Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?

Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.

Is it less expensive to hire a speaker for a virtual event than for an in-person event?

Virtual speaking appearances can indeed offer cost savings compared to in-person events. Virtual speaking rates are often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates due to factors such as reduced travel expenses and logistics. This makes virtual events a cost-effective alternative for organizations looking to book speakers within a budget.

What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?

Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.

Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?

The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.

Travel expenses and other costs

Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.

Deposits and securing a booking

Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.

Additional tips and takeaways

Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates. There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech. Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization. When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down. Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker. Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership. Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms. Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

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Toby Shapshak: Innovation Technology

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Travels from: Johannesburg

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Toby Shapshak writes and speaks about how innovation is better in Africa. His TED talk on how Africa is solving real problems has had over 1,4-million views; and he has been featured in the New York Times. He is the editor-in-chief and publisher of Stuff magazine; is a contributor to Forbes and writes a weekly column for the Financial Mail.

He has been co-hosting a weekly TV show on CNBC Africa for the past two years.

He believes Africa is a mobile-driven continent, about which he has written for CNN, The Guardian in London and for Forbes. He is writing a book on innovation in Africa, looking at how the problems Africa is solving for itself will benefit the rest of the world.

Toby has spoken at the South by South West (SxSW) conference in Austin, Texas, (thrice) on how mobile is being used in Africa (2013) and how music is being consumed (2014); and The Guardian’s Activate: Johannesburg on innovation out of necessity.

He has also spoken at Intel’s IDF conference in San Francisco, Germany’s Zukunftskongress (Future Congress), TEDxGateway in Mumbai, Pivot East in Nairobi, and Tech4Africa in Joburg.

Toby Shapshak – Innovation Technology

Toby was named in GQ’s top 30 men in media and the Mail & Guardian newspaper’s 300 influential young South Africans list; and has been the ICT Journalist of the Year. GQ said he “has become the most high-profile technology journalist in the country” while the M&G wrote: “Toby Shapshak is all things tech… he reigns supreme as the major talking head for everything and anything tech.”

As a news and political journalist, he ran Mail & Guardian newspaper’s website when it was the first news site in Africa, shadowed Nelson Mandela when he was president, and covered the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Toby Shapshak has interviewed a range of tech industry luminaries, including Apple co-founders Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak.

Formerly a senior newspaper reporter covering everything from crime to politics, he has been writing about innovation, telecoms and the internet and the impact it has on our lives for more than 20 years; including the Sunday Times, Business Day, Mail & Guardian, The Financial Mail, The Times, City Press, ThisDay, and The Weekender.

Toby Shapshak was named in GQ’s top 30 men in media and the Mail & Guardian newspaper’s 300 influential young South Africans list; and has been the ICT Journalist of the Year.

GQ said he “has become the most high-profile technology journalist in the country” while the M&G wrote: “Toby Shapshak is all things tech… he reigns supreme as the major talking head for everything and anything tech.”

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Leeanda Reddy won a South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) in 2016 for Best Lead Actress in a Soap. She is a popular screen and stage actress, well known for her role as Priyanka Kumar on SABC 3’s Isidingo. Her film credits include featuring alongside Naomi Watts in Diana, a supporting role alongside Boris […]

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Toby Shapshak: Innovation Technology

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Toby Shapshak – Innovation Technology

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