Developing a Speakers Bureau

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Developing a Speakers Bureau
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What is a speakers bureau?
A list of potential speakers who can talk to the
public

• Speakers may have personal experiences or be
  experts
• Speakers are available to talk to different
  groups
• Engagements are scheduled by your organization
• Can send a single speaker or an entire panel

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Why develop a speakers bureau?

• To raise public awareness
• To increase your group's visibility
• To provide role models
• To recruit new members or volunteers
• To attract press coverage
• To raise funds

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Who can a speakers bureau reach?

• School university classes
• Professional organizations
• Diversity training groups
• Cultural or minority groups

• Business groups
• Service organizations
• Religious groups
• Working groups
• Training groups
• Political groups
• Environmental groups

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How do you set up a speakers bureau?

• 1. Recruit select speakers
• Use personal invitations
• Use people already involved with your
  organization
• Decide whether you will use single speakers or
  panels

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How do you set up a speakers bureau? (cont.)

• 2. Make a roster with scheduling information
• Dates of past and upcoming engagements
• Number of no-shows or times late
• Speakers' area of expertise or experience

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How do you set up a speakers bureau? (cont.)

• 3. Contact groups that might be interested in
  scheduling a speaking engagement
• Create a list of potential audiences and contact
  people
• Send out letters offering to have a speaker or a
  panel visit the group
• Follow up with phone calls to schedule engagements

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How do you set up a speakers bureau? (cont.)

• 4. Schedule who are available at the needed time
• Be very clear about the date, time, and location
• Write down who's scheduled
• 5. Send a letter confirming the time, date,
  topic, location, duration of the event ,
  speakers' names, etc.

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How do you set up a speakers bureau? (cont.)

• 6. Again remind speakers about the engagement.
• 7. Have speakers make their presentation.
• Basic info introductions
• Personal stories or an informative presentation
• Question-and-answer period
• 8. At the end of the presentation, collect
  feedback from the audience.