“When speakers communicate directly with the clients and leave me out of the communication, it can get fuzzy. And there have been times when that’s happened and logistical details have not occurred and it has cost somebody money.”
Behind every outstanding speaking event is a world of logistics, relationships, and attention to detail that most audiences never see. On this week’s episode of The Speaker Lab, host Grant Baldwin chats with Lori Kennedy from Premier Speakers Bureau, an “advance agent” who has mastered the art of making events run smoothly.
Lori unpacks the critical steps that set the best speakers apart, from executing contracts and managing travel to handling last-minute changes with calm professionalism. Her candid stories from the field highlight the importance of flexibility, communication, and always having a Plan B.
For speakers aiming to build strong, long-term relationships with event planners and bureaus, Lori emphasizes the power of simple habits like responding quickly to emails, keeping commitments, and always looping your team in on changes. She shares why being easy to work with is just as crucial as what you do on stage, and how thoughtful touches like thank-you notes or a quick text that you’ve arrived can make all the difference.
Packed with actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen whether you’re just starting or looking to elevate your reputation. From pre-event preparation to making a lasting impression after the applause, Lori’s wisdom will help you become the kind of speaker event planners can’t wait to work with again!
You’ll learn:
- The meaning and responsibilities of an advanced agent
- Risks associated with speakers handling logistics independently
- Best practices for booking travel
- Roles of agents in contract creation and execution
- Tips for making event logistics smoother for everyone involved
- The importance of personalized connection before, during, and after events
- And much, much more!
“I am doing logistics, or what we call advancing the event, and therefore the word advanced agent…and before you go to the venue, you have to have everything set up…and so advancing was always the part that happened before you arrived to make sure that they were ready when you arrived.”
