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Q: Why should I work with Cornerstone Speakers and what can I expect if I do?
A: Cornerstone Speakers is a valuable resource if you plan business meetings, industry conferences and training events. Cornerstone has made a commitment to focus on speakers who offer real solutions to today's business challenges. Our speakers have proven track records. Most are seasoned executives or published authors. We partner with you to make selecting and hiring a speaker as simple as possible. First, we listen to your objectives. Then with our knowledge and insight we act as a bridge between you and the speakers you need. Once you've selected a speaker and your invitation has been accepted, we will issue the contract, assist with logistics, and ensure that any deadlines which you and/or the speaker needs to meet are met. We are available at all times to ensure that you receive the best service possible.
Q: What if I don't see the right speaker on the Cornerstone website?
A: Talk to us! We might have some information or insight that will alter your first impression. Also, because of our excellent knowledge of and relationships within the speaking industry, we can help you secure speakers who are not on the Cornerstone Speakers website.
Q: What is the advantage of using a company like Cornerstone Speakers?
A: You get the benefit of our knowledge and experience. No one knows our speakers better than we do, so Cornerstone can provide you insights and perspectives that will be beneficial, as well as great customer service. In addition, because we've been in your shoes, hiring speakers for our own events, we understand your challenges and struggles. We will never "push" a speaker who isn't a good fit for your audience or program. Count on us to work with you to ensure the success of your program.
Q: Who are Cornerstone Speakers clients, the speakers or those who hire them?
A: Cornerstone Speakers is a unique hybrid in this industry. We serve both speakers and the individuals and organizations who hire them. Most of our speakers we simply represent—like any bureau in the industry represents speakers; for a few speakers, we provide tailored business and career management services. The best help we can give our speakers, however, is to share their priorities and objectives to deliver dynamic, effective programs each and every time they address an audience. So, at the end of the day, we all understand that the most important client is the one who plans the program and hires our speaker.
Q: When hiring a speaker, do I pay extra by using Cornerstone Speakers?
A: No, our fee is covered by the speaker.
Q: Typically, how are speaker fees determined?
A: A number of criteria are used to set fees. The fame and popularity of a speaker certainly impacts what fees they can command, as does their overall availability. Sometimes a speaker will spend most of his/her time on the road speaking because sharing their message is their primary professional goal; other speakers prefer to limit road time so they can maintain another career or write a new book. Program length also impacts the fee paid. A one-hour presentation is, generally, less costly than a half-day workshop or a full-day seminar. The other most common factor to impact fees relates to where the event will be held—speakers are sometimes flexible when quoting a fee for a local event that does not require them to travel.
Q: Will I incur any other costs when I book a speaker?
A: Expect to cover travel and lodging expenses for your speaker. Not only does this include meals and ground transportation for your speaker, but you should know that some speakers require first-class travel, so ask about needs and preferences. Also, be sure to inquire if your speaker's presentation requires any special AV which might require additional expenditures.
Q: Why am I expected to pay a non-refundable deposit?
A: On rare occasions when decisions are made months in advance, unexpected things occur to change the need for a speaker. Deposits provide some protection to the speaker who removes himself/herself from availability for other events for the date in question as soon as he/she commits to your program.
Q: Will the speaker participate in other event-related activities with my audience?
A: Again, this is an individual decision made by speakers—so, by all means, broach the matter early. Many speakers appreciate being invited to receptions or dinner in advance of their presentation because it provides them a good opportunity to gather last-minute "intel" on their audience. Others will participate in special activities designed to reward sponsors or recognize award-winners. Sometimes an affirmative response will come, if sufficient notice is provided for planning purposes, on other occasions additional fees maybe required if additional days on the road is required.
Q: Am I responsible for arranging travel for the speaker?
A: This is negotiable, but most professional speakers today coordinate complex travel schedules and handling their reservations can be complicated—for this reason, the speaker or Cornerstone will be happy to handle travel arrangements and bill these charges to you at the time you are invoiced for the speaker fee. It is generally understood, however, that you will handle onsite costs, such as lodging and ground transportation; if you do not handle these logistics, please advise Cornerstone early.
Q: Can I talk, personally, with the speaker before our event?
A: Indeed, our speakers want to talk to you, as they prepare to address your audience. Only on rare occasions, is this not possible. Should we be unavailable to set up a conference call between you and the speaker you hire, Cornerstone Speakers pledges to do whatever we can do to ensure thorough and effective communications—by email or written surveys—between all parties.
Q: What is Cornerstone's contingency plan, should there be a last-minute emergency which keeps the speaker from fulfilling their obligation?
A: Cornerstone Speakers is your partner, and we pledge to do everything within our power to ensure you have a successful event. We often develop backup plans and alternative options. Indeed, we will be happy to employ our industry contacts to solicit support and help, if the need arising.
Q: Will you help me obtain books written by the speaker?
A: Absolutely. Whether you need a few books to serve as gifts or a large quantity to sell to your audience members, we will be happy to direct you to a retailer or online bookseller which will be cost-effective. Alternatively, we can help you coordinate the purchase and delivery of books through the speaker's publisher. Cornerstone is eager to help you get the books you need.
Q: Will the speaker autograph his books or other materials/memorabilia?
A: That is an individual decision made by each speaker. The majority of the time, speakers are happy to comply with such requests. But from time to time there are unique circumstances or contractual obligations which impact the speaker's decision. Be sure to make such requests as early as possible—preferably at the time the contract is signed.
Q: Can I record or videotape the presentation?
A: Ask. Some speakers are happy to allow taping at no charge, others will do so for a fee. Still others do not permit their programs to be taped at all, or only under certain conditions. The issue of taping is one that should be addressed early, when the contract is entered into, rather at the time of the presentation.