speaker's unique presentation style.
  2. Average Event Speaker Fee:
    • In North America, the average event speaker fee stands at $5,000 USD per hour.
  3. Industries Leveraging Event Speaker Agencies:
    • Technology: Leading the charge at 28%.
    • Business: Following closely at 22%.
    • Healthcare: Commanding an 18% share.
    • Education: Representing 12%.
    • Nonprofit: Contributing significantly with a 10% share.
  4. Reasons for Utilising Event Speaker Agencies:
    1. Access to a Wider Pool of Speakers: A resounding 82% of event organisers appreciate the expanded speaker selection.
    2. Expertise in Speaker Selection: 76% value the agency's proficiency in selecting suitable diversity and inclusion speakers.
    3. Negotiation of Fees and Contracts: 72% appreciate the agency's role in negotiating fees and contracts.
    4. Armed with these insights, event organizers can make more informed decisions about the involvement of event speaker agencies in their upcoming events, considering the diverse landscape and preferences within the industry.