What is Speaker Agreement Drafting?
A speaker agreement is a legal contract between a guest speaker and an event organizer. It provides clarity about the working arrangement between parties, outlining event details and obligations.
While it might seem acceptable to rely on verbal agreements, this is risky. Establishing all terms in a document provides protection for both parties.
Read the rest of this article for clarity about what to include in a speaker agreement, how to draft it, and why you should consider hiring a lawyer who has the expertise in contract drafting to assist you.
What Key Terms Should You Have in a Speaker Agreement?
A speaker agreement usually contains the following key terms:
- Event details. Mention all details related to the event, such as the date, time, venue location, and how long the presentation will be.
- Scope. Outline what’s required of the speaker, such as by providing content guidelines for their speaking obligations.
- Compensation. Describe all payments and when they will occur. This could include reimbursement rules for certain expenses, such as travel.
- Cancellation. Should either party cancel the event, the agreement must specify rules and penalties.
- Recording and distribution. This clarifies how the event organizer can use the presentation content. It’s linked to intellectual property (IP) ownership.
- Changes. Since speaking events can be booked months ahead of time, there might be changes that arise. These must be properly detailed.
How Do You Draft a Speaker Agreement?
When drafting a speaker agreement, you should consider various aspects of the relationship between parties for smooth operations and to minimize your dispute risk. Here are some things to think about.
Specify the Location
Describe the venue where the speaking event will occur. For example, this could include the physical address, the floor or room, and so on. Provide accurate details to prevent confusion.
Provide Content Approval Processes
An important aspect of the agreement is approving the speaker’s speech ahead of time. This can include setting a timeline for how long the speaker has to provide an outline to the event organizer and how long it takes for final content to be approved.
Consider Rehearsals
To ensure quality standards are met, the agreement should include a clause stating that the speaker needs to be at the event at a specific time and on a certain day to rehearse their speech.
Identify IP Rights
You should explain in the speaker agreement who owns the content and how it can be used after the event. For example, you might state that the event organizer can record the presentation for internal use.
Outline Technical Duties
The speaker agreement should clearly establish which party will be responsible for providing required items, such as audio-visual equipment. This must be detailed so that costs and duties are fairly distributed and there’s no confusion which can cause disputes.
Explain Reimbursements
Your agreement must be clear about how transport, meals, travel, and accommodation will be handled should these be required. State all reimbursement processes, if applicable, and how they can be approved.
Clarify Payment Terms
It’s common for speakers to be paid after the event. For more complex arrangements, such as international speaking events, parties might agree to an advance payment or deposit to cover travel or other aspects of the agreement. Provide invoicing details for payment clarity, such as when invoices will be paid.
Do You Need a Lawyer to Draft a Speaker Agreement?
Although you don’t necessarily require a lawyer to write your speaker agreement, it’s useful if you’re concerned about anything.
A lawyer can help you in various ways when drafting a speaker agreement, such as by:
- Defining the speaking arrangement. They’ll outline all the details about where the speaking event will occur.
- Establishing payments and compensation. They’ll help you clarify all fees, deposits, payment schedules, and additional costs.
- Addressing cancellation. They’ll consider what happens if the speaking event is cancelled or rescheduled.
- Protecting your IP. They’ll clearly and legally clarify IP ownership and how presentations can be used in future.
- Outlining responsibilities. A lawyer will help you establish who will take on the responsibility for things like accommodation, equipment, and travel.
- Including liability clauses. They’ll address all appropriate indemnification and insurance provisions.
- Reviewing the agreement. If you’ve drafted your agreement, you can hire a lawyer to review it for you to check it for any missing information.
Where to Find a Lawyer for Speaker Agreement Drafting
If you need to hire a lawyer to draft a speaker agreement, you can easily find one on an online legal platform, where it’s easy for you to access a network of qualified, experienced lawyers.
ContractsCounsel is one of the biggest online legal marketplaces that connects clients to a network of vetted lawyers. You can find lawyers with years of experience and professional credentials to assist you with contract drafting and review.
If you want to ask a lawyer on the platform to draft your speaker agreement, here are the easy steps to follow:
- Go to the ContractsCounsel marketplace.
- Post your project for free. Include some information, such as the type of speaking event, to help you match with a suitable lawyer.
- Receive multiple bids from lawyers directly on the platform. They are ready to assist you.
- Review the lawyers’ profiles. Instead of having to do your own research, ContractsCounsel provides lawyer information to help you select the right lawyer. This includes the lawyers’ location, client ratings for previous projects, expertise, and credentials.
- Connect with a lawyer you think is best suited to your requirements and hire them to draft your speaker agreement.
