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What are the essential terms of a speaking engagement contract?
While hiring a speaking engagement service or a speaker for an event, it is important to have a contract, as it outlines both parties’ expectations. However, it is even more essential to know the terms and conditions of the contract before signing it.
Mentioned below are a few important terms of a speaking engagement contract:
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Introduction of contract, where details of both parties are included
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The event description is given by the event host to the speaker
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A complete description of the services the speaker should provide
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Payment details for the services provided
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Copyright ownership for the intellectual property of the speaker
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Equipment and materials that the speaker will receive at the event from the host
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Cancellation policy if either party wants to cancel the deal
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Other standard legal clauses
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Acceptance using eSignature
How to create powerful speaking engagement contracts?
A speaker is essentially hired to educate or entertain a mass audience. When an event host or a planner wants to avail of such speaking services, it is best to set certain rules in writing. An effective speaker engagement contract shall outline the important terms and conditions of both parties. This helps avoid liability concerns as per laws of the state or federal law of the country (such as the United States).
However, drafting such documents may not be easy or legally sound. Most small businesses come with limited resources making it challenging to take any legal advice. For them, one of the simplest ways is to use readymade contract templates available online like those available in Revv.
Let’s learn more about speaker engagement contracts.
What is a speaking engagement contract?
A speaking engagement contract (also known as a speaker contract, or a speaker engagement contract) is a legally binding document signed between two parties for speaking services at an event. The two parties are normally the speaker or the speaking service provider and the event host.
Speaking engagement contracts are signed for both small and big events. For instance, it can be used for a speaker to talk in large gatherings like seminars or conferences, or it can also be used for small events such as house parties or weddings.
Importance of a speaking engagement contract
A speaker engagement contract safeguards your interests through the necessary terms and conditions you establish. Both parties shall be relieved from any mishaps which might occur in the process. For instance, establishing an intellectual property clause shall assure the speaker that the host will not gain ownership over any proprietary information the speaker shares during the presentation. Likewise, a cancellation policy shall help the host, when the speaker fails to extend their services on the event day. Therefore, it is crucial to look deeper into the terms and conditions you include in a contract.
The framework of an impactful speaking engagement contract
Nowadays, a professional speaker is hired by a lot of corporate organizations, especially for seminars, meetings, conferences, and huge official gatherings. With changing times, the terms have also changed, now the contracts are not just about the event and the payment anymore. If a speaker helps to make the event successful through his/ her session, then the company does not hesitate to go beyond the contract and appreciate their work through corporate giftings. These perks motivate the speaker to perform extraordinarily in any event.
Once both parties agree to the services, then they can have a written contract. However, while signing a contract it is better to know about the clauses.
The framework of a speaking engagement contract is as follows:
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Cover page - This is the face of your contract. Make it look engaging. Include the name of the contract, and the parties, along with a logo.
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Recitals - This is a preamble to your contract where you establish the basic subject matter. Mention the effective date, event hostname, speaker's name, and respective contact information, in this clause. Also, in addition, a statement declaring both parties’ compliance with the terms and conditions of this agreement.
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Company specifications - In this section, you mention the instructions to be abided by, by the speaker.
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Event description - In this section, you elaborate on the details of the event. Notably the address, time, contact information, dress code, etc.
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Guest profile - This section provides information on the background of the people invited to the event.
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Terms and conditions - This section is the most fundamental part of your contract. Ensure it is crisp and clear. Avoid scope for loopholes. The reference structure is as follows:
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Compensation - This section defines the total sum that shall be paid to the speaker. It also provides the breakup summary such as travel expenses (like the local ground transportation), lodging, etc.
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Term - The term section declares the validity period of the contract.
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Intellectual property - This clause is meant to protect the creative copyright of the speaker. It declares the host will not gain any ownership over the speaker’s existing intellectual property without the prior written consent of the speaker.
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Recording - Here you establish boundaries on the display rights (usually presentations or videotapes) of the host. Any recording of the speaker’s presentation shall be strictly for internal reference only. Also, if there is the involvement of media, the host shall notify the speaker about such an occurrence.
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Equipment & materials - This section defines the deliverables which the speaker will receive. It also outlines any additional facilities readily available at the event location. In addition, a provision facilitates the speaker to request additional deliverables.
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Payment policy - The payment policy includes details about the advance sum, the payment mode, the reimbursement policy, and within how many business days the payment will be done.
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Cancellation - In this clause, you declare the notice period for any cancellation and the compensation that both parties shall incur for any such non-compliance.
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Relationship of parties - This clause states that the speaker is an independent contractor and that no party shall form a unique relationship that binds both parties. For instance, partnership, employee/employer relationship, and more.
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Liability - Here you define the speaker's liability insurance. This insurance shall protect the speaker against any unexpected claims resulting from any injury to a person or property that is out of the control of the speaker.
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Backstage guests - This section is crucial to maintain the decorum of the backstage. We must ensure the atmosphere is amicable, allowing the event to happen smoothly.
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Confidentiality - This section defines the limit of discrete information, that is allowed to be revealed to the public.
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Warranty - In this clause, the speaker warrants the event host by claiming special care while rendering such speaking engagement services.
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Dispute resolution - This clause states that if any conflict arises between the parties, then upon scrutiny a solution shall be found. This consensus shall be mutual and in good faith. If no such solution is found, the conflict shall be resolved as per the laws of the state.
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Indemnification - This clause shall indemnify and hold either party harmless from any losses arising out of the contract.
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Miscellaneous terms - This section includes other essential legal terms pertinent to the contract. Clauses such as entire agreement, severability, force majeure (an act of God), governing law, waiver, amendments, and more.
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Acceptance and signature - The host and the speaker grant the document by signing. This serves as the written consent of both parties. Hence, the speaker agreement becomes legally binding.
Revv’s ready-to-use contracts
We ensure building ready-to-use professional document templates. This speaker engagement template shall help you focus on hiring a speaker it will fit your requirements accurately.
Leverage these key points to customize your speaker engagement contracts:
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Research - Ensure you research the current market trends and then establish your provisions accordingly.
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Language - To avoid confusion, ensure the language is simple and legally sound. Make sure that the terms and conditions mentioned are easy to understand.
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Purpose - Be clear on your objective. It is best to pre-determine the use of your speaker engagement contract. This shall help you get the best results.
Let’s get started! We hope your customization process will be effortless with Revv. Our speaker engagement contract template is user-friendly to ensure maximum utility. Your one-of-a-kind contract handout shall be ready in no time.