Meeting Professionals: FAQ

IASB receives calls from many meeting professionals who are looking to book speakers. Below is a list of frequently asked questions "FAQ's." If after reviewing these questions and answers, you still have questions please feel free to contact the IASB office at 317-328-7790 or email info@iasbweb.org.

Q - How do I find a speakers bureau to help me secure a speaker for any meeting, convention and / or event?
A - On the IASB website click on, "Bureau Locator." This will take you to a searchable database of IASB member bureaus. You may search by bureau name, city, state, or country. Each listing provides the bureau name, address, phone number, fax number, and when available the email and website addresses are listed and linked to the bureau's site.

Q - Why should I work with a speakers bureau to secure a speaker rather than contracting with a speaker directly?
A - You may know what you want to accomplish with your speaker, but don't know who to contact. A bureau is able to secure the right speaker for the right price to meet your needs. Another benefit in working with a speaker bureau is when a speaker must cancel, just before they are to be on the platform. The bureau provides a best-effort search for a replacement speaker.

Q - How much more will it cost to book a speaker through a speakers bureau?
A - Typically, you will pay the same fee for the speaker, when you book him / her through the bureau, as you would if you went directly to the speaker. A few speakers require the bureau to add-on a service fee.

Q - May I book speakers with more than one bureau?
A - As the buyer you may choose to work with any speakers bureau you wish. The exception to this is when you have signed a contract with a bureau stating that you will book all future speakers through that bureau. It is important to understand the contract you sign.

Q - If a speaker has an exclusive contract with a given speakers bureau, must I book the speaker with that bureau?
A - Most "Exclusive Speakers" are available for co-brokering. That means if you wish to book a speaker through a bureau that has an exclusive contract with another bureau, the first bureau usually can co-broker with the bureau that holds the contract.

Q - Why should I book speakers through speakers bureaus that belong to the International Association of Speakers Bureaus (IASB)?
A - Those bureaus that belong to IASB have pledged to conduct their business in accordance to the IASB Code of Ethics. In addition, if there is a problem that a customer is having with a member bureau, the customer may file a complaint with the IASB Ethics Committee.

Q - If I have a bad experience with a speakers bureau that is a member of IASB, what can the association do to assist me with my complaint?
A - IASB has an Ethics Committee that will be happy to look into complaints involving any of its members. Please, file any complaint in writing and send it to info@iasbweb.org.