Business & Marketing

What are the costs of hiring a professional speaker?

Keynote or motivational speakers’ prices can be very different depending on their experience and how long they are speaking at the conference or event.

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David Caruso

Keynote or motivational speakers’ prices can be very different depending on their experience and how long they are speaking at the conference or event.

The majority of professional speakers (non-celebrities) prices range from $1,500 to about $30,000 for an event.

It is important to take into consideration what you’re hoping to gain from a keynote speaker before hiring.

It was reported by Global Speaker that many professional speakers charge around $2,500 to $7,500 for a 90-minute presentation and breakout sessions, which are usually smaller and a more intensive discussions held at a conference.

However celebrities and skilled authors often charge up to $50,000 or sometimes more to speak at an event.

What are you getting for your money?

A keynote speaker will convey the initial message at a conference. Furthermore a keynote speaker will set the stage for the rest of the event and has the ability to communicate creative ideas through a vibrant delivery in order to teach and arouse conference attendees.

In addition by hiring a keynote speaker; they may also be available to lead workshops or, interacting with conference attendees on a more personal level. Therefore you are getting your money’s worth by hiring a keynote speaker

What is the cost of shopping for a keynote speaker?

A speaker’s bureau is a good resource for choosing and hiring a keynote speaker. These organizations keep relationships with a variety of speakers.

They will secure negotiating contracts on the clients behalf. Normally there will not be any extra cost to a client who purchases or books a speaker through a speaker’s bureau.

This is because the speaker will pay a fee to the bureau for the referral.

Questions

Speaker cost questions

Most professional speakers who aren't celebrities charge somewhere between about $1,500 and $30,000 per event. David's keynotes mostly fall between $3,500 and $5,000 AUD.

Experience, demand, how long they speak, how much preparation the event needs, and how far they have to travel.

Often $50,000 or more for a single presentation. You're paying for the name as much as the content.

With some speakers, yes. David quotes per engagement, so his fee is generally the same for 25 minutes or 90.

A smaller, more hands-on session that runs alongside the main program. It's usually more of a discussion than a talk.

The time on stage, plus everything behind it. That means learning about your audience and tailoring the content, and the travel time to get there.

Usually. With David, flights and accommodation are added to the quote when your event needs them.

It can be. If the audience leaves with nothing they can use, you've also paid for everyone's time in the room.

Start with the outcome you want and the size of the audience. Divide the fee by the number of attendees and it often looks very different.

Often, because it runs longer and needs more preparation. David quotes workshops individually.

Many can. Booking one speaker for both is often better value than two separate speakers.

The audience uses what they heard. If people are still talking about it, and doing something about it, a month later, the fee was worth it.

Some do. With David, recording is one of the things that goes into the quote.

As soon as you have a date. David replies within 24 hours, so it costs nothing to ask early.

Flights, accommodation, AV and any recording. Ask each speaker exactly what their quote includes.

It can, because it's extra preparation. It's also one of the best ways to make sure the talk fits the room.

Check what each one includes: a briefing call, tailored content, travel, recording. A lower fee with less tailoring isn't cheaper if the talk misses.

The same band, $3,500 to $5,000 AUD, without travel days in the quote.

Workshops are quoted individually, depending on length, preparation and travel. Ask on the speaking page.

Fill in the form on the speaking page. You'll get availability and a quote within 24 hours, with no obligation.

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