A speaker agency is generally an organization that provides speakers for different events. This can be events of all sizes, ranging from small seminars to large national conventions and conferences – the only common denominator between them is the presence of a presenter with interesting information to share.
There are many kinds of speaker agencies with varying specialties, but most are very similar in what they do. Here are some examples:
- Many speaker agencies employ professional writers who create content specifically targeted towards certain audiences or industries
- Speaker bureaus also offer great service by tapping into their vast contact base to find the best prospects for their clients’ event
- Some agencies have relationships with individual experts on specific topics allowing for more personalized service
A speaker agency can be very useful in finding the ideal presenter for your event. A good speaker agency should provide you with an extensive list of speakers or presenters that specialize in your industry or niche. By hiring a speaker through an agency, it is generally easier to access people who would not normally give out their information freely. Sometimes, they give better deals because the agencies help them save on time and hassle. It is usually cheaper too if you hire somebody from an agency instead of going directly to the person’s website and contacting him/her yourself.
Hiring a speaker agency can also allow you to choose from various other elements such as:
- The duration of their presentation
- Their travel requirements and limitations
- The timing and method of payment (some agencies will allow you to pay for their speakers’ fees upfront, while others would like to be paid upon completion of the event)
It’s true that you may be able to find somebody on your own who is willing to speak at your event. However, if you don’t know where to start or what questions need answering, it would be best to seek help from a professional speaker agency. Choosing somebody through an agency not only gives you access to hundreds of presenters — but it also helps save time, money, and lots of headaches.
Preferred speaker agency qualifications include an in-depth understanding of various fields, particularly those related to your industry. Some speaker agencies only work with presenters who have extensive experience in their field, while others will also consider less experienced but highly educated individuals for certain projects. A list of the speaker’s past events is usually provided, along with references they are willing to provide upon request.