Working With Vip And Celebrity Speakers
Yvon Douran asked:
Politicians, VIP’s and celebrity speakers often expect to bring their spouse, travel companion or aide with them when they travel. If other parties are involved make sure you have something in writing that outlines what the understanding is regarding lodging and food reimbursement. If you retain your speaker’s services well in advance of your conference date he or she may be able to arrange other engagements close to your meeting date and location. If this happens, it could mean you save on the speakers travel expenses as this cost would then be shared.
If you would like your speaker to attend social events before or after the presentation, be sure the speaker is aware of your request well in advance. In many cases a speaker will spend the time right before his/her presentation preparing to go on the platform. Speakers are usually happy to attend extra events if given sufficient notice. Be aware, however, that some speakers prefer not to attend social events and some charge extra for any additional time spent.
Be sure to get the speaker’s photograph and biographical information to ensure you have what you need for any publications (programs, brochures, newsletters). The speaker will also provide you with an appropriate introduction.
Send the speaker as much information as possible about your organization including company newsletters, annual reports and any relevant meeting bulletins. Also send the speaker copies of any material mentioning his or her presentation. Some speakers will ask to see proofs of this material before it is published.
Many speakers and seminar leaders have written books and produced cassette tapes of their programs. Create a mutual understanding about what promotion of their materials will be allowed.
Mention of products being available can be made immediately following a speaker’s presentation. Attendees often benefit from material that extends the value of the presentation. If you want to make an audiotape or videotape of a presentation be sure to get signed authorization in advance.
1. Check contracts for accommodation requirements.
2. Bars, snacks and complimentary buffets.
3. Transportation – to and from the event and to and from the airport – limousines, helicopters, private planes.
4. Welcome and hospitality arrangements in place.
5. Reference material about organization supplied to speaker well in advance.
6. Outline of speech received prior to event.
7. Date given for when biography, headshot and introduction to be received.
8. Arrangements for any other person(s) traveling with the speaker.
9. Be aware of VIP’s personal preferences i.e. likes golf, will attend banquet, meet and greet.
10. Send out thank you letters.
11. Gifts – either delivered to room during conference, presented following speech or sent after the event.
12. Allow time for questions from the audience following speaker’s presentation.
Never hire a speaker based on celebrity status alone. A consultant who has written a best-selling book or journalist who has a high profile in the media does not necessarily have the platform skills it takes to be a dynamic opening keynote speaker. Always ask to see either a promotional video or get references from recent speaking engagements.
If you do not feel comfortable that a celebrity can hold your audiences attention on the platform, explore alternative ways of showcasing a celebrity. An interview or talk show scenario, meet and greet or question and answer session can make a good substitute or augment a short presentation.
Politicians, VIP’s and celebrity speakers often expect to bring their spouse, travel companion or aide with them when they travel. If other parties are involved make sure you have something in writing that outlines what the understanding is regarding lodging and food reimbursement. If you retain your speaker’s services well in advance of your conference date he or she may be able to arrange other engagements close to your meeting date and location. If this happens, it could mean you save on the speakers travel expenses as this cost would then be shared.
If you would like your speaker to attend social events before or after the presentation, be sure the speaker is aware of your request well in advance. In many cases a speaker will spend the time right before his/her presentation preparing to go on the platform. Speakers are usually happy to attend extra events if given sufficient notice. Be aware, however, that some speakers prefer not to attend social events and some charge extra for any additional time spent.
Be sure to get the speaker’s photograph and biographical information to ensure you have what you need for any publications (programs, brochures, newsletters). The speaker will also provide you with an appropriate introduction.
Send the speaker as much information as possible about your organization including company newsletters, annual reports and any relevant meeting bulletins. Also send the speaker copies of any material mentioning his or her presentation. Some speakers will ask to see proofs of this material before it is published.
Many speakers and seminar leaders have written books and produced cassette tapes of their programs. Create a mutual understanding about what promotion of their materials will be allowed.
Mention of products being available can be made immediately following a speaker’s presentation. Attendees often benefit from material that extends the value of the presentation. If you want to make an audiotape or videotape of a presentation be sure to get signed authorization in advance.
1. Check contracts for accommodation requirements.
2. Bars, snacks and complimentary buffets.
3. Transportation – to and from the event and to and from the airport – limousines, helicopters, private planes.
4. Welcome and hospitality arrangements in place.
5. Reference material about organization supplied to speaker well in advance.
6. Outline of speech received prior to event.
7. Date given for when biography, headshot and introduction to be received.
8. Arrangements for any other person(s) traveling with the speaker.
9. Be aware of VIP’s personal preferences i.e. likes golf, will attend banquet, meet and greet.
10. Send out thank you letters.
11. Gifts – either delivered to room during conference, presented following speech or sent after the event.
12. Allow time for questions from the audience following speaker’s presentation.
Never hire a speaker based on celebrity status alone. A consultant who has written a best-selling book or journalist who has a high profile in the media does not necessarily have the platform skills it takes to be a dynamic opening keynote speaker. Always ask to see either a promotional video or get references from recent speaking engagements.
If you do not feel comfortable that a celebrity can hold your audiences attention on the platform, explore alternative ways of showcasing a celebrity. An interview or talk show scenario, meet and greet or question and answer session can make a good substitute or augment a short presentation.
Fondling Our Minds With Celebrity Endorsements
June 21, 2009 by admin
Filed under Art And Entertainment
Jon Caldwell asked:
As it turns out major celebrities can get acne also, because Jessica Simpson, Lindsay Lohan, and P-Diddy have all endorsed Proactiv Solution and they all swear that it rescued them for the misery of their acne infection. They all even have graphic pictures of their faces and foreheads covered with acne pimples that they have shown on national television.
Proactiv Solution was developed by to leading dermatologists that themselves had acne and were frustrated with the acne remedies that were currently on the market. Benzoil peroxide is the main active ingredient in most acne remedies, but because it is a powerful chemical it has some harsh side effects that leave the skin dry, red and cracked and unable to protect itself from acne infection the way it is supposed to do.
What acne sufferers want is for their acne to be gone and their skin back the way bit was before the acne got started and Proactiv Solution is the only acne treatment on the market that actually accomplishes that. Unlike all the other acne treatments Proactiv Solution treats the skin and undoes the side effects of the benzoil peroxide as well as eliminates the acne problem.
It’s a three step treatment process and the first step is Proactive Renewing Cleanser that sterilizes and clears the skin of dead cells and opens clogged pores. The Revitalizing Cleanser also contains benzoil peroxide and it enters the pores in this step and kills the acne causing bacteria.
Nearly every planner I work with contemplates having a big name for their event or broadcasters endorsements, but it’s not quite as simple as picking a name out and scheduling the date. Celebrities can add a great deal to your event, but they also mean a great deal more work.
Speaker Fees. There’s really no way around this one. Big celebrity names cost big money. For meeting planners and business speakers used to hiring non-celebrity speakers, the sticker shock can be extreme. Many well known authors, actors, musicians, inspirational business executives and other well-known entertainers have speaking and appearance fees that can climb well into the six figures and beyond.
Event Contracts and Offers. The rule of thumb here is to expect contracts to be long, and insist on as much detail as possible. Whether it’s travel, fees and due dates or even the rider, make sure you know precisely what will be required of you, and what you’re getting for your money.
Contract Riders. While the stories of extreme diva acts are usually overblown (”I said I wanted only lavender M&M’s!”), it is true that some www.brooksinternational.com/Celebrity_4.htm speakers have very stringent requirements about what they need in order to perform at your event. Most of their demands will center around clean rooms, meal choices and hotel options, but read every item carefully. An ounce of preparation goes a long way towards keeping your celebrity happy and your event successful.
If your event will be promoted in any way, all media and content will usually need to be approved by the entertainer themselves. There are a lot of reasons for this, but mainly it’s to prevent false or private information about a public personality from being released.
Cancellations. I like to remind my clients that an event with a marquis name personality is never final until they step onto the stage. Production problems, competing contractual responsibilities and travel logistics can all interfere at any stage of the game. Keep in mind that most celebrities will have out-clauses in their contracts that allow them to cancel an engagement without lengthy notice if they need to fulfill another obligation (movie role, state dinner, etc.)
As it turns out major celebrities can get acne also, because Jessica Simpson, Lindsay Lohan, and P-Diddy have all endorsed Proactiv Solution and they all swear that it rescued them for the misery of their acne infection. They all even have graphic pictures of their faces and foreheads covered with acne pimples that they have shown on national television.
Proactiv Solution was developed by to leading dermatologists that themselves had acne and were frustrated with the acne remedies that were currently on the market. Benzoil peroxide is the main active ingredient in most acne remedies, but because it is a powerful chemical it has some harsh side effects that leave the skin dry, red and cracked and unable to protect itself from acne infection the way it is supposed to do.
What acne sufferers want is for their acne to be gone and their skin back the way bit was before the acne got started and Proactiv Solution is the only acne treatment on the market that actually accomplishes that. Unlike all the other acne treatments Proactiv Solution treats the skin and undoes the side effects of the benzoil peroxide as well as eliminates the acne problem.
It’s a three step treatment process and the first step is Proactive Renewing Cleanser that sterilizes and clears the skin of dead cells and opens clogged pores. The Revitalizing Cleanser also contains benzoil peroxide and it enters the pores in this step and kills the acne causing bacteria.
Nearly every planner I work with contemplates having a big name for their event or broadcasters endorsements, but it’s not quite as simple as picking a name out and scheduling the date. Celebrities can add a great deal to your event, but they also mean a great deal more work.
Speaker Fees. There’s really no way around this one. Big celebrity names cost big money. For meeting planners and business speakers used to hiring non-celebrity speakers, the sticker shock can be extreme. Many well known authors, actors, musicians, inspirational business executives and other well-known entertainers have speaking and appearance fees that can climb well into the six figures and beyond.
Event Contracts and Offers. The rule of thumb here is to expect contracts to be long, and insist on as much detail as possible. Whether it’s travel, fees and due dates or even the rider, make sure you know precisely what will be required of you, and what you’re getting for your money.
Contract Riders. While the stories of extreme diva acts are usually overblown (”I said I wanted only lavender M&M’s!”), it is true that some www.brooksinternational.com/Celebrity_4.htm speakers have very stringent requirements about what they need in order to perform at your event. Most of their demands will center around clean rooms, meal choices and hotel options, but read every item carefully. An ounce of preparation goes a long way towards keeping your celebrity happy and your event successful.
If your event will be promoted in any way, all media and content will usually need to be approved by the entertainer themselves. There are a lot of reasons for this, but mainly it’s to prevent false or private information about a public personality from being released.
Cancellations. I like to remind my clients that an event with a marquis name personality is never final until they step onto the stage. Production problems, competing contractual responsibilities and travel logistics can all interfere at any stage of the game. Keep in mind that most celebrities will have out-clauses in their contracts that allow them to cancel an engagement without lengthy notice if they need to fulfill another obligation (movie role, state dinner, etc.)
