{"id":3696,"date":"2023-07-03T02:41:52","date_gmt":"2023-07-03T02:41:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mysourcefunding.com\/leadership\/how-speaker-bureaus-innovated-to-succeed-in-the-post-pandemic-world\/"},"modified":"2023-07-03T02:41:53","modified_gmt":"2023-07-03T02:41:53","slug":"how-speaker-bureaus-innovated-to-succeed-in-the-post-pandemic-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mysourcefunding.com\/?p=3696","title":{"rendered":"How Speaker Bureaus Innovated To Succeed In The Post-Pandemic World"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

The COVID-19 pandemic upended the events industry, but the post-pandemic landscape now presents opportunities for speaker bureaus. I interviewed Mike Taubleb, Owner of Promenade Speakers Bureau, and Ben Myatt Trenholm, Director of Speakers & Conferences at Thinking Heads, two top speaker bureaus, as well as Meta Nelson, Founder and Agent of Meta Speakers, a speaker management agency, to get their perspectives.<\/p>\n

Opportunities for Speakers Bureaus<\/h2>\n

Taubleb identified \u201cdeveloping ongoing executive education programs for our clients, globalizing our talent networks, and adding more diversity to our talent networks\u201d as opportunities. Ongoing education programs provide predictable revenue streams, while globalizing networks helps match clients worldwide with the best speakers for their needs. Diverse talent that better reflects audiences\u2019 experiences allows for relevant knowledge-sharing.<\/p>\n

Trenholm added \u201cthree significant opportunities: virtual events, expansion of speaker offerings, and trust-building within industries.\u201d Virtual and hybrid events allow bureaus to offer clients a wider range of speakers, including high-level and celebrity speakers who may otherwise be unaffordable, even when in-person speakers are unavailable or budgets are limited. Nelson echoed this, saying \u201cVirtual events, expansion of speaker offerings, and trust building within industries and between speakers\u201d present key opportunities. Expanding into virtual presentations also builds trust between bureaus and clients in new industries.<\/p>\n

Challenges for Speaker\u2019s Bureaus<\/h2>\n

However, substantial challenges remain. Trenholm pointed out \u201csignificant challenges: budget constraints, unpredictable timelines, and last-minute requests.\u201d Budgets still recovering from the pandemic and sudden changes in plans or short-notice requests for speakers can pose difficulties for clients and bureaus alike.<\/p>\n

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Nelson added that \u201cspeakers with assistants who don’t understand the business\u201d can further complicate things. Lack of industry knowledge among some speakers\u2019 staff leads to inefficient communication and coordination.<\/p>\n

Taubleb noted \u201cPersuading clients to book talent on longer lead times for better speaker preparation, more talent availability, lower travel risk, rising talent prices, and identifying talent who can provide more unique interactive experiences that enhance human connection\u201d as challenges. Longer lead times allow for more impactful programs and experiences, availability of top choices, and lower costs, but some clients still prefer last-minute planning.<\/p>\n

While virtual events provide key opportunities, Trenholm noted that \u201ccommissions for virtual events, typically 50% less, impact bureaus’ revenue, although virtual bookings still require similar efforts.\u201d The financial losses are offset by the benefits of offering exclusive speakers for virtual events even when traveling and otherwise unavailable for in-person bookings.<\/p>\n

How Should Speakers Partner With Bureaus?<\/h2>\n

According to Nelson, \u201ca compelling brand, expertise, and fees aligning with bureaus\u2019 business models are essential\u201d for speakers partnering with bureaus. Trenholm agreed, adding that \u201ctechnological skills to deliver impactful virtual, hybrid and in-person presentations and flexibility in negotiations also matter.\u201d Strong brands and expertise drive interest from clients and audiences, while fees suited to bureaus\u2019 needs and the ability to present effectively across platforms lead to productive partnerships.<\/p>\n

Taubleb said speakers should \u201cFirst, read bureau sites on how to introduce yourself and follow their direction. It\u2019s obvious many bypass this crucial step to their detriment. Never cold call, don\u2019t send a LinkedIn invite without a customized note and some previous credible connection, and do tell bureaus how you make money for them.\u201d Following guidelines for submissions, customized outreach, and framing your value from the bureaus\u2019 perspective ease the sign-up process.<\/p>\n

Productive relationships, Nelson said, require \u201cviewing bureaus as an extension of speakers\u2019 teams and maintaining open communication.\u201d Collaborating with bureaus as trusted allies and providing prompt responses to their outreach and requests build goodwill and the most effective working dynamic.<\/p>\n

While bureaus once avoided virtual and hybrid events, Nelson said these now \u201cprovide standard offerings.\u201d Trenholm concurred, saying \u201cuseful innovations, improved customer service, streamlined contracts, and expanded options drove greater success for some bureaus. Digital capabilities and expertise have become essential, with some companies benefitting from investments in virtual and hybrid programs.<\/p>\n

Taubleb noted \u201cSpeakers are being asked for more interactive programs in all mediums, bureaus need to prove their talent\u2019s online skills, need contractual flexibility on sharing of content, and need to explain how you\u2019ll maintain participant engagement.\u201d Keeping audiences engaged across delivery platforms requires technological skills, high-quality content designed for virtual settings, and interactive components, which bureaus and their talent must provide.<\/p>\n

As an experienced speaker, I can attest to Taubleb\u2019s point of interactive presentations in all mediums. I had to learn new tools, such as Prezi Video, which proved a lot more visually engaging than PowerPoint for audience; in turn, I had to level up my use of other ones, like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, which I used before the pandemic, but to a much lesser extent, and now had to truly master in order to use them to their full potential to engage audiences in an interactive manner. As a result of this legwork and innovation, I ended up getting excellent testimonials, while cultivating a national brand as a future of work expert – thus, The New York Times<\/em> called me an \u201cOffice Whisperer\u201d and \u201cHybrid Expert,\u201d which really appeals to keynote audiences.<\/p>\n

The Future of Speaker\u2019s Bureaus<\/h2>\n

As Nelson put it, \u201cEmbracing change, overcoming challenges, and capitalizing on new opportunities will enable speaker bureaus to thrive.\u201d Adapting to shifts in the industry, addressing issues that arise, and leveraging new possibilities for growth will position bureaus to prosper.<\/p>\n

Trenholm added that \u201cbureaus provide speakers\u2019 expertise and brands, reputation, and a memorable experience, benefitting both clients and audiences, now more than ever.” By connecting clients with the best speakers for their needs, bureaus enable impactful events and memorable experiences for participants. Despite difficulties, their role remains essential.<\/p>\n

Taubleb said \u201cClients have more talent and talent platform choices than ever. A good bureau simplifies the selection process, provides objective strategic guidance and reduces risk. There will be a place for multiple models from exclusive talent agents to non-exclusive brokers.\u201d While clients now have many options for finding and booking speakers, bureaus continue offering valuable services. Curating a range of world-class talent, providing impartial recommendations to optimize clients\u2019 goals, and mitigating risks associated with events will ensure bureaus remain relevant, regardless of the precise model.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

Though initially confronted with substantial setbacks due to COVID-19, speaker bureaus appear poised to emerge stronger. By expanding their digital capabilities to offer virtual and hybrid events, developing more diverse and global talent networks, and providing strategic end-to-end guidance, they continue meeting clients\u2019 shifting needs. Close collaboration with both clients and speakers, a willingness to invest in new opportunities, and adapting to industry changes will be key to their success in an ever-evolving events landscape.<\/p>\n

For those seeking influential and transformative speakers, partnering with a reputable bureau may provide the best ROI. For speakers looking to expand their reach, establishing a relationship with a bureau suited to their brand and areas of expertise can open doors to new audiences. Though the events world may look quite different going forward, the role of bureaus as connectors and navigators will remain. By embracing innovation and honing their strategic value, these companies are shaping a bright future in our post-pandemic reality. Overall, the outlook is optimistic for these vital behind-the-scenes partners in creating memorable experiences and sharing ideas that matter.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Read the full article here<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The COVID-19 pandemic upended the events industry, but the post-pandemic landscape now presents opportunities for speaker bureaus. I interviewed Mike Taubleb, Owner of Promenade Speakers Bureau, and Ben Myatt Trenholm, Director of Speakers & Conferences at Thinking Heads, two top speaker bureaus, as well as Meta Nelson, Founder and Agent of Meta Speakers, a speaker […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3697,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[76],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-3696","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-leadership"},"yoast_head":"\nHow Speaker Bureaus Innovated To Succeed In The Post-Pandemic World | Brandiary<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The COVID-19 pandemic upended the events industry, but the post-pandemic landscape now presents opportunities for speaker bureaus. 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