Helpful information for booking a speaker

The following information is helpful for booking David Sandusky (or anyone else for that matter). 

1. Determine the needs of your audience 

Knowledge of the needs of your group is essential in selecting if David is a fit for your event and which topic(s) are appropriate. Does your meeting require that the audience leave with specific program information and follow-up for sustainable success? Do you need someone to motivate the group?  Does the audience appreciate involvement or prefer to sit and listen

2. Establish your date, time and budget 

Contact us as soon as the date for your meeting is set. We can book engagements up to a year in advance and should at minimum consider two months time to properly promote and establish materials for the event – depending on size and target market of the event.

Consider the length for the overall program and how many speakers/topics are planned.  The flow of the program is important to consider as well.

Factor in the fee you are willing or able to pay for all expenses related to the event.  Consider that you are not only paying for the time of the speakers but also for the hours spent researching, preparing and customizing the presentation. I can be flexible on fees depending on customization, marketing time, location and other factors. Sample options to consider:

·                     travel arrangements and transportation

·                     accommodations and meals, fees, reimbursements and payment terms

·                     if the speaker may sell products and if so, how this will be handled;

·                     an agreement on any audio- or videotaping of the presentation;

·                     cancellation policies;

·                     audio/visual requirements;

·                     and legal implications, if any, your contract may contain.

3. I am a resource for you

Share as much information you can about your group or company. This will help me become familiar with your organization, while facilitating a customized presentation if needed

·                                 Send information on anything you think would be helpful in organizing and promoting       the event.

·                                 Provide a clear outline of what you expect.

·                                 Be specific about the size and demographics of your audience.

·                                 Let me know in advance about other speakers for the program so we can work together to add value and not duplicate.

4. Experience

·                     Consider the space, number of chairs and tables with room for writing and how they are arranged. Also consider room temperature and lighting. 

·                     Stay on schedule.

·                     I will provide information for a short introduction and work with the individual who would be introducing me. 

5. Evaluate the results 

Have your audience complete evaluations on the presentation. This will allow you to gauge your results and plan for future programs.  I can help you create one or use my own. 

Promoting the event

After decisions have been made on the details of the event, promoting the right message to the right people is critical to the success of your event.  We are available if needed and can work together on the best message to reach event capacity.

1. Review previous years' promotional budgets and what worked vs. did not work.

2. Determine objectives and scope of program.

3. Determine audience(s): membership, potential exhibitors, an industry or trade, general public.

4. Develop a schedule and strategy for the campaign.

5. Set promotional budget based on characteristics of membership, features of the venue, time of year, type of program, and costs of attendance.

6. Develop promotional materials and media considering a catchy title and direct message, explanation of benefits to attendees, easy means of registering and logistics.

Use your website, calendars and email database to inform and create a buzz. 
E-mail is a great way to promote your event.  Use it to create awareness, remind your members to register. Send them links to information, my related articles and online registration forms.  We can work together to add a personal touch to your attendees and create word of mouth. 

Post-Event
Maximize the benefits and future success of your events by creating an ongoing process.

Send an e-mail to attendees with some value-added links to additional information.

Your members should be able to benefit from the presentation long after it is over, and your group should continue to gain exposure as well. Look for anecdotes from your members about how they were touched or motivated by the session. How do they plan to implement what they have learned? What could be improved?  Collect photos and send them with after-the-event news releases or emails for ongoing exposure and promotion for follow-up events.