GDA Speakers launched a new website earlier this year, and with it, we took a bold step. We created a comparison chart measuring GDA against AI-powered speaker searches and other speaker bureaus.
It wasn't something we did lightly. We spent months asking ourselves some tough questions. Where does AI genuinely add value? Where do other bureaus excel? And most importantly, where does GDA create an experience that simply can't be replicated?
One thing became very clear: AI isn't something to fear. It's something to embrace.
I'm excited about the ways AI can streamline repetitive tasks because every minute technology saves us is another minute we can invest in our clients. For nearly three decades, GDA has been known for white-glove service. If automation gives us more time to build relationships, solve problems, and communicate with our clients, that's a win.
WHERE AI MAKES US BETTER
As a former event planner, I know there is an uncertainty gap, and it can create a lot of anxiety. It starts long before the event itself.
Am I considering everything? Am I working with the right speaker bureau? Are we bringing fresh ideas to the table? Will leadership support this recommendation? Will this speaker resonate with our audience? Will sponsors or donors feel this was the right investment?
Event planners carry a tremendous amount of responsibility, and choosing the right speaker is often one of the most visible decisions they make.
My team understands that uncertainty because we've worked alongside event professionals for nearly three decades. Our goal is to anticipate those concerns, answer questions before they're asked, and help reduce that uncertainty every step of the way.
The extra time we gain from automating processes allows us to lean into empathy and understanding. We want to know your concerns, understand what success looks like for your event, and recommend a speaker who will deliver an experience that meets or exceeds your expectations.
AI can certainly help generate a list of speakers. What it can't do is understand your organization's culture, your audience, or the personalities involved in making the decision. It can't tell you which speaker consistently delivers for audiences like yours or help navigate the nuances that only come from years of experience. That's where human judgment, relationships, and partnership still matter.
Beyond that, there is no automation tool that will be onsite helping at your event...at least not yet. Maybe someday there will be a robot helping with the step and repeat, but I don't think we're there quite yet.
THE OTHER GUYS
While AI was an obvious comparison, we also wanted to compare ourselves with what the chart calls "The Other Guys": our fellow speaker bureaus.
The truth is, we have tremendous respect for our industry. Many bureaus provide excellent service, and this comparison isn't meant to diminish their work. We simply wanted to highlight a few areas where we believe GDA has chosen to invest differently.
We've had a global perspective from the very beginning. Our first speaker in 1999 was Nando Parrado from Uruguay, and we've continued building an international network ever since. We've also invested heavily in technology, launching our Speaker Portal and Client Portal back in 2017. Today those tools allow clients to access interactive proposals, contracts, invoices, booking history, speaker shortlists, and collaboration tools anytime they need them, while helping speakers keep their information current.
WHY RELATIONSHIPS STILL WIN
For us, technology has never been about replacing people. It's about giving our team more time to serve people.
That's why we created this comparison chart. Not because we're the only great option, but because we wanted to be transparent about where we believe GDA stands apart.
AI will continue to evolve, and so will we. But I believe trust, relationships, and genuine partnership will always matter. Technology can make us more efficient. It's people who make us memorable.
-Gail Davis
Founder & President, GDA Speakers
