Answers:

• Partnering with Worldwide Speakers Group
• Selecting and Securing a Speaker
• Event Planning, Logistics, and Execution
• Joining Worldwide Speakers Group

Partnering with Worldwide Speakers Group

I’ve never worked with a speaker agency before. What can I expect?

Speaker agencies serve as a resource for anyone in need of a speaker, lecturer, presenter or special performer for an event. Events can range from a series of hands-on workshops for 10 people or a conference hosting 10,000 attendees. Agencies have content experts on staff to bring speaker expertise to the attention of event planners and decision makers. The fees for agency services are included in the speaker's honorarium, so there are no hidden costs to you.

However, WWSG is not your typical speaker agency; we’re more. We work with multitudes of speakers who address various topics and are appropriate for several different event types; we'll work closely with you to find the perfect one for your needs. We’ll also meet with you to discuss your overall goals for the event and how we can assist in meeting (and exceeding!) those objectives. We’re more than a broker; we’re a trusted partner with you every step of the way.

Partnering with WWSG also means you don't have to worry about any unexpected issues – we’ll handle all the details for the speaker’s participation and are available to assist you 24 hours a day. We are committed to ensuring you have the best solution for your event, best speaker for your needs and receive the best service in the industry.
Back to top

How is Worldwide Speakers Group different than other speaker agencies?

Many speaker agencies provide access to renowned speakers and can assist in arranging their appearance at your event. However, their involvement is typically purely transactional and ends there. But with WWSG, you get more than just a broker; you get a trusted partner who understands your needs on a deeper level and works with you to maximize not only the speaker’s participation at your event but the event overall. We’ll go that extra step to provide a solution that achieves your goals and leverages your investment to maximize your ROI. Plus, our unwavering dedication to exceptional client service is unparalleled in the industry. Service and solutions from a trusted partner are what you get with WWSG. Learn more about our process here.
Back to top

Is there an additional cost to using WWSG to secure a speaker?

No. Our fee is included in the speaker’s honorarium, which is the same whether booked through WWSG or directly with a speaker. Thus, you can enjoy strategic consulting services, insightful, independent recommendations, outstanding event coordination and an extraordinary level of service at no additional cost to you.
Back to top

Selecting and Securing a Speaker

I’ve never booked a speaker before. How do I get started?

Contact our agency. With our extensive experience and knowledge of speakers, topics, and what works, we will help you every step of the way. We work closely with you to identify and understand your needs and goals and will help you find not only the right speaker on any given subject but the best speaker for the type of program you are offering and your audience. Our significant experience enables us to give you proven, expert suggestions on subject areas and topics to consider, and solutions for assembling a high-quality, successful speaker appearance.
Back to top

How do I know if a speaker will fit my needs?

While we encourage clients to use our website as a tool to research speakers of interest, there is no better resource than talking to one of our agents directly in order to find the perfect speaker for your exact topic, audience, and budget. Our agents are highly skilled at helping you match the perfect speaker for your event. Whether you need tailored suggestions or if you already have a speaker in mind, our agents will be able to cater to your unique needs.
Back to top

Can I preview a speaker?

The fastest and easiest way to preview speakers is to visit their profile page on the WWSG website. Our site features video of speaker presentations as well as speaker interviews from other sources. WWSG is also happy to send samples of past speeches on DVDs or as video links directly to your email inbox.
Back to top

What are the costs typically involved with hiring a speaker for an event?

The speaker’s honorarium is usually the most significant cost. WWSG represents and works with speakers in all price ranges. To find a speaker that fits your budget, search by fee code in the search box or call us directly to get recommendations and detailed information about an individual speaker's fees.

Other standard expenses typically include first class airfare; hotel accommodations; ground transportation, meals, and incidentals. Occasionally, some of our speakers require additional expenses such as security or expenses for an aide. Your agent will detail the specific expenses required for the individual speaker prior to making any offer so you will be fully aware of all costs.

All expenses for travel coordinated through WWSG are transparent and detailed accounting back-up will be provided. The handling of expenses in a thorough manner is a service in which we pride ourselves.
Back to top

How long will the speaker’s presentation be?

The length of a presentation varies with each speaker and often times, depends on the type of engagement for which the speaker has been hired. In general, speakers provide a one-hour presentation or keynote, which often includes Q&A. Because each speaker has a unique style and content, your agent can best assist you with any specific timing needs or requests for your event.
Back to top

What about a Q&A session?

A 45-minute speech is typically followed by 15 minutes of Q&A. Many speakers, unless otherwise instructed, may go over this time as the Q&A is typically the most exciting and spontaneous part of the event.

Moderated Q&A’s are helpful as they facilitate the dialogue between the speaker and the audience, but they are not required. We encourage you to consult with your agent regarding format as s/he will know what may suit the speaker and your audience best.
Back to top

Will a speaker attend other related events such as VIP receptions, meet and greets, etc?

In addition to a keynote speech and a Q&A session, many speakers will also participate in other activities such as a reception, a meal function, or possibly a book signing, if appropriate. The speaker’s agenda should be clearly outlined as part of a client’s offer to the speaker and then is integrated into the contract once mutually agreed upon by both the client and speaker. WWSG is happy to work with you to craft a program that best fits your needs and those of the speaker.
Back to top

Can I arrange for a speaker consultation or executive briefing?

Yes, WWSG can help you plan for a wide range of activities with any of the thousands of speakers with whom we work. Regardless of the task at hand, WWSG can help. We can find the perfect person to meet with your organization's leaders to provide insights on key challenges to your industry. Our experts will provide a greater context, and provoke a new level of inquiry to reach the heart of the issue and find meaningful solutions. Learn more about this by contacting us directly.
Back to top

What happens once a speaker accepts my offer and a contract is signed?

Once we receive the signed contract back in our office, your event is secured and you will be given a dedicated Event Manager to help you coordinate the logistics of getting the speaker to your event.

Your Event Manager will not only work with you to confirm air travel, hotels and ground transportation, s/he will also help coordinate the approval of any publicity materials, will aid in arranging any needed security, will work with you in coordinating the speaker’s schedule for possible book signings and receptions, and will liaise with you and the speaker to ensure the itinerary is perfect, and that the correct speech topic is communicated.
Back to top

Event Planning, Logistics, and Execution

Can I communicate with my selected speaker prior to my event?

Many of our speakers are available to speak with you directly - both prior to your selection of them as your speaker as well as after the choice has been made. In any case, we will work with you to ensure your program needs are fully communicated to and understood by the speaker.
Back to top

Who handles the speaker’s travel?

Your Event Manager will coordinate with you and the speaker’s office in order to arrange all the travel details and will book many of the logistics for you. S/he will work with you to ensure that the arrangements suit your timeline and event needs.
Back to top

When will the speaker arrive?

Your Event Manager will liaise with you and the speaker’s office to ensure timely travel. If you have an early morning event, the speaker will usually arrive in town the night before. Depending upon travel time, the speaker will often arrive the day of the event for a late morning or evening engagement. Evening engagements usually require an overnight stay.
Back to top

What is the contingency plan if a speaker runs into travel issues such as weather, etc?

Although significant travel interruptions are rare, they do occur. As such, WWSG maps out contingency travel plans for each speaker for every event just in case such an incident should occur. This diligent foresight in planning helps minimize any interruptions that may occur due to weather, transportation issues, etc. WWSG has you covered.
Back to top

What if a speaker has to cancel at the last minute due to an emergency?

WWSG is wholly committed to your success and that of your event. If a speaker must cancel due to an emergency, WWSG will work with you to immediately and effectively resolve the issue. We will help you either reschedule your speaker or find a suitable replacement that fits within your topic and budget. You will have 24-hour access to your Event Manager as well as your Sales Agent in case an emergency should arise.
Back to top

What if I need to contact WWSG in case of emergency?

Your Event Manager and Sales Agent are always available to help you. Personal cell phone numbers are provided so you may contact us should anything at all need urgent attention.
Back to top

Can a speaker’s presentation be recorded?

Many speakers allow taping for archival purposes but some do not wish to be taped or will charge an extra fee. It is important to make your requests known in advance to ensure that any special requirements are agreed to upfront and are integrated into the contract.
Back to top

Are speaker presentations open to the press?

Many speakers will accommodate the host’s wishes for press attendance. In some instances, speakers may request that press not be invited to an event due to the political climate or their personal and/or public endeavors at the time. If press is an important element of your event, you should discuss this with your agent in advance of the offer. S/he will work with you to find an optimal solution that will achieve your goals.
Back to top

Can WWSG help secure books authored by a speaker?

Yes. WWSG will work with you to ensure you have access to the most cost-effective source for securing large quantities of books written by our speakers. In many instances, WWSG can provide you with books at substantial discount over the list price and deliver them directly to your meeting site. We can also help you arrange author book signings and/or book plates to provide a lasting impact of your event for your attendees.
Back to top

Will a speaker autograph books and/or other memorabilia?

Each speaker is unique: some will be more than happy to oblige; others have contractual obligations that preclude them from doing so. Again, it is important to state all your speaker requests in initial conversations so we can ensure that your needs are fully met and included in the contract.
Back to top

Can you arrange a satellite or video conference with a speaker?

Yes. WWSG has partners around the globe to deliver satellite video conferencing. We can help arrange all the logistics associated with these events as well.
Back to top

Joining Worldwide Speakers Group as a Speaker

I’m a professional speaker. Can WWSG represent me?

Worldwide Speakers Group searches the world for the most effective, experienced and established speakers. Our roster is comprised of individuals that we hand-select based on our clients’ needs. If you have the talent and drawing power necessary to be a top-level speaker, we invite you to send us your reel, along with your headshot (s), press clips, fee schedule and availability. We will contact you once we have reviewed your materials and are interested in forming a relationship.

Please note that we receive a significantly high volume of submissions and cannot return materials nor individually respond to each one. However, we assure you that every speaker’s materials will be evaluated and we will contact you should you match our current client needs.
Back to top