For more than 34 years McKinney Associates has had the privilege of providing our customers with expert recommendations for speakers and trainers based on the idea that we are linking your need with someone who can help meet it. For us it is an act of hospitable introduction between our "associates," our network of the finest speakers, entertainers and trainers, and our customers.

For this introduction, the customer will pay no more for the speaker’s or entertainer’s services. Speakers fees... 99.9% of the time... are quoted by bureaus at the same price as if you were talking directly to the speaker! Why? Bureaus get paid by having the speaker pay them a percentage of their normal, regular fee. This integrity of fee structure assures you that there is no "adding on" of fees. Speakers who receive business from bureaus are happy to have bureaus facilitate the transaction, because it allows them the time to travel, and create and present their programs, which is where their interest lies. This also allows you the advantage of one, creative, professional point of contact with a bureau that has a standard contract form, rather than deal with each speaker and their own version of a contract.

Most bureaus have a database of presenters and a library of their materials in electronic and physical form. Also, most also have some sort of web site for you to get "get your hands wet in", if you have the time. All bureaus have only a fraction of their resources on a web site or in a catalog. THE SPEAKER YOU BOOK MAY VERY WELL NOT BE PRESENT ON THE WEB OR IN THE CATALOG. These tools are merely vehicles to start the search and begin the relationship.

Payment: In the hiring of talent, it is common practice to have a written contract for professional services, with a deposit up front and the balance due just prior to the event. All monies are put into a Trust Account and are not disbursed until the speaker has performed satisfactorily. Reimbursements for expenses are handled by McKinney Associates reviewing the approved expense receipts, then billed to you after the event, unless other arrangements are agreed upon.

WHAT DOES "CSP" or "CPAE" DESIGNATE?

CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) - The highest earned designation presented by the National Speakers Association. It recognizes a commitment to ongoing education, proven speaking experience, and ethical behavior. It is awarded to individuals who have completed a comprehensive application process and met the criteria set by NSA.

CPAE (Council of Peers Award for Excellence) - The CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame™ is an award for platform excellence. Selections, which are based on nominations made by the current CPAEs, are limited to five each year.