Motivational or Keynote Speaker Cost

Typical costs:

• Motivational or keynote speakers vary in price range based on their experience and the length of the conference or event.
• In general, professional speakers (non-celebrities) range from $1,500 to $30,000 for an event. For example, Pro Speak has most of its speakers available in the $5,000 to $10,000 range. This list includes published authors, business gurus and Olympic champions, among other speakers who are experienced at delivering a motivational or keynote speech. For a higher fee starting at $30,000, author Don Peppers speaks at events. Global Speaker Force^[1] reports that most professional speakers charge $2,500 to $7,500 for a 90-minute presentation and breakout sessions, which are smaller, more focused discussions held at a conference.
• Celebrities and accomplished authors often charge $50,000 or more to speak at an event. For example, Discovery Channel star Bear Grylls^[2] speaks at events for a $50,000 minimum. He also travels from Europe, with travel fees to be paid by the client. Former First Lady of the United States Laura Bush, represented by the Washington Speakers Bureau^[3] , speaks for a $70,000 fee, according to Speaker Wiki^[4] .

• The keynote speaker delivers the initial message at a conference or event, according to Motivate Speech^[5] . This keynote speaker sets the stage for the rest of the event and should be able to communicate ideas through a dynamic delivery in order to teach and inspire conference attendees.
• If agreed upon, the keynote speaker may also be available to lead workshops or breakout sessions, interacting with conference attendees on a more personal level.
• Motivational speakers deliver messages to inspire a crowd, and their duties are largely the same as a keynote speaker, although they may not deliver the very first message at an event. It is common for a motivational speaker to share stories about overcoming obstacles to succeed in life or their involvement in significant world events. An example is motivational speaker Matt Long^[6] , who served as a New York City Firefighter on Sept. 11, 2001.

• Travel expenses for the speaker are additional and include lodging, transportation and meals. These fees vary widely based on the location and length of the event, as well the speaker's distance from the event.

• A speakers bureau is resource for selecting and hiring a motivational or keynote speaker. These organizations maintain relationships with a variety of speakers, negotiating contracts and securing travel arrangements on the client's behalf. All American Speakers Bureau^[7] and Premiere Speakers Bureau^[8] are both accredited by the Better Business Bureau. There is typically no extra cost to a client who purchases or books a speaker through a speakers bureau, because the speaker pays a fee to the bureau for the referral.
• Ask for references and look online for reviews of previous speaking engagements. These are often available directly from the speakers bureau.
• The National Speakers Association^[9] is the dominant trade group for professional speakers in the United States. NSA provides a searchable database of professional speakers by area. There is also a chapter listing ^[10] with a local contact for each state.
• The Premiere Speakers Bureau lists 10 steps to find the right motivational speaker and hire them for an event. Lily Walters^[11] lists 10 tips for negotiating fees with a speaker.
• Global Speaker Force^[12] provides a sample letter that an organization might use to invite a keynote or motivational speaker.

1.  www.globalspeakerforce.com/motivationalkeynotespeaker
2.  www.internationalspeakers.com/topic/89/motivation
3.  www.washingtonspeakers.com/speakers/speaker.cfm?SpeakerID=6437
4.  speakermix.com/laura-w-bush
5.  www.motivatespeech.com/motivational_keynote_speaker.html
6.  newrochelle.patch.com/groups/schools/p/motivational-speaker-long-came-back-from-tragedy...
7.  www.allamericanspeakers.com
8.  premierespeakers.com
9.  bureau.espeakers.com/nsas/search.php
10.  www.mynsa.org/CHAPTERSGROUPS/Chapters/NSABoasts40Chapters.aspx
11.  www.motivational-keynote-speakers.com/negotiatefees.html
12.  www.globalspeakerforce.com/motivationalkeynotespeaker/letter-to-invite-keynote-speaker

Check Out All Costs for Small Business		How Much Do Business Cards Cost?		How Much Does Office Cleaning Cost?		How Much Does an Event Photographer Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

It's October already. Do you know where your snow tires are? October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. When was your last mammogram? It's a Sunday afternoon in the fall. Ready to tailgate? Pruning trees before the storm season can help ensure dead branches won't imperil your home. Rain and winter are coming. Make sure your roadside assistance plan is up to date

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Locksmith Paid: 95.00 I left my keys inside... [more] -Pepi44 Locksmith Cost Commercial and residential power washing and window cleaning Paid: 350.00 This company is truly amazing, I've never felt so satisfied after seeing the transformation of my home. I had green grime and algae growing rampid in the front my home. Within a few hours my home along with my deck was spotless... [more] -Emanuel 1 Window Cleaning Cost ER visit. Paid: 9040.00 Thought I was having a heart attack, went to ER... [more] -Omie EKG Cost Tune up Paid: 384.00 Feel ripped off.Nearly $400 for a tune up. All that was done was a spark plug replacement and fuel induction service... [more] -Sam Wise Tune-up Cost dented our friendhip Paid: 300.00 I was asked to be MOH and other bridesmaid was out of town. She agreed to be financial co-host. Offered bride shower for 12-15 people. She said she would invite 40. My small house could barely accommodate... [more] -70s gal Bridal Shower Cost Pet sat 2 dogs small poodle and medium Maltese Paid: 140.00 Friday night to Monday AM, fed both dogs a total of 6 times, administered allergy eye drops to 1 of dogs, total of 6 times and spent the night with them 2 nights... [more] -Pet Content While You're Away Pet Sitting Cost