Episode #245

What Event Planners Look For in a Speaker

With Josh McGhee

What event planners look for in a speaker may seem like a mystery, but today’s guest is going to reveal all the secrets!

Josh McGhee is an event planner who books professional speakers with fees ranging from a few thousand dollars up to $40,000.

Today he’ll tell us how he and his team choose those speakers, including the one thing they all must have or he won’t book them, and what you can do to be a better partner with your clients and grow your referrals.

Join us for those great insights from the other side of the table on the 245th episode of The Speaker Lab!

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • How many speakers does his organization hire annually?
  • What are the three tiers of speaker fees in their non-profit?
  • How can you be pro-active without being irritating?
  • What specific details in your videos are important to event planners?
  • Why does he talk with the potential speaker before hiring them?
  • What role does post-event communication play in your referability?
  • How does his organization determine if a speaker provided their value?
  • How partnerships and sponsorships can work to cover your speaking fees.
  • And so much more!

Want to know exactly how to find and book more paid speaking gigs?

Download our 18-page guide to the 6 proven steps you can use to book more paid speaking gigs in 2026!

About Josh McGhee

Episode Resources

Share This Episode 

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
Email
Reddit

Explore Recent Episodes

#584: Overcoming Speaker Slumps and Building Momentum: Live Coaching with Erick Rheam
“If you’re consistent, you may miss the event with that event planner this round, but you’re going to get it the next round, and you’re going to get the next round too because you’re going to stay on top.”...
#583: Avoiding Burnout in Speaking and Life with Arthur James
“One of the things that has helped me stay in ministry, and one of my keys that I share in my talk about burnout, is doing something new to refuel you. I’m still doing ministry thirty years later, but...
#582: Turning Fear into Fuel on Your Speaking Path with Melanie Curtis
“I’m a big believer in consuming what you sell and practicing what you preach…it’s a useful step on the path to understanding what’s possible and for growing in the skill set of standing on stage in front...