With limited budgets for speakers, trade associations have often opted to not pay speakers. This is an understandable agreement since the exposure is well worth the expense.
But the costs to be a speaker includes travel, cabs, hotel and meals as well as time away from an office. Additionally, there is the speech writing and preparation, powerpoint creative and handouts all born by speakers.
Some associations graciously offer a complimentary registration for the conference and if there are cocktail parties and exhibit hall events; these may be also be at no additional cost to a speaker.
When associations are struggling for attendees; it's certainly a win-win to have warm bodies fill spaces.
At a recent Florida conference where I was a speaker; this was not the case and my co-speaker and I were not invited to attend conference sessions or networking events. While this is the association's policy; these opportunities for goodwill need to be reconsidered.
I know managing a conference is very detailed and intensive but not showing appreciation to speakers is a missed opportunity.
But the costs to be a speaker includes travel, cabs, hotel and meals as well as time away from an office. Additionally, there is the speech writing and preparation, powerpoint creative and handouts all born by speakers.
Some associations graciously offer a complimentary registration for the conference and if there are cocktail parties and exhibit hall events; these may be also be at no additional cost to a speaker.
When associations are struggling for attendees; it's certainly a win-win to have warm bodies fill spaces.
At a recent Florida conference where I was a speaker; this was not the case and my co-speaker and I were not invited to attend conference sessions or networking events. While this is the association's policy; these opportunities for goodwill need to be reconsidered.
I know managing a conference is very detailed and intensive but not showing appreciation to speakers is a missed opportunity.
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