Celebrating 25 Years Part 9: Providing Value Through Decoding the Speaking Industry
Gail Davis, 19 November 2024
Have you ever been curious about the “alphabet soup” of the speaking industry? At GDA Speakers, we pride ourselves on providing value to our clients by demystifying how this collegial industry works and explaining some of the jargon you might encounter. Let’s break it down!
Speakers Bureaus
A speakers bureau connects organizations with speakers who offer expertise on specific topics, projects, or resources. Bureaus are vital in helping:
- Fulfill education or programming needs for businesses and community organizations.
- Promote positive public relations.
- Build community support.
- Find keynote speakers.
- Assemble panels or workshops.
Bureaus can operate in several ways:
- Exclusive Bureaus: Focus on a roster of speakers who are exclusively represented by them.
- Non-Exclusive Bureaus: Work with a wide range of speakers who are not tied to a single bureau.
GDA Speakers is a hybrid model. While we’ve exclusively represented Nando Parrado since our inception, our primary focus is on our client's needs rather than maintaining a rigid speaker roster.
Non-Exclusive Speakers
Most speakers fall into this category. These individuals work with multiple bureaus, and their fees remain consistent regardless of who they are booked through.
Exclusive Speakers
Typically, these are well-known figures, including celebrities. At GDA Speakers, we book exclusive speakers and act as advocates for our clients through a process called co-brokering. This is comparable to real estate—sometimes we serve as the listing agent, other times as the buyer’s agent. While co-brokering often results in a smaller commission for us, it never influences our commitment to recommending the best speaker fit for our clients.
Managed Speakers
When a speaker’s schedule becomes exceptionally busy, they often enlist management companies to oversee their bookings. We’re fortunate to have strong relationships with some of the best management companies in the industry, ensuring access to top-tier speakers.
Talent Agencies
When booking high-profile celebrities—such as actors, sports figures, or other notable personalities—talent agencies come into play. This is where GDA Speakers shines. We navigate the often complex contracting processes, simplifying the experience for our clients.
Key Industry Organizations and Designations
IASB (International Association of Speakers Bureaus)
GDA Speakers has been a proud member of IASB since 2001 which brings me great professional pride to be associated with such an accredited association. I’ve personally served as a member of the Board of Governors, convention chair, and president. IASB operates under a strict code of ethics, and I consider its membership akin to a “Good Housekeeping” seal of approval. Working with an IASB member ensures you are in trusted hands. Each year, we attend the IASB annual conference, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the industry.
NSA (National Speakers Association)
NSA is the professional association for speakers. It sets the benchmark for excellence, offering two significant distinctions:
- CSP (Certified Speaking Professional): Established in 1980, this designation recognizes speakers who meet rigorous professional standards.
- CPAE (Council of Peers Award for Excellence) Speaker Hall of Fame®: This lifetime award honors speakers who demonstrate exceptional platform skills and professionalism. Inductees are chosen through a demanding peer-evaluation process based on five key criteria.
My appreciation for these distinctions has grown as I’ve learned more about the dedication and excellence they represent.
ImpactEleven
I am often asked by both clients and speakers who are new to the circuit how to become a speaker. I first and foremost always highly recommend ImpactEleven speaker bootcamp. These in-person, multi-day events are designed to provide the tools required to launch and scale in the industry. As one of ImpactEleven’s bureau partners, GDA strongly supports their mission of putting talented people with a powerful message in position to make an impact on the world. ImpactEleven’s team of experts and renowned thought leaders and keynote speakers teach the nuts and bolts of monetizing speakers’ expertise through providing resources, creative services, and community to help establish credibility and drive business growth.
If you’re interested in learning more, you can visit: Keynote Speaker Training - ImpactEleven Bootcamps and use code “GDA500” code for a discount.
Our Commitment to You
As GDA Speakers celebrates 25 years in the speaking industry, we remain steadfast in our goal to provide transparent, valuable information to our clients. Understanding these terms and distinctions will empower you to navigate the professional speaking landscape with confidence.
Here’s to another 25 years of connection, collaboration, and creating unforgettable experiences!
-Gail Davis
Founder & President, GDA Speakers