Become a Professional Speaker: How to Join a Speakers Bureau

Are you looking to become a professional speaker and build your presence with one of the leading Canadian speakers bureaus? Want to learn how to get speaking engagements and to become a motivational speaker? At Speakers Bureau of Canada, we receive a high volume of requests from professionals who want to apply to be a speaker and secure more opportunities to get speaking engagements. Because of this, we are selective in curating our roster, focusing on speakers and talent connected to Canada who can deliver meaningful impact for Canadian audiences. If you are not Canadian, do not have ties to Canada, or are not planning to move here, you are still welcome to send us your information, and we will keep your details on file for future consideration.

For those who are aspiring to become a professional speaker, there are key steps that help build a strong foundation. Developing expertise in a subject area and pairing it with lived experience creates a base for credibility and authenticity. Crafting a compelling story and learning to share it in an engaging, structured way is equally important, as strong storytelling lies at the heart of every memorable presentation. Building a professional speaker application requires clear topic descriptions, a polished biography, and video clips that showcase your style, energy, and ability to connect with audiences. Establishing a presence through social media, publishing articles, or writing a book also helps demonstrate thought leadership and attracts attention from event organizers and bureaus.

At Speakers Bureau of Canada, we welcome motivated professionals who are ready to apply to be a speaker, get listed as a keynote speaker, and explore speaking career opportunities with one of the most respected speakers bureaus in Canada. We encourage applications from those who are seeking keynote speaker opportunities in Canada, professionals looking to work with a speakers bureau, or individuals hoping to join a speaker agency as part of their career growth. Each applicant is reviewed not just for their speaking skills but also for their ability to connect with audiences, adapt to different industries, and align with the high standards we uphold across the industry.

Should I Join a Speakers Bureau and What Are the Benefits?
Joining a speakers bureau can be highly beneficial if your goal is to secure more speaking engagements and grow your career as a professional speaker. A bureau connects you with corporations, associations, nonprofits, and government organizations that you may not be able to access on your own. They handle inquiries, contracts, negotiations, and payments, allowing you to focus on preparing and delivering presentations. Bureaus also promote you through their website, marketing channels, and client networks, which increases your visibility and credibility. The best speakers bureaus look for speakers who can inspire, educate, and create impact, and in return they provide representation, industry relationships, and streamlined booking processes. For many speakers, the main benefits include increased demand, more consistent opportunities, and the support of experienced agents who are invested in long-term career growth.

• Access to new events across multiple industries and sectors and bookings to corporations, associations, governments, and nonprofits you otherwise would not get.
• Join a network of speakers and agents that are invested in your career and committed to securing opportunities.
• Increased visibility, credibility, and industry reach from being associated with a nationally respected Canadian speakers bureau.
• Access to established relationships with event planners and decision makers.
• Opportunities to be matched with events that align with your expertise and story.
• Promotion through our website, marketing channels, and client outreach.
• Professional management of inquiries, contracts, negotiations, and bookings.
• Streamlined booking and event management processes that reduce administrative burden and maximize opportunities.
• Secure and efficient polices and processes that standardize travel, fees and your commitments for each event.
• Guidance in refining your profile, topics, and positioning for audiences.
• Representation that supports your career growth and long-term speaker development.
• Momentum from successful engagements that increase future demand for your expertise.

How to Apply to the Speakers Bureau of Canda?

If you are passionate about influencing others, inspiring audiences, and sharing your expertise on stage, now is the time to take the next step in your journey to become a professional speaker. By applying with Speakers Bureau of Canada, you will have the opportunity to join a roster that connects thought leaders with organizations across industries, creating lasting impact through every presentation.

The path to becoming a professional speaker with a speakers bureau starts with a strong application. Please be patient as we carefully review all submissions and connect with potential candidates who are the right fit for our roster. Due to the high volume of requests, we kindly ask that you do not call our head office or submit through alternate forms or email addresses. If you know speakers already represented by us, an introduction from them will help streamline your professional speaker application and increase your chances of being reviewed more quickly.

Speaker Application Instructions
To apply, please send the following materials to representation@speakerscanada.com

Application Required Materials

• Contact Information: (Name, Mobile Phone, Email)
• Website Link:
• Biography in the third person (300–600 words)
• Topic Descriptions (Title + Subtitle + 300 words per topic)
• Speaking Video Links: (promo videos, speaking footage)
• Video or Audio Media Links: (media interviews, podcasts, projects or appearances)
• Written Links: (books, whitepapers, written articles)
• Social Media Handles & # of Followers: (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube)
• Years of Paid Speaking:
• Frequency of Bookings Per Month:
• Average Fee for Bookings:
• Current Fee Schedule:
• Current Location: (City, Province/State)

Application Important Questions

• Are you listed on any other bureaus or agencies? If so, please describe.
• Are you currently employed full time? If so, please describe.
• Do you know any other professional speakers on our roster? (names separated by commas)
• Any other important career experience or background information we should know about you or your speaking?
• What are your goals and aspirations for you as a professional speaker?
• How did you hear about us?

What do Speaker Bureaus Look for in Professional Speakers?

At Speakers Bureau of Canada, we seek speakers who can inspire, educate, and create meaningful impact. To give each application a fair review, we ask that you provide as much background information as possible. Speaker applicants who follow the application instructions carefully will have the best chance of being considered. We want to learn about your unique experiences, your speaking style, and your ability to deliver content that resonates with audiences. Whether your goal is to book speaking engagements, become a keynote speaker, or begin your journey to become a professional speaker, we encourage you to share your story in detail.

We recognize that applicants are at different stages of their speaking careers. Some may be asking how to become a professional speaker or how to get started in public speaking, while others may already be established and looking for new opportunities to expand their reach through a Canadian speakers bureau. Whatever stage you are in, our application process is designed to understand your background, your goals, and how you can contribute to the quality and diversity of our roster. As a leading speakers bureau in Canada, we look for professional speakers who combine lived experience, subject matter expertise, and compelling stories with the ability to translate knowledge into relevant insights. The strongest applicants bring unique stories and authentic perspectives that connect with diverse audiences in a way that feels both meaningful and memorable.

Storytelling is central to what makes a presentation impactful. We value speakers with strong storytelling ability who can deliver engaging presentations that not only capture attention but also provide actionable outcomes for audiences. The capacity to offer practical takeaways and strategies ensures that each event delivers lasting value to participants. Equally important is professionalism and reliability. Successful speakers manage themselves with integrity, demonstrate accountability in their commitments, and collaborate with our bureau to promote their work as part of our brand. This partnership helps strengthen both the speaker’s presence and our collective impact within the industry.

We also seek adaptability. The most effective professional speakers can tailor their content and presentations to meet the needs of different audiences, industries, and changing market demands. This flexibility allows them to remain relevant and impactful across a wide range of events. Finally, we look for passion and purpose. A genuine commitment to public speaking and a desire to influence positive change are qualities that set apart the best keynote speakers. When combined with experience, authenticity, and adaptability, these traits ensure that a speaker can inspire, educate, and make a meaningful difference at every engagement.

What Does a Speakers Bureau Look for When Hiring a Speaker to Join the Roster?
When a speakers bureau considers hiring a speaker to join its roster, they look for professional speakers who can inspire, educate, and create measurable impact. Keynote speakers are evaluated for storytelling ability, subject matter expertise, authenticity, and credibility through lived experience, certifications, or achievements. Audience demand, reputation, and recognition strengthen appeal, while professionalism, reliability, and collaboration ensure smooth partnerships. Adaptability across formats, passion for public speaking, and a commitment to positive change make a speaker a strong fit. These qualities position a speaker as a valuable addition to the roster and open opportunities for bookings, visibility, and long-term growth.

Audience Impact

• Ability to inspire, educate, and create meaningful impact.
• Strong storytelling skills that engage audiences and deliver memorable presentations.
• Unique experiences and authentic perspectives expressed through a compelling personal story.
• Capacity to provide actionable insights, practical strategies, and measurable outcomes.
• Dedication to driving positive change and delivering lasting impact at every engagement.

Delivery & Style

• Effective use of engagement tools, stage presence, and delivery techniques that create memorability.
• Humour, high energy, imagination, and audience interaction that enhance engagement.
• Adaptability to tailor presentations to diverse audiences, industries, and event formats.
• Presence in different session formats, including keynotes, workshops, and panels.

Expertise & Credibility

• Subject matter expertise supported by lived experience and proven credibility.
• Speaker demand, popularity, and recognition within industries and audiences.
• Certifications, education, career highlights, awards, and notable achievements.
• Authenticity that builds trust and meaningful connection with audiences.

Professionalism & Partnership

• Professionalism, reliability, and accountability demonstrated in every commitment.
• Easy to work with and committed to continuous improvement.
• Willingness to collaborate with our bureau to strengthen opportunities and visibility.
• Commitment to promoting both yourself and our agency as partners in success.
• Values aligned with the mission and vision of our organization.
• Passion and purpose that reflect a genuine dedication to public speaking.
• Alignment with our growth strategies and collaboration with our team.