Top 13 Speaker Bureaus/Agents of '21

Whether transitioning from training at a company to leading an association breakout, or taking the leap from speaking for free local gigs to delivering paid keynote programs at global events, almost every professional speaker in our industry eventually look for sales support. Some will hire an internal assistant to help drum up business or do it all on their own, while others will turn to experts who already command a vast network. The differences in approach lie in the amount of time, hustle, angst and money that a speaker is willing to own or outsource.

As veteran keynote speakers, we know a thing or two about support and representation. We both started off hustling for opportunities on our own—making the cold calls, crafting social media posts, pitching ourselves to speaker bureaus, saying yes to any offer that came our way—but now, over 90% of the engagements we book come from an agency. Eventually, it just made more sense to spend some money to have someone else hunt for business on our behalf. Enlisting a rock star agent or bureau, who understands your content, delivery style and personal brand is some of the best spent money. But not all bureaus or agents are the silver bullet and?none?of them can guarantee to get you more business. You really have to do your homework before going “all in” and committing to a specific resource.??

Here are key things we look for in a speaker bureau or agency:

·??????Outreach

·??????Response Time

·??????Fee Integrity

·??????Personalized Attention

·??????Creative Solutions

To fully realize an agency’s potential to be a catalyst for new business, a speaker’s collateral has to be world class. Before approaching an agent or bureau for consideration, here are the coveted items they will need from the speaker to fuel their efforts:

·??????High quality speaker photos and headshots

·??????High definition video clips

·??????Well-developed program synopsis and learning objectives

·??????Sample speaker introduction

·??????Clean and intuitive website?

To celebrate the fastest growing International holiday that we made up,?Spooky Wednesday the 13th, here is our personal opinion of the?Top 13 Speaker Bureaus and Agents of 2021?(in no particular order):

Michelle Joyce Speakers - www.MichelleJoyce.com

We don’t just book speakers; we build relationships.?With more than two decades of event industry experience, we help meeting planners, speaker bureaus, association members, and executive decision makers find the ideal speakers for their events, create memorable experiences for every audience, and eliminate risk through trusted advice.

Keppler Speakers - www.KepplerSpeakers.com

Audiences want to be inspired by stories of ordinary people achieving extraordinary things. They want to learn from experts in their field. They want to get a glimpse of what it is like to be a history maker, a ground breaker, or an entrepreneurial pioneer. As a speakers bureau, we provide everything from motivational speakers and women speakers to the industry’s top business leaders. Helping you create unforgettable experiences at your next business meeting, conference, or event is what?we are all about.

CMI Speakers - www.CMISpeakers.com

We hand-pick our keynote speakers from the best in the speaking business and the best in their fields of expertise. They are thought leaders, performers, strategists, experts, as well as integrity-filled and incredible people. Their ability to mesmerize audiences, empower people both personally and professionally, and deliver transformational messages is the reason they are invited back again and again for clients, and why we are so passionate about representing them.

The Speaker Exchange Agency - www.SpeakerExchangeAgency.com

Over 15 years of partnering with our clients to understand their?unique needs and providing the highest quality and most impactful keynote speakers.?We leverage their global reach to connect clients with industry-specific, relevant, first class speakers and entertainment. Companies, trade groups, academics, clinicians and non-profits trust us to provide the key ingredient of successful meetings across the US and beyond.

Speakers’ Spotlight - www.Speakers.ca

We are a speakers bureau on a mission to change the world by helping our clients put the right speaker in front of the right audience at the right time.?We know it’s critical that the speakers you put in front of your delegates, guests, or clients exemplify the values of your organization. They should be relevant, timely, in line with your objectives, and, of course, fit within your budget.?Today, it’s easy to find hundreds, if not thousands, of speakers on any given topic. The tough part is knowing if they’re any good, and, more importantly, if they’re right for your event. That’s where we come in. By listening to our clients’ needs and objectives, and combining that with our collective knowledge and experience, we can find you the perfect speakers for your event.

Speak Inc - www.SpeakInc.com

We build and maintain relationships with the biggest and most diverse names in the keynote speaking world and, being a non-exclusive speakers bureau means we are free to share with you honest feedback on all the speakers with whom we work. Our speakers bureau represents professional motivational speakers, business speakers, and celebrity speakers who are perfect for all sorts of events and corporate gatherings. No incentive or obligation to push any particular speaker – just honest and transparent recommendations that will set your event up for ultimate success.

Garrett Speakers International - www.GarrettSpeakers.com

We produce the best speakers for your event!?Our difference from other speakers bureaus is our innate ability (the sixth sense) to find the RIGHT speaker who will have the greatest impact on your meeting! We know what it takes to plan a memorable meeting, topping last year’s big hit and staying on top of executive’s wishes while impressing every attendee. We’ve personally worked there, too, in the corporate and association arenas.

Gold Stars Speakers Bureau - www.GoldStars.com

We?provide an extensive network of expert and celebrity international speakers and entertainment choices. We positively address specific needs to meet convention goals or strategic initiatives and have served corporate groups, trade associations, government agencies, and education or nonprofit organizations both domestically and internationally for over 30 years. Our Word is Gold!

Eagles Talent Speakers Bureau - www.EaglesTalent.com

We’re a trusted speakers bureau partner that listens to your event needs and provides a professional service of recommending, consulting, and securing keynote speakers, sports stars, celebrities, and headline entertainment. We have worldwide contacts and access to the top successful talent. We have a simple 3-step process (analysis, selection, and follow through) and strive to be freakishly fast, accurate, and super friendly with communication.

Gotham Artists - www.GothamArtists.com

We’re more than just matchmakers!?Working in synergy with you, we bring ideas to life on stage, screen, classroom and inventive culinary settings.?We are a creative, collaborative and committed mix of people with a shared passion for the power of storytelling and live events. Our eclectic backgrounds and experiences pull from all facets of the entertainment and events industry.?We bring together people that move the world to create ideas and opportunities that change the world. We connect audiences worldwide with the great scientific minds changing how we live, political and the business leaders shaping our world, the inspirational storytellers reminding us anything is possible.

Premiere Speakers Bureau - www.PremiereSpeakers.com

We are celebrating 25 years of partnership with event directors all around the globe. We are privileged to represent many of the world’s leading minds, and we work hard each day to earn that right.?As we partner with over 2,000 events each year, we know that you see one as the most important - yours! And we hope to always take that view as well.?Premiere’s team is comprised of many bright, fun individuals.

Washington Speakers Bureau - www.WSB.com

We believe in the transformative power of real-world human connections. We know that when people connect, big things happen. That’s why our mission is always to create experiences that spark engagement, enable change, and enrich lives – to move people, teams, and organizations forward in the right direction. We place great value in our relationships. A handshake means everything. It’s how we communicate powerfully and establish trust. It’s the bedrock of the unshakeable relationships we aim to create.

Big Speak - www.BigSpeak.com

Among speakers bureaus, our?team has several decades of cumulative experience in the speaking industry, as well as decades of experience in various realms of business. The wealth of industry knowledge and experience our agents provide, as well as our highly collaborative approach, ensures each and every client will be matched with the perfect speaker for their unique needs to create impactful, informative, and inspiring programs.

JIM KNIGHT

Jim Knight is a former Middle School teacher and Hospitality executive, having worked as head of Learning & Development for Hard Rock International for 21 years. Since “retiring from corporate life” in 2012, Jim has become one of the Top 10 rated & booked speakers in the U.S. and has 2 best-selling books. His latest,?Leadership That Rocks: Take Your Brand’s Culture to Eleven and Amp Up Results,?was a #1 Amazon Best Seller in May. Complete with meaty and practical takeaways, Jim’s keynote sessions can be described as edu-taining.

BRANT MENSWAR

Brant Menswar is a best-selling author, performance coach and named one of the country’s Top 10 speakers in Motivation. His book,?Black Sheep: Unleash the Extraordinary, Awe-Inspiring, Undiscovered You, expands on his ground-breaking work around values-based leadership described as “disarmingly simple and incredibly powerful.” Brant encourages audiences to discover their Black Sheep Values? and move forward with deliberate intention and develop the skills necessary to perform at the highest level.

Jim & Brant are the co-founders of?Booky Call ?, an innovative book discovery platform disguised as a dating app. They also have a Top 200 podcast called,?Thoughts That Rock .