How Much Does a Keynote Speaker Typically Cost?

by Lisa K. Coleman | January 24, 2017

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A great keynote speaker is one the main keys to success for an event or conference. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be difficult in your initial planning to match your budget with your expectations. Speakers set their own prices and generally request an amount they feel is a fair fee for their time.

PRO TIP: Start the planning process as early as possible to avoid keynote  speaker and event disaster.This start-to-finish guide and planning checklist  will help  →

Here is a guide of what sort of speaker you may get with some different fee ranges.

  • $7,500 or less. Lesser-known speakers, or may represent a decreased fee for a local event, non-profit group, etc.
  • $7,500 – $15,000. Many reputable and experienced speakers will fall somewhere in this price range; including business visionaries, athletes, technology gurus, inspirational and motivational speakers, TEDx speakers, etc. A fee of this size would be enough to hire a keynote speaker with a great deal of experience and a solid reputation in the field.
  • $15,000 – $25,000. The most popular speakers and authors considered experts in their field.
  • $25,000  $50,000. Many lesser-known celebrities and top thought leaders on the circuit will fall somewhere in this range.
  • Over $50,000. Big name celebrities, authors of multiple best-sellers, large company visionaries, etc.

Basic Rule of Thumb: The more well-known the speaker is, the more a speaking engagement is likely to cost.

Topics: Drive & Optimize

Written by Lisa K. Coleman

Lisa joined SpeakInc in 2005 with six successful years working in the speaker bureau industry. She became a Partner in 2010. Lisa is a graduate of Southern Illinois University with a degree in Biological Sciences and Secondary Education. She has been in sales since she was 16: shoes, cocktails, jewelry, military items, pistachios, secondary computer parts (her own company) and speakers. She operates our Tucson office. When not working she enjoys golf, yard work, working out at the gym and relaxing in her pool.
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