The Speakers Group

Speakers Bureau, Motivational Keynote Speakers, Speaker Marketing

  • Book A Speaker
    • Top Kickoff Speakers for 2025
    • Top Resilience Speakers for 2025
    • Columbus Keynote Speakers
    • Nashville Keynote Speakers
    • Chicago Keynote Speakers
    • Cincinnati Keynote Speakers
  • Are You A Speaker?
  • Blog
  • Contact
    • About

MPI One+ Article Addresses Managing Speaker Costs

By TSG

The online edition of MPI’s June 2009 One+ magazine includes an article about how meeting and event professionals can manage speaker costs in the current economic climate: “Talk Ain’t Cheap: How to secure a speaker for your event with as little fiscal pain as possible.” Robert Farmer, author of the article, writes:

For planners, the art becomes how to contain speaker costs. Indeed, there are methods in which savvy planners can manage the cost of their keynotes, while also delivering a program about which their clients will surely be talking. The trick is to work with speakers and their agents to ensure both parties get what they need from the deal.

The article also includes insights from Sam Silverstein, president of the National Speakers Association, Marc Reede, president of Nationwide Speakers, and The Speakers Group’s own founder and president, Shawn Ellis. Ellis spoke of how some speakers are helping planners by discounting their fees, while others are doing so by adding value to their engagements:

“…I think the value-added element is what’s really occurring these days, and there is a wide range of ways in which that can play out. Speakers are offering everything from follow-up webinars along with their keynotes to doing breakout sessions and offering more in terms of takeaways.” [This is the essence of The Speakers Group’s ROI Speakers initiative.]

While “adding value” doesn’t take money off the top of a speaker’s fee, it does have financial benefits to planners, which is discussed in the article as well our “Think Added Value” blog post here.

In the end, Farmer hits the nail on the head when he writes, “Cooperation among planners and speakers remains the key to success on both ends.” Read the full “Talk Ain’t Cheap” article on MPI’s web site here.

Filed Under: Blog, Book Review, Event Management, Planner Tips Tagged With: how to negotiate with speakers, increase meetings ROI, meetings and ROI, ROI speakers

Keyword Search

Check Speaker Availability

  • MM slash DD slash YYYY
    It's your booking, your way! You choose if you want the full support of The Speakers Group, or if you prefer to work directly with the speaker.

Our Clients Speak

I’ve had the privilege of working with many great speakers and speakers agencies through the years and my experience with you ranks among the best. You’re never pushy, always friendly, and you make sure every little detail is in place to help me create a successful event. You are a true pro!

Featured Speakers

Derrick Moore NFL Sports Speaker$10,000-14,999Derrick MooreFormer NFL Player, Developer of Extraordinary TeamsView Speaker
Motivational Keynote Speaker Shawn Ellis$10,000-14,999Shawn EllisThe Keynote Speaker Who Helps Leaders and Teams Adapt & Thrive Through ChangeView Speaker
Olympic Motivational Speaker Shannon Miller$15,000-24,999Shannon MillerMost Decorated Olympic Gymnast in American History and author of It’s Not About Perfect: Competing for My Country and Fighting for My LifeView Speaker

Erik Wahl Artist Keynote Speaker$25,000-40,000Erik WahlKeynote Speaker on Innovation, Creativity & LeadershipView Speaker

The “Elevating Thought Leadership” Blog

  • How to Lead Through Uncertainty: Insights from Top Keynote Speakers
  • Frankie Russo Keynote Speaker Video: Unlocking Limitless Growth in Business and Life
  • Creativity on Stage: Erik Wahl’s Keynote Inspires Innovation and Disruption
  • The Keynote Every Event Needs in 2025: Adapt & Thrive with Shawn Ellis
  • Introducing “Mastering the Moments”: A New Book by The Speakers Group’s Founder, Shawn Ellis

About The Speakers Group

More than a Speakers Bureau — We’re a Connection Platform.
The Speakers Group was founded by a speaker, for speakers. Rather than managing thousands of names, we carefully curate and elevate mission-driven thought leaders. Whether you’re planning an event or growing your speaking brand, we’re here to help you move ideas that matter. [Learn More …]

Let’s Connect

By Phone: (614) 285-6171
By Email: Click Here

Copyright © 2003 - 2025 The Speakers Group Inc. · All rights reserved · Powered by Eugen Oprea