A new online service wants to become event organizers' No. 1 source for finding experts — paid and unpaid — to deliver keynotes, fill panels, and lead breakout sessions. Toronto-based Speakerfile Inc. is focused on connecting meeting organizers with its database of executive experts and thought leaders.
Speakerfile is not a traditional speakers bureau. It doesn't collect fees or commissions, and isn't involved in negotiating speaker contracts or providing logistics or consulting services. The site is intended as a place “for efficient discovery,” says founder & CEO Peter Evans, who likes to compare Speakerfile to a matchmaking service between conference organizers and speakers.
Speakerfile is free to planners as well as to speakers who build only a bare-bones profile in the system. Revenues come from premium subscriptions paid by individual speakers who want a robust profile (including videos, audio, and slides) and unlimited matchmaking, as well as organizations that purchase multiple profiles for their executives and build out a branded library of their organization's speakers. The system currently has close to 3,000 speaker profiles.
Planners can filter their search for a speaker by expertise, location, keyword, fee range, or the type of engagement (moderator, panelist, keynoter, etc.) and then connect with the speaker through an internal mail system. Planners can also post their speaker needs, detailing exactly what spots they want to fill — moderators, keynoters, session leaders, and so on.
“We're looking to make the process of discovery, evaluation, and connection with experts far easier with our platform,” Evans says.