Good Lecturers get booked up well in advance.
Make contact as far in advance as possible.
Confirm booking in writing or by email.
Have a back up in case there are last minute
problems. Even a hastily arranged question and answer session would be
suitable.
Make sure your event is financially viable.
Don’t expect the Lecturer to reduce their fees because you have got your sums
wrong.
Agree the fee and travelling expenses and make
sure the Lecturer is paid at the event.
If the Lecturer has travelled some distance they
would probably appreciate an evening meal.
Overnight accommodation may be required. This
could be with a beekeeper. Remember the Lecturer may have a partner.
Make sure the title and content of the lecture
is suitable for your event, and the Lecturer is told the number, ability and
knowledge of the expected audience.
Agree requirements and who will provide them -
laptop, projector, screen, etc.
Make contact a week or so before the event and
give clear directions and/or a map with a postcode if requested.
Give the Lecturer one or more mobile numbers in
case of emergencies. Take the Lecturer’s mobile number to the event.
As the Lecturer may have equipment, leave a
convenient parking space.
Treat your Lecturer well by meeting them and
making sure they are comfortable. They may need a glass of water. Make sure
there is a good Chairman who is lively, doesn’t make a lengthy introduction and
is able to shield the speaker from questions that may be asked to embarrass the
Lecturer, or to make a point about something that has nothing to do with the
lecture.
Thank the Lecturer after the event.
