frequently ask questions

  1. Why should I use League Services?
  2. Can you help us with speaker ideas for our event?
  3. What type of speakers does League Services provide?
  4. What if I don't see a particular speaker or topic listed on your website?
  5. How far in advance should I request a speaker?
  6. What should we expect to pay for a speaker?
  7. We have a small budget . . . can you help us?
  8. Do speakers ever speak for free?
  9. Are we obligated to pay speakers’ expenses?
10. Do speakers expect us to pay first-class airfare?
11. Do we pay the speaker or League Services?
12. What documentation will League Services provide me?
13. Will I be able to communicate directly with the speaker prior to my event?
14. Once I select a speaker, what happens next?
15. Can I video- or audiotape the speaker?
16. What happens if the speaker doesn't show?
17. I’ve never booked a speaker before. How do I begin?
18. I am speaker. How do I become involved with League Services?
19. Who should I contact for additional information?

1. Why should I use League Services?
Not only are we familiar with the leading community college educators, but also we have many speakers on our roster and the ability to find many more. We can save you hours of time, and we can come up with many speaker options for any topic in which you’re interested. (Back to top)

2. Can you help us with speaker ideas for our event?
Yes, that’s what we do. We learn about your event and its goal, theme, and budget. We then provide suggestions for speakers for your consideration. If you are interested in securing a guest speaker or consultant, please complete our online Request a Guest Speaker or Consultant form. (Back to top)

3. What type of speakers does League Services provide?
As an international consortium serving community colleges, we offer speakers, consultants, and trainers who are established, well-known, and respected educators currently employed by or very familiar with community colleges and their issues. (Back to top)

4. What if I don't see a particular speaker or topic listed on your website?
The topics listed are representative of what League Services has to offer, and the list is by no means complete. During our discussions, we will learn about your preferred topic and find a speaker suited to your needs. If you want a particular speaker, we will do our best to secure that speaker for you. Our speakers will work with you to craft talks that have real meaning to you and your audience. (Back to top)

5. How far in advance should I request a speaker?
Most speakers have full-time jobs and must schedule speaking requests around other responsibilities. In addition, most of our speakers are extremely popular and have calendars that fill up quickly. But for the most part, if you start looking for a speaker six months before your program, we will have little problem finding the right presenter for your event. And since we have a large database of really good speakers, we are also very resourceful at filling last minute requests. (Back to top)

6. What should we expect to pay for a speaker?
Speaker fees vary widely ($2,000 to $5,000) depending on the speaker's popularity, his or her availability, and the event requirements. Most of our engagement fees fall between $2,000 and $3,000. In most cases, travel and lodging expenses, including travel, accommodations, and limited out-of-pocket expenses, are in addition to the speaker honorarium. (Back to top)

7. We have a small budget . . . can you help us?
We will provide you with suggestions for speakers within your budget if we know of some in your range; however, we usually book speakers in the range of $2,000 and up. In addition, often speakers are willing to deliver a keynote address and a smaller group workshop, giving you more for your money. (Back to top)

8. Do speakers ever speak for free?
Speakers use expertise and skills that have been honed through years of education and personal training and generally speak or consult as a way of earning or supplementing their income. To date, no speaker has spoken for free. (Back to top)

9. Are we obligated to pay speakers’ expenses?
Yes, you can expect to pay for airfare, ground transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, and incidentals such as parking and tips. However, some colleges prefer to make travel arrangements for speakers based on local relationships with hotels, airlines, etc. In such cases, the arrangements are discussed and agreed upon between the customer and the speaker and are included in the signed agreements. (Back to top)

10. Do speakers expect us to pay first-class airfare?
No. Those speakers who wish to fly first class are expected to pay the difference between coach and first class themselves. All expenses are kept at a reasonable level. (Back to top)

11. Do we pay the speaker or League Services?
You will sign an agreement with, receive an invoice from, and pay League Services. We will compensate the speaker and reimburse their expenses. (Back to top)

12. What documentation will League Services provide me?
You will receive an agreement, as does the speaker, outlining the fee quoted, the date, and other particulars related to the engagement. (Back to top)

13. Will I be able to communicate directly with the speaker prior to my event?
We encourage and facilitate a telephone conversation with the speaker about your needs, expectations, organization, and objectives before you make a final decision. Most speakers prefer to discuss your event with you as well prior to signing an agreement so that they can rest assured that they are the right person for your event. (Back to top)

14. Once I select a speaker, what happens next?
Once all of the details related to the speaker's appearance have been negotiated and agreed upon, we prepare agreements for you and the speaker. Customers and speakers often continue to communicate leading up to the event about handouts, multimedia needs, and other details that help make your event a success. (Back to top)

15. Can I video- or audiotape the speaker?
Speakers' policies regarding their intellectual property vary. Generally, if recording is allowed, it is solely for internal, archival use only, while others allow taping for wider distribution. Sometimes there are copyrights, royalties, time limits, and other issues that need to be discussed and agreed upon. (Back to top)

16. What happens if the speaker doesn't show?
If a speaker cancels, we will find a suitable substitute, given sufficient time to do so. Where that speaker is the only one desired, we then have the responsibility to reschedule the event with the speaker, suitable to your requirements. (Back to top)

17. I’ve never booked a speaker before. How do I begin?
Search our online Request a Guest Speaker or Consultant form or our list of topics. Then, either submit a request online or give us a call to discuss your needs. Our website is a valuable tool, but we are also available by phone to make suggestions. (Back to top)

18. I am speaker. How do I become involved with League Services?
Thank you for your interest in being a part of League Services. If you would like to be added to our extensive list of speakers, please submit the information requested on our online Become a League Consultant form. (Back to top)

19. Who should I contact for additional information?
For additional information, please contact Ed Leach at leach@league.org or at (480) 705-8200, x233. (Back to top)