Understanding the Costs Involved in Booking a Speaker
We don’t charge a fee for finding a speaker through SpeakerMatch. Once you find a match, you negotiate speaking fees and expenses directly with any speakers you choose. Here are some guidelines to help you understand typical costs and budget effectively.
Understanding Speaker Costs
Free Speaking Engagements
While some speakers are willing to speak for free, remember that they are dedicating time to prepare and travel to your event, even if it’s only a short distance. Many of these speakers may have books, products, or services to offer. If you don’t pay a speaking fee or buy materials upfront, at least provide a table at the back of the room for the speaker to make a minor "pitch."
Budgeting for Speakers
Consider a speaker as part of your event’s entertainment. A general rule of thumb is to budget $10-25 per attendee for the speaker’s fee and expenses. The smaller your event, the more you should budget per attendee. This range can vary significantly for seasoned professional speakers, celebrities, and in-demand personalities. Only the top 1% of speakers make more than $10,000 for a one-hour speech.
Minimum Suggested Budget
We recommend budgeting at least $300 for each hour of a speaker's time if possible. If necessary, consider charging attendees, getting a sponsor, or asking for donations. Some speakers already have sponsors that can cover or help defray your costs.
Key Budgeting Points to Consider
- Free Speakers: They might require a table to pitch their products or services.
- Budget per Attendee: Allocate $10-25 per attendee for speaker fees and expenses.
- Professional Fees: Top speakers can command over $10,000 for an hour, but this is rare.
- Minimum Budget: Aim for at least $300 per hour for the speaker.
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