Tap our Speaker (and Meeting) Expertise.

We learned a few things over the 40 years we have been a bureau.

We want to share these resources with you. Check back here for valued information about meeting planning, scheduling the right speaker, and navigating the sometimes treacherous waters of scheduling celebrities and entertainment. Our FAQs cover a lot of ground, and the links below will lead you to vital information.

Click on question to view answer.

• Why use McKinney Speakers when I can simply contact a speaker directly?

• Our very existence is built on the experience of planners who have not had the time or energy to vet speakers for their event – and have paid the price for it. McKinney Speakers carefully screens the speakers we represent, and matches them to your organization’s specific needs. We are sure to review their style, content and professional demeanor so that you and your team come out the heroes. We can give you a broad list of suggested speakers and all the requisite review materials. Or if you have had a speaker recommended to you, and would like the benefit of our research and access to others who have hearthe speakers, we can do the legwork for you.

• What does McKinney Speakers charge for their services?

• This is our favorite answer – ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. Because of the relationships we have with speakers worldwide, and our willingness to assist them in their efforts, the speaker pays us out of his or her quoted fee. McKinney Speakers serves as the contracting agency and helps to coordinate the details for the speaker’s appearance – this saves both the client and the speaker time and effort.

• What criteria does McKinney Speakers use to select the speakers it represents?

• We know that a great speaker can be the tipping point for any meeting to be truly great, or truly disastrous. We demand that our speakers have a proven track record in both their areas of expertise and their speaking career. We do not rely solely on the DVD or the press kit, but go to extra effort to consult with colleagues (especially our member partners in the International Association of Speakers Bureaus) and with organizations to whom the speaker has presented. We see the speakers live as often as possible to be sure of their impact from the platform. You will not see inexperienced speakers on our list – they are professional in every way, and our intention is for the speaker to exceed every expectation.

• Why are there ranges for speaking fees?

• Not every meeting is the same, so not every keynote or workshop requires the same background work to present. In some cases, speakers list topics that require such a level of sophistication in research that there may be an extra charge. The ranges also signify the differences in keynote and/or workshop or half-day fees. Please always consult McKinney Speakers before deciding someone is in (or not in) your anticipated budget range.

• What are the standard procedures to book a speaker on McKinney’s roster?

• We are glad to check the availability of the speaker and determine the fees for you so you can make an informed decision for your meeting. At that point, we will place a hold on your behalf on the speaker’s calendar. You will be issued an Appearance Agreement, Deposit Invoice and any collateral biographical and profile information you need for your brochure or marketing. The non-refundable deposit is standardly 50% of the contracted fee. Because we are essentialy taking that speaker off the market for the day, the deposit is necessary to confirm. The due date for deposit is 2 weeks upon the issuing of the contract. You will then be responsible for the remainder of the fee within 2 weeks of the actual speaking date. No fees are paid out until the successful completion of the event. Please email jim@mckinneyspeakers.com for a sample contract for review.

• Will I be able to confer with the speaker so that I know that my organization’s needs are met?

• McKinney Speakers is glad to arrange any conference calls or conversations between you and the speaker. Generally, once the paperwork is complete and the date is confirmed, you are encouraged (as is the speaker) to collaborate on the perfect execution of your event.

Resource Links for Planners

• International Association of Speaker Bureaus CODE OF ETHICS

• - McKinney Speakers’ Standards for Professional Conduct -member since 1991

• MPI (Meeting Professionals International) and its KY Bluegrass Chapter (Jim Rittenhouse, Pres., 2009-2010)

• PCMA (Professional Convention Management Association)

• ASAE (American Society of Association Executives)

• ISES (International Special Event Society)

And sites related to current meeting industry news:

• www.MeetingIndustryrCrisisCenter.org
  Powered by MPI, this website offers frequent updates as well as talking points, industry guidelines and a TARP Overview

• www.MeetingsMeanBusiness.com
  The US Travel Association has developed a website with factual information and resources for you to help.

• www.KeepAmericaMeeting.org
  Sign the petition to show your support for the communities, businesses and millions of employees who rely on meetings, events and performance incentive travel. This petition will be delivered to the White House, Congress and to Fortune 200 business leaders.