Dave Delaney’s Meeting Planner Oath
Nobody likes a prima donna unless we’re talking about opera singers.
Running an event, big or small, is a lot of work. By practicing empathy, any professional speaker or event sponsor can quickly imagine how stressful it is to be a meeting planner, professional development person, or conference director. My job as a keynote speaker is to help relieve some of this stress by being easy to work with on multiple levels. I appreciate how overwhelming it can be, so why cause good people grief?
The following is my promise to you.
Budgeting - I keep my speaking fees as affordable as possible. Let me know your budget, and I will see what I can do for you. If your budget is limited, we can offer additional ideas and services (like private coaching) to a potential keynote sponsor who can cover some of the fee. Let’s talk about this.
Come again - I always strive to teach audiences how to make the most of their time during your conference. This includes encouraging them to network nicely and to visit your sponsors and exhibitors. If the audience and sponsors have a great time, they tell their friends, and revenue grows year over year from new and returning attendees. Win!
Customize - Each of my presentations is customized for different audiences. I weave in case studies or examples from your industry to ensure my message resonates with your audience.
Event promotion - I will use my social media channels and email newsletter to help promote the events where I speak. I will also create a customized video for promotion upon request. Let me know what you need.
Social distance speaking - I can deliver my Nice Method keynote presentations virtually instead of in person if needed. I’ve received great feedback from the hundreds of virtual presentations I’ve delivered since before the pandemic.
Stages are more fun - Let’s face it, live performances are always more fun. Webcams make it challenging to know if my jokes land or bomb. In-person is always preferred.
No smell-ya-later - I have a no smell-ya-later policy. I won’t rush in and out of your event. I am always happy to interact with your audience before and after my talk. I can even interview your sponsors if you’d like to add value.
Sweet, no suite! - I always feel guilty being put up in a fancy hotel suite while traveling alone. One person does not need a living room, dining room, multiple bedrooms, or solarium.
Quick docs - We will send essential documents within two business days. These docs include the speaker agreement, invoice, A/V rider, and event summary sheet. The rider is critical for your AV team to ensure everything goes smoothly, but it’s not written in stone.
Content coming - Upon booking with me, we’ll send you a link to my short and long bios, an introduction script for your emcee, headshots, and logos.
Economy OK4ME - I don’t insist on business travel; I appreciate it, but never insist. I am okay with domestic economy travel. I usually include travel in my speaking fee to avoid this altogether. Meeting planners have bigger fish to fry than playing travel agents.
Delivery - Regardless of which Nice Method presentation I deliver, my goal is always to enlighten, empower, and entertain your audience. Expect plenty of laughs and ah-ha moments.
On-Time - My talks can run from 30-90 minutes (usually 45-60). My presentations will run as short or as long as you need. I am always respectful of the planners, the audience, and the following speakers. On time is the right time all of the time.
Demand-free - Nobody likes a prima donna (unless we’re talking about opera singers). Part of my job is to make your job easier, not harder. You’re spinning enough cats and juggling enough plates to deal with a needy speaker. I’ll even text you when I arrive, so you can rest assured I have arrived.
