Frequently Asked Questions
Everything event planners need to know about booking a keynote speaker — from fees and timelines to selection, logistics, and what to expect along the way.
Getting Started
Working with Amplify Speakers makes booking a speaker one of the easiest parts of planning your event. We act as a trusted advisor throughout the entire process — helping you clarify your goals, identify the right speaker, manage contracts, coordinate logistics, and handle details along the way. Our role is to reduce stress, save you time, and ensure your speaker delivers real impact for your audience.
Amplify Speakers represents a curated roster of keynote speakers, thought leaders, authors, business leaders, former athletes, entertainers, and subject-matter experts. Our focus is not on having the largest roster, but on showcasing speakers who connect with audiences and deliver meaningful, memorable experiences across corporate, association, education, nonprofit, and community events.
Amplify speakers are available for a wide range of events, including but not limited to:
- Keynote addresses
- Leadership conferences and summits
- Corporate meetings and retreats
- Sales meetings and kickoffs
- Association conferences
- Colleges and universities
- Commencements and orientations
- Workshops and breakout sessions
- Panels, fireside chats, and moderated conversations
- Virtual and hybrid events
If you have a unique format or non-traditional event, we are happy to explore options with you.
Learn More: What Types of Events Are Keynote Speakers Available For? →
Yes. While our website highlights a growing roster of speakers, we regularly help clients book speakers who are not listed on our site. Through our industry relationships and partnerships, we can often source and secure talent beyond our published roster. If you have a specific speaker in mind, let us know and we will explore availability and fit.
Learn More: Can You Book a Speaker Not Listed on Our Website? →
Fees, Timing & Contracts
Once you reach out, we will learn more about your event, audience, goals, budget, and timeline. From there, we recommend speakers who align with your needs and guide you through availability checks, fee discussions, contracts, and logistics. Amplify manages the process from start to finish, serving as your point of contact and advocate throughout the engagement.
Speaker fees vary based on several factors, including the speaker’s experience and demand, event format, travel requirements, length of engagement, and any additional activities requested. We work with speakers across a wide range of budgets and will be transparent about costs from the beginning. There are no hidden fees for using Amplify Speakers, and we help you find the best possible fit within your budget.
Whenever possible, we recommend booking a speaker several months in advance, especially for in-person events or high-demand dates. That said, we understand timelines are not always ideal and regularly assist with shorter lead times, including last-minute bookings or replacement speakers when needed.
Learn More: How Far in Advance Should You Book a Keynote Speaker? →
We help you evaluate speakers based on your audience, objectives, tone, and desired outcomes. Our recommendations are supported by speaker biographies, videos, testimonials, and direct insight into how each speaker performs with different audiences. We will guide you through the selection process so you can book with confidence.
Learn More: How to Choose a Keynote Speaker for Your Event →
Event Day & Logistics
While cancellations are rare, we understand that unexpected situations can arise. If a cancellation occurs, Amplify will work quickly with you to identify suitable replacement options and support you through the transition. Our goal is to minimize disruption and ensure your event remains successful.
Most speakers bill reasonable travel costs separately, reimbursed at cost after the event. A smaller number quote an all-in flat fee that already covers it. Always confirm which arrangement applies before you sign, along with expected travel class.
Recording for internal, one-time use is usually fine to ask for. Reusing footage publicly, repeatedly, or for marketing almost always requires a separate usage rights agreement, and often an added fee. Settle this before the event, not after.
Technically sometimes, but it rarely saves money since there's no bureau markup to eliminate, and it usually costs more time and risk. Most in-demand speakers are represented, so going direct typically means reaching the same representation through a slower door.
A private, quiet space to prepare before going on stage is close to universal. Beyond that, most riders are short and reasonable, covering things like water, A/V check time, and microphone preference. Ask for the specific rider early.
Yes, and you should expect it. Real customization is standard practice for a professional speaker, usually through a pre-event discovery call, and goes well beyond swapping a logo on a slide. Ask specifically how a speaker prepares before you book.
Learn More: Can We Get a Custom Presentation for Our Industry? →
There is no cost for event planners to work with Amplify Speakers. If a booking is confirmed, our compensation is paid by the speaker as part of the engagement. This allows us to serve as an unbiased partner focused on finding the right fit for your event.
Speakers Available Nationwide
Amplify Speakers works with event planners in every state and every major metro area. We've built dedicated pages for all 50 states and 80+ of the most active conference markets, so you can see speaker availability and local context before you even reach out.
Browse by State
Popular City Markets
Don't see your exact city listed? We serve every metro area nationwide. Contact us and we'll help you find the right speaker for your location, venue, and audience.
Still have questions?
We’re here to help you find the right speaker for your event.
Contact Amplify Speakers