Speaker Engagement Agreement

What is a speaker engagement agreement?

A Speaker Engagement Agreement is a legally binding contract that sets out the terms under which a speaker agrees to present at an event, seminar, or conference. This speaker engagement agreement could be customized for various types of events, for both paid and unpaid engagements, and aims to provide legal clarity and compliance with applicable state laws. A simple speaker engagement agreement template defines:

• details of the parties involved;
• scope of speaking services;
• details of a planned event;
• mutual rights and obligations of both parties;
• cancellation policy;
• intellectual property rights; and
• applicable law.

The parties involved in a speaker agreement contract are a client and a speaker. A client is a business, organization, event host, university, or non-profit organization that wants to engage a professional speaker or presenter for a certain event. A speaker is an individual who has certain expertise, qualifications, and skills in a specific domain and who is ready to provide public speaking services at conferences, workshops, seminars, events, etc.

Who is this speaker engagement agreement template for?

Our simple speaker agreement template could be useful for:

• professional speakers, coaches, and presenters who need this template for the provision of speaking services;
• businesses and organizations across the U.S. that want to invite internal or external speakers;
• professional event organizers and conference hosts who engage speakers on a daily basis;
• training providers who need a solid template for their usual operations;
• nonprofit organizations and universities that want to engage speakers and presenters for lectures or seminars, etc.

What does this Speaker Engagement Agreement cover?

To create even a simple speaker agreement template, you have to include a number of important components. Without them a document could not be a complete or legally binding contract. Below is a list of the most important clauses every speaker engagement agreement must have.

Description of speaking services

Before signing a speaker agreement contract, parties must discuss the scope of speaking services. In simple words, that is what a speaker is expected to do. Speaker services may include a lecture or seminar, participation in a round table, a motivational or inspirational speech, a brand presentation, an educational session, etc.

On top of that, parties shall also agree on the event details for which speaking services shall be provided:

• name of the event;
• venue and location;
• date and time;
• number of guests;
• required dress code;
• duration of the speech, etc.

Fees and Payments

One of the most important elements of a speaker engagement agreement template is the amount of fee a client must pay. Most of the contracts of this type provide a fixed fee in U.S. dollars.

A fee for speaking services could be paid in various ways, for instance:

• in installments (e.g., 50% before and 50% after the event);
• 100% fee upfront for the event;
• 100% after the event, etc.

It is also essential to include the list of acceptable payment methods under this contract. Unlike for traditional commercial and business contracts, it is common for a speaker agreement template to include PayPal and Bitcoin as acceptable payment methods.

Last but not least is the coverage of additional expenses. A speaker may require compensation for travel and lodging expenses on top of the agreed fees. If this is the case, then the text of a speaker engagement agreement sample shall provide the maximum amount of expenses a client is ready to cover.

Cancellation

This is one of the most important pillars of every speaker agreement template. A cancellation clause covers both parties against unpredictable changes of circumstances or force majeure events.

When the event is cancelled by a client or host:

• a speaker may retain all or part of the fees (provided fees are paid upfront); or
• a speaker may retain a deposit or retainer fee in full (provided such a fee has been paid upfront).

In case of a cancellation by either party, a proper written notice shall be sent to the other party. The notice period varies depending on the type of event and could be between one and several weeks.

Intellectual property and recording rights

When a speaker delivers a presentation or a speech, he or she creates certain notices, documents, plans, reports, or other documents in the course of such a preparation. As a rule of thumb, all intellectual property created by a speaker for the event, including the speech and presentation itself, shall belong solely to the speaker.

The same applies to the recording of a speaker’s speech or presentation. All intellectual property rights deriving from such a record, including the right to record, broadcast, and similar, shall belong to a speaker by default.

Governing law

The definition of a governing law for a speaker engagement agreement is another key point parties have to consider in advance. The selected law of a state will apply to execution, interpretation, and termination of the present contract. If there is any dispute between the parties in the future, in that case the law of a selected state shall also apply by default.

There are no specific rules on which state law to select. However, the most common options usually include a state where either party is based or their business is registered.

What do you receive by purchasing a speaker engagement contract at FasterDraft?

By purchasing a speaker engagement agreement template on our website, you get:

• a legally compliant contract with applicable state laws;
• a contract written in plain English;
• a contract that is customizable for various types of events;
• an instant download of a document in PDF and Word format.
• an editable document;
• a document that is ready for immediate use.

How to use this speaker agreement template?

If you need a customizable speaker engagement agreement template, follow a few easy steps below:

1. Click the “Create Document” button.
2. Answer simple questions in the form.
3. Select a template’s format—speaker engagement agreement PDF or Word.
4. Make a payment.
5. E-sign, download, and print.
6. Send this document to the other party for signing.

Once downloaded, you can immediately use the template.