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Will the speakers do more than just a presentation? For example, will they attend a dinner or reception as well?
Most speakers will participate in functions beyond the speech, but the extent varies by speaker. That said, all arrangements for signings, photo opportunities, Q&A sessions, etc. must be included in the firm offer. WSB is happy to work with you to craft a program that fits your needs and those of the speaker.

Is it possible to record the speaker's presentation?
Most speakers approve recording for archival purposes, but every speaker is different, and some are sensitive about taping. In all cases, you need to ask permission from WSB before recording of any kind. Please contact WSB if you have a specific need in mind.
Do I have to arrange travel for the speaker?
Our nationally recognized staff of Event Coordinators will assist you with all travel plans, and will book many of the logistics for you. They work with you to ensure that the arrangements suit your timeline and event needs.
What is the benefit of working with a speaker's exclusive lecture agency?
As the exclusive agency for a speaker, we have direct access to that speaker with no middleman, and all speaking requests go through our office. More importantly, this means that we know the speakers better than anyone, and can advise you as to the best way to utilize them for your program. WSB has the largest exclusive roster of any lecture bureau.
Now that we've selected a speaker we want to invite, how do we proceed?
The next step in the process is to extend a firm offer. This is done using a form that we provide to you so that you understand all of the terms of our contract and know that you can agree to them. Once the offer is accepted, a contract is drawn up based on the terms of the offer; from there on out WSB handles all the details. We issue the contract to the speaker and coordinate all of the details, including travel and accommodation requirements. It's as simple as that.
Do your speakers have a college/university fee?
Very few speakers offer a reduced fee for college and university programs. Please keep in mind that the time it takes for the speaker to participate in a college/university event is generally longer than it is for a corporate program.
Is it possible to book a speaker with a fee that includes all expenses?
WSB is willing to work with you up front to give you expense estimates and build these into the honorarium if required by your University. In addition, a few of our speakers offer inclusive fees; please contact WSB for a list of these speakers.

How far in advance do we need to book our speaker?
Speakers can be booked at any time depending on availability. We recommend that you book six months to one year in advance in order to secure the speaker and date of choice.

Do speakers accept pro-bono invitations?
WSB represents our speakers for all of their paid speaking engagements. Many of our speakers will participate in pro-bono events; however, these requests are submitted through personal contacts or charities that they already support.
Can media cover our event?
It depends on the individual speaker; please call WSB to discuss the details of your event to find an appropriate speaker.
Why book a speaker with WSB?
There are a number of great reasons to book a speaker with WSB. Here are just a few of them:
  • We brainstorm with you to identify popular program ideas and the best speaker options.
  • WSB experts research new or hard-to-find speakers that match your budget, theme and event date.
  • You'll be provided with speakers' information, including biographies, videos, web page information, recommendation letters and feature articles for your review and promotional purposes.
  • We check the availability of each speaker you are interested in and confirm fees, programs, etc.
  • WSB handles contract negotiations, contract terms and invoicing.
  • Our nationally recognized event coordinators are specifically assigned to your event to ensure that every detail is covered. They are available 24/7 to help with travel emergencies and will work with you to customize an event profile that will outline your event so that you know the speaker is aware of all aspects of the program.
  • We will provide back-up talent in the unlikely event that your speaker cancels due to unavoidable circumstances.


 

Addendum: Speaker-specific guidelines that are added to the contract. This document is signed along with the more general contract and is enforceable by law.

Contract: A signed agreement between WSB, the speaker and the client, which outlines details relating to an engagement and is enforceable by law.

Exclusive: "Exclusive" speakers are represented by only one agency. Other agencies and production companies must book that speaker through the exclusive agency, and only the exclusive agency communicates directly with the speaker. Clients do not pay more for a speaker regardless of the speaker's exclusive arrangement.

Expenses: Expenses include roundtrip airfare (as required by speaker), roundtrip ground transportation in the event city and speaker's home city, hotel accommodations, meals and incidentals. The client is responsible for paying the cost of all expenses, but some expenses may be included in the speaker's honorarium.

Firm Offer: A document that includes specific details regarding the event to which the speaker is being invited. This document also briefly outlines contractual obligations regarding payment and cancellation terms. It must be signed by someone who accepts, understands and agrees to the financial obligations. It is a binding document - if the speaker accepts the firm offer, the event is considered booked.

Letter of invitation (LOI): A written or printed communication directed to a specific speaker asking him or her to attend a particular engagement. And LOI includes: details about the event, information on the organization, reasons why you've chosen that speaker, and historical background. It accompanies the firm offer form.

Speaker Hold: Date or dates reserved on a speaker's calendar. A hold implies no obligation to book the speaker, nor is it a guarantee that a speaker will accept an offer should one be presented.

Territorial exclusivity: A request that applies to open, public-ticketed events only. The speaker will agree not to accept an offer for a live, in-person public ticketed event that will occur within a 25-mile (major cities) or 50-mile (smaller cities) radius of the venue 60 days prior to the date of your event. Exclusivity must be requested in writing on the firm offer and approved by the speaker.

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