Rates for professional keynote speakers
If you're looking to book a professional speaker for your next event but aren't sure about typical prices, this blog will give you valuable insights. Speaker fees range from 1,500 to 15,000 euros with the most common prices falling between 2,000 and 4,000 euros. My own lecture falls within this range as well.
Good speakers are hard to come by...
It's not given to everyone to climb a stage and deliver a compelling presentation. Moreover, good keynote speakers must not only be able to inspire and motivate an audience but also be an expert in their field. According to Malcolm Gladwell, this means investing at least 10,000 hours in their skill and knowledge. Considering that a keynote or performance typically lasts 45 minutes, the speaker in question must already have a considerable track record. With 3 hours of focused practice per day, this amounts to over 9 years!
But for organizers and companies looking to book a speaker, the question remains: "What does a speaker actually cost?"
The amount you pay for a speaker depends on several factors: experience and expertise, popularity, supply and demand, specific event requirements, and location. Let's examine the key parameters:
Experience and expertise: This is a fundamental requirement for an engaging lecture. If the speaker hasn't yet logged their 10,000 hours, there's a real chance they might appear uncertain and struggle to convey their message. An experienced speaker enhances the event and the company's reputation, while a poor speaker can damage it.
Popularity: Speakers with significant renown often command high fees that may not always align with the quality delivered. Nevertheless, it can be worthwhile to opt for such a costly speaker. If your event requires ticket sales, a well-known name on the poster can justify the extra cost. For annual seminars or company conferences where attendance is assured, a passionate speaker who can captivate the audience interactively and humorously may be more beneficial. If the speaker's expertise seamlessly aligns with the event's theme, success is assured. So, when considering hiring a famous and expensive speaker, ask yourself if their contribution will truly add value proportional to the extra cost.
Length and nature of the presentation: A longer hour-long keynote may sometimes cost more than a 30-minute lecture, although this isn't always the case. Often, more preparation is required to effectively convey the essence in shorter durations.
Supply and demand: The higher the demand for a specific presentation or theme, the higher the market price. Market segment also plays a crucial role; corporate events, congresses, and seminars typically have larger budgets than smaller non-profit organizations, healthcare, and educational institutions.
Customization: A good speaker tailors his presentation to the specific audience, theme of the conference or seminar, and sometimes the venue, which can influence their fee. I personally work within a fixed framework that I know from experience is effective. Within that framework, I maintain enough flexibility to adapt to the theme and audience.
Additional services: Some speakers offer workshops, training sessions, or act as moderators. Rates for these services may differ depending on their duration. I often combine my keynote with a workshop on effective communication techniques, which can be more cost-effective for clients booking both together rather than separately. Also, consider that if the speaker brings their own technician, his fee will need to be factored in.
Travel and accommodation costs: It's common for speakers to charge travel expenses, usually per kilometer traveled, though some may have a flat rate. If an overnight stay is required, this is typically arranged and covered by the organizer.
While the costs of booking a speaker vary, it's important to remember that hiring a professional speaker is an investment in the quality and impact of the event. A good speaker can ensure an unforgettable experience for the audience, contribute to achieving event goals, and enhance the organizer's reputation. Later on, we'll delve into the types of speakers so you can gain a clearer picture before deciding which speaker to hire.
Speakers Categories
Novice speakers: These speakers are often willing to speak for a bottle of wine or a small fee up to a maximum of 750 euros in order to gain experience and recognition. However, bear in mind that the quality and reliability may sometimes be lacking. So, if your reputation is at stake, you might prefer a speaker with more experience or expertise.
Speakers working as teachers, professors, or lecturers: These speakers are usually very knowledgeable in content. However, their presentation skills can vary from excellent to fairly weak. They are not necessarily expensive because they often have a main job at a university or college. Some see speaking as their primary activity. Fees for these speakers range from 1250 to 3000 euros, sometimes higher for well-known names.
Professional speakers who are not yet widely known: These speakers have a lot of experience but have not yet had a breakthrough. They are able to captivate their audience effortlessly, which often leads to repeat bookings. They may not have appeared on television yet and may have written a book but not a bestseller. Prices for these speakers range from 1500 to 3000 euros.
Professional speakers who enjoy a certain level of fame: These speakers are experts in their field and have been or are seen on television in that capacity, though they do not have their own program or appear very regularly. Their experience and expertise ensure a high-quality lecture. Fees for these top speakers range from 3000 to 5000 euros.
Famous speakers: Truly famous speakers appear weekly on talk shows or have their own television programs. Think of comedians, TV presenters, top athletes, and highly sought-after experts. Their fame adds prestige and high visibility to your event through their lecture. Fees for these keynote speakers range from 5000 to 15000 euros.
My Career and Investments as a Speaker
To give you an idea of the journey of a speaker, I'll take you through my fascinating path as an artist and speaker. When I graduated with a Master's Degree in Applied Linguistics in 1994, I knew I wanted to pursue a career as an artist. I took various dance and circus training courses, a two-year mime training at the Sabattini Theater, and several expensive masterclasses, including those with Marcel Marceau and the well-known illusionist/coach Jeff McBride in the US.
Later on, I also pursued professional acting training at the Ecole de Théâtre de Mouvement Lassaad and singing lessons with Ingrid Mank, who is known as a vocal coach for artists like Metejoor. To gain stage experience and finance everything, I performed as a magician at weddings, private parties, and corporate events. This was essential because during that period, I also invested heavily in magic books, illusions, DVDs, lectures, and international congresses to further my skills as a magician. Along the way, I became increasingly fascinated by the psychological principles behind illusions and learned how to influence people with words and create illusions in their minds.
When I enlisted Luc Apers as a coach for my theater production "Silence, Séance!", he suggested I specialize in pickpocketing. It took me about 10 years to become one of the world's top professionals in that field!
In 2013, while gathering with a few of the few professional pickpockets in the UK, I had a close encounter with hypnosis, sparking a new passion. Once again, I invested heavily in terms of finances and time. Fortunately, the learning process was smoother this time because my experience in pickpocketing gave me the courage and mindset needed to progress quickly. Yet, the investment was perhaps heavier than ever as I decided to create a hypnosis theater show. This involved a year and a half of intensive collaboration with a director and numerous unpaid try-outs. Due to Covid, the premiere was postponed, and after Covid, I had to organize a theater tour myself, with all the concerns and costs that entailed. Fortunately, the tour was a success, allowing me to work with top professionals, fine-tune my material, and lay the foundation for my keynote. Through extensive trying out and performances, I can now confidently deliver quality at every presentation. As you can understand from the above, this is what excites audiences and clients alike.
Interested in hiring a speaker?
Are you convinced now? Would you like to book a speaker for your seminar or conference? Thankfully, the next step is very easy. You can email or call me directly or another speaker. If you're still unsure, you can also engage a speakers bureau. In the Netherlands, I collaborate with Robert De Vries of Quality Bookings. He knows exactly where my expertise lies and how I can assist, and he gladly handles the practical aspects.
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