Leading Authorities Speakers Bureau FAQ Quicklinks
HOW CAN I PREVIEW SPEAKERS?
The easiest way to preview speakers is to visit their individual speaker profile page on the Leading Authorities Website. Our site features video of speeches for more than 1,000 speakers as well as speaker interviews done in our studios. Leading Authorities is also happy to send samples of past speeches on DVDs or as video links straight to your inbox, as requested.
WHAT TYPES OF SPEAKERS DOES LEADING AUTHORITIES SPEAKERS BUREAU REPRESENT?
With one of the largest rosters in the industry, Leading Authorities has speakers to match any topic, budget, or event. Our dynamic voices includes past officials, world leaders, celebrities, entertainers, business leaders, best-selling authors, renowned experts from nearly every field and more
Whether you’re still deciding on your event’s theme or have it set in stone, our speaker topics include every possibility. From an event that targets disruptive technologies to one that centers on motivational techniques, we have the talent you’re looking for to leave your audience wanting more.
Explore our speakers by topic page to search through our extensive list of speakers covering every meeting topic from the hottest new topics all the way to the most traditional and evergreen meeting topics. You can also check out our speakers by type page to see more of our comprehensive lists of speakers that check every type of speaker box you could ask for!
Still not finding what you're looking for? Try searching for speakers using our speaker search functionality and filtering for your specific speaker criteria.
Want a customized list of speaker recommendations? We will do the work for you! Just contact us with your event details and requirements, and we will be happy to supply you with a customized list of great keynote speaker recommendations tailored specifically to your organization and event.
WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL COSTS I CAN ANTICIPATE WHEN I BOOK A SPEAKER?
Typical expenses include the speaking fee, audio visual expenses, travel expenses, accommodations, meals, and incidentals such as tips. Airfare for the speakers is usually first class or full coach (Y Fare).
How do I save money on speaker's travel?
Try booking local keynote speakers close to your meeting site. Leading Authorities works with many speakers throughout the country and world-wide. Our program consultants will help you find the best speaker for your event while staying within a budget. Also, Leading Authorities books many speakers who require only full coach travel or who quote all-inclusive fees that include travel.
So, whether you want to avoid the hassle of booking airfare, ground transportation, and hotels, or simply need to replace a last-minute speaker cancellation, a local speaker is a great option and our team can help you from start to finish. To search for top keynote speakers in your local area, visit our speakers by location page and simply click on the name of the city or country where your meeting or event is taking place for a comprehensive list of local talent options. You can also contact us with your event details and requirements, and we will be happy to supply you with a customized list of great keynote speaker recommendations in the nearby vicinity that are tailored specifically to your organization and event.
How do I access speakers close to major convention cities?
Leading Authorities has hundreds of speakers located close to popular convention cities such as Washington, DC, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Miami, Nashville, New York City, Orlando, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Phoenix, Reno, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Tucson, to name a few. We also have extensive lists of international speakers located in major cities around the world including speakers in and around London and Singapore.
For more information about our local keynote speakers across the globe, to see a list of keynote speakers categorized by location, and to find a local keynote speaker in your city or country, view our speakers by location page.
WHERE DO I GO FOR BIG NAME SPEAKERS?
Leading Authorities speakers bureau is your one-stop shop for the big name speakers that will attract the ideal type of attendees to your event. We give you direct access to the biggest names on today's lecture circuit, including former Presidents, Vice Presidents, Prime Ministers, cabinet secretaries, leading media personalities, best-selling authors, famous sports figures, Hollywood stars, and many more well-known individuals! Our speakers are leading national and international speakers, those on the cutting edge of their professions and areas of expertise. However, there are occasionally some individuals that do not accept speaking engagements, even if other speakers bureaus promote them on their websites and claim to have access to them. If you are looking to book a sitting CEO or a well-known speaker like Mark Zuckerberg or Bill Gates, please read our blog post, Will a Sitting CEO Speak at My Event?
WHERE DO I GO FOR AFFORDABLE SPEAKERS?
Call us at +44 20 3038 4689. Leading Authorities has the top database for affordable speakers, including thousands in the less than $10,000 category. To learn more about booking affordable speakers, please read this blog all about booking affordable, low-budget speakers who deliver.
What if I don't see a speaker listed on your website? Can you still book them for my event?
Of course we can! Leading Authorities speakers bureau featured thousands of keynote speakers and entertainers on our website, but we have access to thousands of other speakers who are not listed on our website. If you are looking for a specific speaker who is not listed on our website, please contact our team as we specialize in placing hard-to-find and in-demand keynote speakers across the country and around the globe, which may not be listed on our website, and we will contact them for you.
WHO ARE SOME OF LEADING AUTHORITIES' CLIENTS?
Leading Authorities’ clients include Fortune 500 companies, top associations and professional societies, (national, international, and regional), leading universities and academic institutions, and civic groups.
What if my speaker has to cancel because of an emergency?
The Leading Authorities team can provide you with a replacement speaker in case of an emergency situation o. With access to literally thousands of great speakers world-wide and a solid web of relationships with agents throughout North America, Leading Authorities can take the stress out of a last-minute cancellation.
What if I need to reach Leading Authorities in an emergency?
Your program consultant and event coordinator are always available to help you. Personal cell phone numbers are given so that you can be in touch with us if anything needs urgent attention.
Can you help me with books?
Yes, we can help you with books. Many of the keynote speakers that we represent are also best-selling authors! Books make great takeaways at events and help attendees remember your organization’s message. In most instances, Leading Authorities can provide you with books at substantial discount over the list price and can deliver them directly to your meeting or event site. We can also help you arrange author book signings and/or book plates. There is no additional charge for this service.
Please reach out to our team to ask if a particular speaker has books available and how we can help you get special pricing on a bulk book order.
WILL THE SPEAKER SIGN BOOKS AND OTHER MEMORABILIA?
Each speaker is different, but most speakers will be glad to sign books and other memorabilia at your event or meeting. However, some speakers have contractual obligations that preclude them from doing so. If you would like a speaker to sign books at your conference, it is very important to let our team know that upfront and to make your requests known as far in advance of your even as possible, and before the contract is signed, to ensure that any special requirements are agreed to in advance and made part of the contract. If a book signing is agreed upon by both parties and included in the contract, we can also help you arrange the logistics around the author book signings and/or book plates. There is no additional charge for this service.
Can you help with a satellite or webcast?
Yes. Leading Authorities works with partners in Washington and around the globe to deliver satellite video conferencing. We have arranged video conferences in North America and to sites internationally.
What is an exclusive speaker?
An exclusive speaker is someone who signs an exclusive representation agreement with an agent. Leading Authorities represents many speakers exclusively, and work with the agents of others to bring you access to virtually every speaker in the market. Click here to see a full list of our exclusive speakers.
For more information on the difference between exclusive and non-exclusive representation of speakers, click here.
DOES LEADING AUTHORITIES PROVIDE EXCLUSIVE SPEAKER REPRESENTATION?
Yes. We are very proud to represent many exclusive keynote speakers, who include former world leaders, leading business people, political personalities, well-known figures from the media, best-selling authors, military heroes, cutting-edge innovators and disruptors, and many more. We are very selective in our recruitment of exclusive speakers and make certain that they meet an overwhelming need for our clients. To see a full list of our exclusive speakers, click here.
How are speaking fees determined?
Speaking fees are usually a function of how well-known the speaker is, the amount of travel required, and the length of the presentation. Famous people, best-selling authors, and other high profile speakers command higher fees. These normally range from $10,000 to $100,000. Keynote presentations are normally priced less than half-day or full-day presentations. And local presentations are frequently less expensive than assignments requiring the speaker to travel.
Do I pay more for using a speakers bureau?
No! In most instances, speakers pay bureaus a commission on their fee. This means you can enjoy free consulting service, independent recommendations, a high level of event coordination, plus many additional services at no additional cost to you.
ONCE I CHOOSE A SPEAKER FROM LEADING AUTHORITIES SPEAKERS BUREAU, WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
Simply put, the best service in the industry. When clients begin planning their events, a Leading Authorities program consultant works with them to design the best program by learning about their organizations and understanding the business behind their meeting. Because our program consultants are well versed in the hot issues of the day, they can provide tailored research for each client and make recommendations that stay in line with the budget, theme, and location. These professionals are dedicated to packaging the perfect blend of speakers, entertainment, and production to create a winning event. As the liaison between they talent and the client, Leading Authorities’ event coordinators make sure that every booking runs like clockwork. This detail-oriented team handles all of our speakers’ logistics and provides a range of services from developing itineraries and scheduling conference calls to managing book purchases and arranging meet-and-greets. By guaranteeing convenient access to your event coordinator at all times, Leading Authorities ensures a smooth and hassle-free event. Leading Authorities will issue you a contract setting the name of the speaker, the event location, the date of the presentation, audio visual requirements, and other important information. The contract requires a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the speaking fee within 14 days of booking your speaker. The balance is due 14 days prior to the event date.
CAN I AUDIO OR VIDEO TAPE THE PRESENTATION?
Many speakers allow video taping of their speech at no additional charge. Some do not wish to be taped or will charge an extra fee. It is important to make your requests known in advance, before the contract is signed, to ensure that any special requirements are agreed to in advance and made part of the contract.
WHAT IS EVENT DESIGN?
Event design is a strategic approach to creating your meeting. Leading Authorities works with all of the stakeholders of your meeting to align your organization’s objectives with event elements and outcomes of your conference. This process includes building customized curriculum, segmenting your audience, optimizing your full budget and that ensures speakers deliver on key objectives for education, CEUs, and core objectives, and creating an integrated marketing plan. For more information, with our Event Advisory Services page.
WHAT IS AN EVENT BRIEF?
The Event Brief captures the ideas, input, concerns, and opportunities from all of the stakeholders in an event (volunteers, staff, senior management, exhibitors, sponsors, etc.) and charts a course from where we are to where we’re going. The Event Brief saves time and money and reduces the friction that can result from so many opinions and differing objectives. The most important outcome of using an Event Brief is that is results in a better meeting.
Do you have an in-house video production team?
Yes! LAI Video, one of three divisions at Leading Authorities, Inc., is a booming, boutique video communications company with an award-winning team of camera personnel, editors, producers, directors, animators, designers, makers, and creative storytellers. Click here to learn more about LAI Video and
WHAT ARE THE TRENDS I SHOULD BE LOOKING AT TO IMPROVE MY MEETING?
Consult with our team of experts and meet the constantly changing trends in business. Learn how your organization can implement “green” practices in your events. Cross the generational divides and engage with audiences including Baby Boomers, Generation X'ers, Generation Y'ers, and millennials. Contact us to learn how to apply adult learning methods and ensure the absorption of your message.
HOW CAN I CREATE AN EVENT THAT MEETS MY BUSINESS OBJECTIVES?
Leading Authorities’ team will meet with your organization and evaluate your organizational goals. Our goal is to partner with you organization and to create an event that ultimately improves your bottom line. Our event can be evaluated and your program content can be organized to achieve your key objectives.
DO YOU PROVIDE DESIGN SERVICES FOR MY MEETING MATERIALS?
Leading Authorities has a design team who is ready to create all of your collateral materials no matter how small or large the project. Consult with our team of experts to create a one-of-a-kind design that will add a polished finish and continuity to your event. Our services include event invitations, digital and web event promotions, and program books.
WHO ARE THE MOST POPULAR KEYNOTE SPEAKERS THAT I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT? AND WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR MEETING TOPICS AND TRENDS THAT I SHOULD HAVE ON MY RADAR?
Check out our official speaker blog posts for updates on the newest and most booked keynote speakers, emcees, moderators, and entertainment options on the circuit, the latest stories in the news, the newest industry t top trending industry trends, and much more.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO STAY UP-TO-DATE ON THE LATEST SPEAKERS BEING ADDED TO OUR ROSTER AND THE LATEST INDUSTRY TRENDS?
Connect with Leading Authorities on social media.
STILL HAVE A QUESTION? NEED SPEAKER ASSISTANCE? CONTACT US!
Do you still have questions? Are you still unsure about how to get a speaker for an event? Want to speak with a member of our team? Contact our team today.
To get in touch with a member of our team right away, you can also fill out the form below, send us an email, live chat with us online, or call us at +44 20 3038 4689.