I haven’t booked a speaker before. It looks bewildering with so many to choose from – where do I start?
We believe that booking a speaker should be a pleasure, not a chore, so it’s best to phone us. We can save you time, effort and stress by asking the right questions and then offering suggestions. The internet is useful to get ideas – but it’s no substitute for personal experience and detailed knowledge.
Do I have to book a celebrity?
No, although they may be the right choice. It’s best to think about your audience first; about why you’re holding the event; and what you wish to achieve by inviting the speaker. Is it to motivate? Entertain? Share experience? Lead a workshop? Inspire the whole company? And please remember that some very famous people are not great speakers……
What are the costs?
The price depends on many details including the location of your event; the amount of time you wish the speaker to be with you; and the length of time required to prepare (this is especially relevant when the speaker is writing their speech specifically for your event). Please call or email us and we can advise you. If you have a budget in mind, it helps to know that from the beginning. And please don’t think that you must spend a large sum to get an excellent result. Typically, a good speaker for a business event will cost from £2,000 + VAT and expenses for a speech in the UK. Fees for entertainers and comedians vary enormously.
Are there additional costs?
As part of the booking, you are usually required to pay the speaker’s travel expenses and hotel accommodation (if this is required). Travel costs could include chauffeured car, first class train fares, flights or just mileage if the speaker drives to and from your event. To make life simpler, we try – wherever possible – to include the travel costs within the fee, but please check when you book.
How far ahead can/should I book?
We accept bookings at very short notice and also quite a long way ahead. Some speakers will accept more than a year ahead (and this happens with many of our best speakers as people wish to secure a specific date). Others are more easily available at shorter notice. Popular speakers get very booked up well in advance (especially in peak months) so we suggest you don’t leave it too late.
Can I have a pre-event briefing with the speaker I’ve chosen?
Yes – and we would recommend this. We can arrange for you to brief the speaker by phone and we’d ask for full briefing notes from you beforehand. If you wish to meet the speaker in person, and if this is possible, please note that there may be an additional cost as it is taking more of their time.
How does DBA Speakers get paid?
The fee which is quoted to you includes the arrangement between the speaker and DBA Speakers, so you will not get an extra bill from DBA for our services. We do not charge for our advice or our expertise, learned over 25 years.
Can I film the event?
It depends. If your event is confidential, it won’t be appropriate to do so. Speakers are able to speak freely if they know they are not being filmed. You may have to pay additional costs if you do wish to film the speaker, but prior written permission is required in all cases and it must be established what the film footage is to be used for. There may be copyright implications.
What happens when I confirm a booking?
We’ll send you a contract which you sign and return to us. We send identical paperwork to the speaker so that we’re all working with the same information. Please make sure that you read and understand the Terms & Conditions (these are very straightforward and in plain English, so don’t worry!). Some TV celebrities and comedians may also have an additional Rider which is an additional contract with their special requirements and personal preferences.
Are there cancellation fees?
Yes. These are clearly shown on your contract and we’ll be happy to give you details before you book. In some cases, it may be possible to postpone an event to a later date and we can advise about this. One example was when a venue burned down: we worked with the client throughout and simply transferred the booking to the new location with no additional costs at all.
Will my after dinner speaker come to the dinner?
Professional speakers may be happy to do to attend the dinner and meet your guests. Comedians usually decline. Sometimes a speaker may be a surprise for the audience so it’s not appropriate for them to be seen before they are due to perform. If this aspect is integral to your event, it’s best to ask right at the beginning, before you book.
Can you help me with no-fee enquiries?
We regret that we cannot help with requests for no-fee speakers, signed memorabilia, raffle prizes and personal appearances.
DBA Speakers spends considerable time and resources each year on charitable and pro-bono work. Our speakers choose the charities they wish to support.