Written by: Michelle Davidson | June 06, 2024
Should Speakers Pay Conference Registration Fees?
There’s lots of chatter on social media these days about industry associations requiring speakers to pay conference registration fees. Apparently, paying for travel and waiving your speaking fee is no longer enough.
One reason is that the fees can offset rising food and beverage costs. Given the steady stream of members and sponsors who want to speak, the risk of not losing “good enough” presenters feels small.
What to Do When Asked to Pay Conference Registration Fees
This development will force experts who speak at events to generate new business to examine the return on investment (ROI) of their efforts. Brand awareness will not be enough to justify some of these fees.
My hot take: This registration fee requirement is negotiable. Organizers may waive the registration fee for “industry experts” whose popularity justifies free registration. This is yet another reason why prominence will be the deciding factor in who gets invited to speak.
Keep in mind that buyers can bend any rule if they want you badly enough. If you want the fee waived, be prepared to explain not only your content’s value but also how your brand can help them attract attendees.
Listen: When to Pay the Registration Fee — and When You Shouldn’t
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