Q: How does a speaker’s bureau work?

Q: How do I select a speaker for an event?

Q: What if I want to book a speaker that is not listed on your website?

Q: Can I book a consultant or trainer through United Speakers’ Bureau?

Q: How much does a speaker cost?

Q: What is covered by the speaker’s fee?

Q: What if my budget is not enough to hire the speaker that I really want?

Q: How far in advance do we need to book a speaker for our event?

Q: Is it possible to communicate with the speaker prior to my event?

Q: May we record the speaker during the event?

Q: Who arranges the travel for the speaker?

Q: Will USB help me get books from the speaker for our attendees?

Q: Can media cover our event?

Q: What happens if there is an emergency or the speaker has to cancel?

Q: Why should I start a relationship with United Speakers Bureau?

Q: How does a speaker’s bureau work?

A: A speaker’s bureau acts as a one-stop resource for anyone or any organization wishing to book a speaker, entertainer, celebrity, author, expert or trainer for a meeting, conference or special event. We help make your event a success by assisting you in selecting and booking the perfect speaker to meet your needs and budget.

Q: How do I select a speaker for an event?

A: At anytime you may begin screening speakers by watching their videos and reading their bios on our website. Our speakers live and work around the country so the best way to preview their talent is to watch their video on our website. If additional information or viewing is necessary in helping you make your final decision, it may be possible to have additional footage sent to you.

• We encourage you to complete and submit the needs assessment form, so that a professional member of our staff may contact you and guide you through the process. Please feel free to call us at (619) 467-6927 with any questions that you may have.
  
• Once you have selected a speaker, we will then place a temporary hold on their calendar for your date.
  
• Next, we send you a firm offer agreement to familiarize you with the terms of the agreement, in the event the speaker accepts your offer.
  
• Once the speaker has accepted your firm offer, this becomes a binding legal agreement.
  
• We will then draw up a contract based on all terms of the accepted firm offer and send it to the speaker for a signature.

Q: What if I want to book a speaker that is not listed on your website?

A: Our website offers a sampling of the best in the business. Many times we are able to book speakers for you that are not listed in our bureau. Please contact our office at (619) 467-6927 or email us at Newcustomer@UnitedSpeakersBureau.com for further assistance in regards to your special needs. We will be happy to help you.

Q: Can I book a consultant or trainer through United Speakers’ Bureau?

A: Yes. Simply tell us about your organization’s needs and the type of consultant or trainer that you are looking for and we will find the perfect expert for you.

Q: How much does a speaker cost?

A: USB works with speakers, entertainers, celebrities, authors, experts and trainers at all price ranges. To find a speaker that matches your budget, use our Find A Speaker tool and search by fee range.

• Be aware that speakers’ fees can and do vary widely based on your selection criteria and almost always never include expenses.
  
• Expenses usually include first class airfare, hotel accommodations, meals and out-of-pocket expenses. Not all speakers require first class airfare; many are willing to fly coach. United Speakers Bureau may be able to help you save on your budget by recommending speakers with flexible expense terms when budget is a concern.

Q: What is covered by the speaker’s fee?

A: Most speakers present a 1-hour presentation for their standard fee.

• Generally most speakers will charge more for additional requests such as half- day and full-day seminars.
  
• Attending before or after functions may or may not be covered by the fee such as attending a dinner, signing photographs, attending Q & A sessions, etc… Many speakers are willing to participate in some additional activities, however, each speaker is unique and this type of request must be asked prior to sending the firm offer letter so that it may be included in the offer. United Speakers Bureau is happy to work with you and to find a speaker that will meet your custom needs.
  
• Our services and assistance is covered by the speaker’s fee
  
• Every speaker has a unique fee structure, therefore, we recommend that you call United Speakers Bureau directly and let us help you. (619) 467-6927.

Q: What if my budget is not enough to hire the speaker that I really want?

A: In some cases USB can recommend possible corporate and private sponsorship underwriters that can help fund your event. Some of our speakers have relationships with corporate sponsors and are willing to put you in contact with them. USB makes every possible attempt to help in this area when appropriate, however, not all events are appropriate for such creative funding.

Q: How far in advance do we need to book a speaker for our event?

A: The safest thing to do is to book a speaker as far in advance as possible. In some cases this may include up to 1-year advance notice. However, if you are working on a shorter deadline, USB has the resources to find great speakers on short notice. Just bear in mind that many of the speakers do book far in advance and your event date may already be booked, so don’t delay when it comes to booking.

Q: Is it possible to communicate with the speaker prior to my event?

A: Most of our speakers are happy to make themselves available to speak with you both before and after you have made your final selection to hire them and also once they have been booked for your event. Most of the time we prefer to first completely understand the unique needs of your event and then we will help coordinate the best way for you to communicate your needs to the speaker. This will save both you and the speaker valuable time and will ensure that the time is very productive for all parties.

Q: May we record the speaker during the event?

A: In every case of recording, you must first begin by checking with USB; some speakers are sensitive about recording, especially if the recording is for broadcast or for the creation of a revenue-generating product. However, most speakers will allow recording of their presentations for the purpose of archiving. With that said all recording must be pre-approved by the speaker in writing prior to the event. USB will help you obtain this approval.

Q: Who arranges the travel for the speaker?

A: USB will work with you to assist with travel plans and will book many of the logistics for you. USB will ensure that travel plans and timelines work with your event needs. Please note that travel expenses are not included in speaker’s fees.

Q: Will USB help me get books from the speaker for our attendees?

A: Yes. Many speakers are happy to work with you to obtain quantities of books for your attendees, often at a wholesale price. Whenever this is the case, USB with be happy to facilitate these requests.

Q: Can media cover our event?

A: In most cases the answer is yes. However, some speakers have restrictions on media coverage and it is always best to first check with USB and second to have USB include proposed media coverage in the firm offer to the speaker.

Q: What happens if there is an emergency or the speaker has to cancel?

A: You will have our emergency contact phone number and we have experience solving unforeseen challenges. We are committed to making sure that your event goes as planned and are prepared to bring all our resources to bear to quickly and permanently resolve any challenge at hand.

• In the rarest of events that a speaker cancels (when it has happened, usually due to a severe illness) we can call upon our extensive resources of the world’s finest speakers and find a suitable and respectable substitute.
  
• In the event you need to reschedule your event due to some “act of God,” we will work with you to find a mutually agreeable date.
  

Q: Why should I start a relationship with United Speakers Bureau?

A: Simple, our goals are the same. You want the very best speaker for your event and we want the very best speaker for your event. We have been in the audience and watched hundreds of speakers over the years and we know what it feels like to be an audience member and to have an amazing experience. We have produced numerous events and we know what it feels like when you hit a home run for your audience, your organization and your boss. It feels wonderful! When you partner with United Speakers Bureau you are on the path to success. We want to build a strong long lasting relationship with you; we want to be the company you call when it has to be done right the first time. It is our job to make your job effortless.