We have orchestrated numerous high profile events and so we intimately understand the challenges that you face in bringing all the pieces of the puzzle together in order to present a flawless event.

Finding the perfect speaker is an essential step towards putting together the perfect event. USB is
ready and willing to listen to your unique needs and to help you meet those needs. By learning about
the profile of your audience including the demographics and psychographics of your audience and by learning about your expectations, your audience’s expectations and the leadership of your organization’s expectations, we can help assist you creating a successful event.

Q: Does it ever cost me more to use USB?

Q: Can I book speakers from multiple speaker bureaus?

Q: What if I have decided to work with USB, but the speaker I want to hire has an exclusive contract with
another bureau?

Q: Any suggestions for putting on a successful event

A: USB has access to hundreds of speakers, entertainers, authors, experts, celebrities and we make hiring these people easy and we ensure you get everything you need to meet your event’s needs.

• In most cases using USB will be at the same fee at which a speaker will charge you if you choose to book with them directly.
• If you book a speaker through USB, we will handle all the paper work and the numerous communications it may require to secure the right speaker.
• USB may also have knowledge of a speaker, which better meets your needs for even less than what you were prepared to spend, thus securing a more qualified speaker and saving you money at the same time.
  
• On the rare occasion that a speaker was to cancel, USB will immediately access our large roster to try and find a relevant replacement. This is where our long-standing relationship with speakers really comes in handy and can save the event.
• When you hire USB, you inherit the leverage our long-standing relationships provide.

Q: Does it ever cost me more to use USB?

A: It could and it could save you money, it all depends on the speaker and the needs you have for you event. Most speakers pay bureau commissions from their standard speaking fee, however, some speakers add the bureau commission on top of their standard fee. USB tries to work with speakers who have one flat fee whether they are booked directly or by USB. We also like to take the time to understand your unique needs, because often we are able to recommend a speaker who can meet or exceed your needs at a lower fee than what you may have budgeted. Please note that we do not recommend speakers unless we feel his or her fees are acceptable; we want our clients to feel exceptional value from the speakers that we work with.

Q: Can I book speakers from multiple speaker bureaus?

A: It depends on the contract that you have signed. Be sure to first carefully read all bureau contracts before you sign them. If you have signed a contract with a bureau stating that you will book all future speakers through them, then you are legally obligated to do so. However, if you have not signed an exclusive contract, then as the customer you are free to work with as many bureaus as possible. USB strives to provide service and resources that make you want to work with us again and again.

Q: What if I have decided to work with USB, but the speaker I want to hire has an exclusive contract with another bureau?

A: Often it is the case where the bureau that holds an “exclusive contract” with a speaker is willing to co-broker the speaker with another bureau, meaning that USB may be able to book the exclusive speaker for you and simply will split the bureau commission with the exclusive bureau.

Q: Any suggestions for putting on a successful event?

A: Yes, first of all if you are not a professional event planner, then you should consider hiring a professional. You can find great resources at Event Planners International Association. USB client service representatives are also a great resource for ideas on how to plan a successful event. Plus your audience is key to a successful event. Here are some helpful suggestions on ways to communicate with your audience:

1. Consider sending your attendees a pre-event survey and ask questions like: Do you prefer a morning, afternoon or evening event?
   
2. Is receiving a confirmed attendees list prior to the event something that would be valuable to you?
   
3. Which of these topics interest you most? Please list suggested speakers you would like to hear at the next event, either by name or subject matter.
   
4. Keep your attendees engaged during the event by conducting surveys after sessions and speakers.
   
5. The secret to putting on the best event possible is taking the time to learn the needs of your audience, filling those needs, exceeding expectations and keeping clear lines of communication between you and attendees open.