Speaker Fees
An external perspective is one of the most effective ways to spark meaningful change within an organization or among individuals. Professional speakers bring expertise, lived experience, and fresh insight that inspire new ways of thinking and motivate action. Because the speaker shapes the most memorable part of the event, their role should be regarded as one of the most important investments. The value of a speaker extends beyond their time on stage, with fees reflecting their career success as well as the preparation, customization, and connection required to engage and impact your audience. As speakers have fees for different events, audiences, and formats, it is essential for organizations to understand how costs are determined, what is included in the cost and how to maximize the return on this investment.
How much should an organization spend for a professional speaker?
- Organizations typically allocate 10%–30% of the event budget to the speaker
- The speaker is the primary investment as they create the attendee experience
- Budgets should be set early with leadership to research and secure the right speaker
- The speaker’s value is to inspire, engage, and empower attendees to create lasting impact and change
Do speakers charge more through a speakers bureau or agency?
- Speakers charge the same fee through a bureau as they do when booked directly.
- Our Services are free to clients, as the bureau takes a small percentage of the speaker’s fee and does not add costs to the client.
- Speakers accept this commission in exchange for booking management and access to opportunities they may not secure otherwise.
What are the benefits of booking speaker through a bureau?
- Industry expertise to qualify opportunities and confirm event details
- Screened talent evaluated for fees, expertise, and delivery ability before booking
- Guidance to align session structure with audience and goals
- Strategic communications aligned with planning processes
- Anonymity maintained between clients and speakers until a decision is made
- Management of inquiry, negotiations, scheduling, placeholders and travel coordination
- Leverage of relationships to secure value and favorable rates
- B2B transactions with contractual safeguards and flexibility
- Centralized invoicing and simplified payment process
- Streamlined processes from start to finish
- Event management to ensure delivery and reduce risk
- Speaker replacement support if required
Is it cheaper to hire a speaker to present for less time?
- In most cases, no. A 20-minute session often costs the same as a 60-minute presentation
- Speakers generally do not charge by the time they present at the event
- Shorter presentations can require more precision, planning, and preparation
- Some speakers may be flexible with rates for smaller commitments, but many charge the same as for a standard keynote
- Speaker fees are not based solely on presentation length; each speaker approaches rates differently
- Sessions outside the 45–60-minute range often require additional research, content selection, and rehearsal
- Every presentation, regardless of length, reflects a full process of preparation, storytelling, and strategy — the delivery is simply the final ste
How much do speakers cost from a speakers bureau in Canada?
- Emerging speakers: $3,000–$5,000
- Experienced speakers: $5,000–$20,000
- High-demand speakers: $20,000–$50,000
- Premium and celebrity speakers: $50,000–$250,000
- Average bookings: $7,500 -$20,000
- Virtual presentations, local events and certain organizations often access reduced rates.
- All fees are exclusive of tax and travel where applicable.
Travel Expenses
- Taxes and travel expenses are often not included in a speaker fee as speakers must be compensated for their travel
- Travel rates are determined based on the speaker’s location to and from the event location
- Travel rates are determined by industry standards and are set each year by the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA)
- For international events, additional costs such as visas, extended travel days, and higher travel rates may apply and should be planned into the budget
- For further information: https://speakerscanada.com/travel-expenses-policy
Presentation Formats
- Base Rate: 20–60 minutes keynotes, 30-60 minutes fireside chats are the same cost as 60-120 minutes workshops
- Half Day Rate: Half day emcee duties, keynote plus breakouts, or half-day workshops (3-4 hours total, not including breaks)
- Full Day Rate: Full workshops or full-day emcee assignments (5-6 hours total, not including breaks)
- Moderators & Emcees: Often charge half-day or full-day rates with discounts for multiple sessions or days
- For further information: https://speakerscanada.com/speaker-presentation-session-formats/
Additional Costs
- Modest increase for additional sessions on the same day, including half-day or full-day workshops]
- Larger increase for additional sessions on different days, with discounts applied for multiple bookings
- Audio-visual, staging, and production are provided by the Host
- Travel, per diems, and accommodation outside normal ranges may add to costs
- Workshops may require additional fees for materials or workbooks
- International events may add costs for currency exchange, visas, insurance, or administration
- Books and online training are purchased separately, with bulk order rates available
- External broadcasting, rebroadcasting, or licensing requires additional fees
What is included in the cost when I book a speaker?
- Speakers Bureau of Canada’s services
- Pre-event planning calls to align with goals and audience needs
- Customized content tailored to the event’s theme and objectives
- Research and preparation time
- Development of session materials and learning outcomes
- Rehearsals or AV checks on the same day
- Delivery of the agreed session format with audience engagement
- Permission for internal recording or livestreaming for participants who could not attend as per the terms and conditions of agreement
- Some speakers provide take away sheets, door prizes and include workbooks within the fee
Maximize value beyond presentation
- Schedule breakout sessions or roundtables to extend audience engagement
- Arrange meet and greet or book signing opportunities
- Capture the session through recording or livestream with speaker approval
- Leverage the speaker’s expertise in marketing or promotion for event visibility through custom promo videos inviting attendees, event recap videos for social media posts
- Request or purchase merchandise, online training or book packages as part of the engagement
- Involve the speaker in meals, networking sessions, or informal gatherings with attendees or leadership
Are speakers flexible with their fees?
- Many speakers are flexible and open to negotiation.
- Some events and organizations access discounts between 20% to 50% of their base rate.
- In general, speakers usually do not discount their fees below 50% of their base rate.
- especially when value is created through local bookings, multiple sessions, or added exposure
- Nonprofits, virtual events, and small audiences often access discounted rates
- High-demand speakers or those with busy schedules are less negotiable with their fees
- Negotiations should take place early in the planning process to secure availability and value
Speakers Bureau of Canada fee negotiations
- We align speaker recommendations with event goals, format, and budget
- Discounts may be secured when clear event details, audience insights, and logistics are presented
- Speakers consider organization type, audience size, presentation length, and location when assessing flexibility
- We provide revised speaker options within your budget when negotiation is required
- Transparent budget information is key to securing the best possible outcome
How to save costs?
- Book early to secure better access to availability and rates
- Combine multiple sessions, book a speaker for multiple events or book multiple speakers through the same bureau to reduce fees
- Choose virtual formats, local speakers, or flexible scheduling to lower costs
- Access reduced rates offered by some speakers for nonprofits, schools, or government organizations
- Trade video, client lists, referrals or testimonials for fee