HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO APPLY:

We require that potential speakers take the time to submit a comprehensive package to us for consideration.

• An online clip of no more than 15 minutes of a presentation you have done in the last two years. The clip can be on Vimeo, YouTube, or on your website, but it should not require our team to download a copy – streaming only. You can submit up to three links, but we may only review the first link. We cannot assess an application without a working video.
• A professional photo that you would use for promotional purposes. If you don’t have one, just send us a nice clear photo that reflects your personality. If selected, you will need to arrange a professional photoshoot.
• Program Titles, topics, intended audiences, and description paragraph of keynotes. Strong applications include learning outcomes for each program.
• References.
• Your website address, if applicable so that we can dig a little further into you if needed.
• A link to your book or articles you have written, relevant to your proposed speaking topic.
• A list of previous engagements and the audience to which you presented, if any.
• Time to answer a few questions about yourself, why you’re uniquely qualified to represent by EVERGREEN Speakers
• At least an hour to devote to completing the application.

ALTHOUGH NOT AN EXCLUSIVE LIST, THESE ARE SOME OF THE TOPICS AND QUALITIES WE ARE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR:

• Unique personal stories that offer teachable moments for others
• Speakers with business mindset and background expertise
• Social Justice & Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion advocates that help make having tough conversations approachable
• Speakers with a lot of energy and a great sense of humor
• Speakers who have developed a strong, established social media presence
• Keynotes with a strong interactive element
• Special “niche” topics we don’t know exist that you’ve found a demand for!

POTENTIAL SPEAKERS ARE EVALUATED ON A VARIETY OF CRITERIA, INCLUDING:

• Do we need this topic on our roster? Does the demand exist?
• Quantity of business we can expect from the speaker
• Speaking style and comfort with large audiences
• Is there something here that will “click” with audiences?
• Enthusiasm and overall professionalism/attitude of the speaker
• Realistic expectations for the first year of representation
• Does the proposed program have educational value?
• No existing or conflicting obligations to other agencies
• Unique expertise and approach on a topic
• Does the speaker exhibit some depth? Or is it all fluff and personality?
• Are we the best agency to market this sort of topic and speaker?
• Will this speaker be low-maintenance and easy to work with?
• Is the speaker hit the ground ready or in need of development?

GENERALLY, WE ARE NOT INTERESTED IN THESE THINGS:

• Duos, groups, or troupes
• Programs that would be classified as more motivational/inspirational than educational
• Fear-based programs that are “doom and gloom” and endeavor to scare audiences
• Programs that have political, religious, or inflammatory themes
• Speakers with a dozen different topics; we want experts committed to a particular topic
• Speakers who are overt about their religion while presenting
• Anything theatrical, in which the speaker acts out characters
• Speakers who are more workshop-oriented (we need keynoters)
• Speakers whose only qualification is a “celebrity” status
• Speakers whose primary qualification is a publication of a book
  Hypnotists, mentalists, jugglers, slam poets, demonstration artists, or other entertainers better suited for an entertainment-focused agency

That being said, A conversation can change our minds, and you could be that speaker. So if you believe you would be a good fit, you are still welcome to apply.

When is the best time to submit my application?

EVERGREEN Speakers is always accepting & reviewing applications. The “Best Time” is when you have the materials ready to share.

How long does EVERGREEN SpeakeRS keep applications?

EVERGREEN Speakers keeps all applicants on record. When selecting new speakers, we do our best to predict topics that customers will be booking while balancing the needs of the company. Your topic may not be in need when you apply, and then 6 months later, our need shifts. We continuously review applications, so the sooner you apply, the better.

Do I have to fill out the application, or can I just email you my demo reel?

Sometimes speakers will send over their demo reel, a resume, or even mail us a copy of their book. While we definitely appreciate having this information to consider, most of it is best captured in our online application. We are unable to accept a speaker to join our team who doesn’t fill one out because it helps to standardize our review process.

What type of video are you looking for? Do I need to have a video?

A video is the most important part of your application! While we don’t expect anyone to have a fancy video with lots of bells and whistles, we do need a video that captures you clearly speaking in a keynote format about your topical expertise (preferably in front of a live audience). Media reels and interviews are great supplements to your application too, if you have them, however, we mostly need to see you speak! We want to hear your voice, see your stage presence, and hopefully learn something in what you’re delivering. Because we review so many videos, it is unlikely that we will be able to watch more than 10 minutes of video footage of your application.

Do I have to pay a fee? Are there any hidden fees?

At this time, EVERGREEN Speakers does not have an entrance/joining fee.

There aren’t any “hidden” costs, although our most successful speaker invests in marketing each semester, considers attending and networking at an industry conference, and registers for and attends our bi-annual company meeting. We go over these costs in-depth if you’re chosen to join our team.

What are some common reasons you don’t pick speakers?

The things some speakers will do to try to get our attention might surprise you! Speakers who let us know their first concern is about money typically will not be successful with EVERGREEN Speakers. We work better with people who are primarily interested in making a difference in the lives of their participants. Getting paid is really important too, but joining our team is not a way to get rich quickly. Other red flags include speakers who aren’t interested in being business partners, a speaker with many special requests right away that do not fit into our low-maintenance philosophy, and have poor and/or unprofessional communication.

What is your agency fee and what is my typical commission?

We realize that commission levels and agency fees are important questions to have answered. Upon reviewing your application, we will address our compensation model with you in-depth if we are interested in discussing representation. Each speaker’s fee is different and mutually agreed upon with the agency annually. We help you set your fee based on the overall competitiveness of the market, geographic location, demand for your topic, etc. Because our pricing is all-inclusive, travel expenses like flights, mileage, hotel reservations, etc. come out of your program fee.