On this page (8 sections)
Keynote speaker fees cover more than the time on stage. You’re paying for the speaker’s experience, the preparation, any tailoring to your audience, the day itself, and often travel. Fees range from nothing at a community event to very large sums for famous names, so the useful question isn’t “what’s the going rate?” It’s “what am I getting, and is it worth it for this audience?”
I speak about paid ads, AI for small teams, and building a business self-taught, and I publish my own fees below. Here’s how I’d think about it if I were the organiser.
Key takeaways
- A keynote fee pays for preparation and tailoring as much as the talk itself. Ask what’s included before you compare prices.
- The big drivers are the speaker’s demand, the format and length, the tailoring, travel, and any recording or reuse rights.
- My own fees: keynote from CA$1,500 (30 to 45 minutes), workshop from CA$2,500 (90 minutes), podcasts and panels usually free, travel included inside the Lower Mainland and extra beyond it.
What actually drives a speaker’s fee
- DemandHow sought-after the speaker is
- FormatKeynote, workshop, panel
- TailoringPrep for your audience
- LogisticsTravel, time away, tech
- RightsRecording and reuse
| Factor | Why it changes the price |
|---|---|
| Demand and profile | Speakers with a big audience or bestselling work get more requests than they can take, so they charge more |
| Format and length | A 90-minute workshop takes more prep and energy than a 30-minute keynote |
| Tailoring | Calls with you, research into your audience and custom examples all take time |
| Travel and time away | A local evening talk is very different from two days on the road |
| Recording and reuse | Selling or publishing the recording is extra value for you, so some speakers price it in |
| Date and notice | Short notice or peak dates can cost more |
None of these are tricks. They’re the same way any service business prices its work, which I cover in how much to charge for your services.
What you should get for the fee
Before you compare two quotes, make sure you’re comparing the same thing. A good speaker should be clear about:
- The talk. Length, format, and whether there’s time for questions.
- Preparation. A call with you before the event, and how the talk will be adapted to your audience.
- Materials. Bios, an MC introduction and photos for your promotion. Mine are on the media kit page, ready to copy.
- On the day. Arrival time, tech needs, and whether they’ll stay for networking.
- Recording. Whether you can record, and how you can use it afterwards.
- Travel. Included, or quoted separately.
If a quote doesn’t say, ask. A vague quote is how budgets surprise you later.
My fees, plainly
| Format | Length | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Keynote | 30 to 45 minutes, questions at the end | From CA$1,500 |
| Workshop | 90 minutes, hands-on, smaller groups | From CA$2,500 |
| Podcast or panel | Your format, remote or in person | Usually no fee |
Fees are in Canadian dollars. I’m based in Chilliwack, BC, and speak in person in the Lower Mainland, further by arrangement, and anywhere online. Travel inside the Lower Mainland is included; further out, it’s extra. The talks are listed on the speaking page.
Running a student or community event on a small budget? Ask anyway. I started building businesses at 18 and taught myself every part of it, and some of the best rooms to speak to are the ones just starting out. I wrote more about that path in learning business by doing it.
How to budget for a speaker
1. Start with the outcome
Decide what you want the audience to do or know afterwards. That tells you whether you need a big name to sell tickets, or a practitioner who can teach something useful. They’re different budgets.
2. Add up the full cost
| Line | Notes |
|---|---|
| Speaker fee | As quoted, with what’s included in writing |
| Travel and accommodation | If not included |
| AV and recording | Mics, screen, someone to film |
| Hospitality | Meals, a green room, parking |
| Promotion | Using the speaker’s bio and photos |
3. Ask early
Good speakers book up. Early contact also gives them time to tailor the talk, which is where most of the value is.
4. Be honest about budget
Tell the speaker your budget and audience up front. Many will suggest a format that fits, such as a shorter talk, an online session or a panel, rather than just saying no.
Questions to ask before you book
Send these with your first enquiry. A speaker who answers them clearly is usually easy to work with on the day.
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| What exactly does the fee include? | Prep calls, tailoring, Q&A and recording rights vary a lot |
| How will you tailor the talk to our audience? | Tailoring is where most of the value is |
| What do you need from us, and by when? | Audience details, run sheet, AV setup |
| Can we record it, and how can we use the recording? | Avoids a dispute after the event |
| What happens if the date moves? | Rescheduling and cancellation terms |
| Is travel included or separate? | Often the biggest surprise in the budget |
Put the answers in writing in the booking confirmation. It protects both sides and means nobody has to remember a phone call.
An example, so you can picture it
This is an illustration, not a client story.
A regional business association plans a half-day event for about 80 local owners. They want people to leave with one practical change to their marketing. Rather than one expensive headline name, they book a practitioner keynote and a 90-minute workshop after the break. They ask each speaker for a written quote covering prep, the day and recording, budget travel separately, and send the audience details six weeks out so both talks can be tailored. The budget is known up front and there are no surprises on the day.
Common mistakes
- Comparing fees without comparing what’s included. One quote covers prep calls and recording rights, another doesn’t.
- Booking late. Less choice, less tailoring.
- Not briefing the speaker. The more they know about the room, the more useful the talk.
- Forgetting travel and AV. These often cost more than expected.
- Assuming “free” means no cost. Your time, the venue and the audience’s attention are still on the line. Brief free speakers just as well.
Where this fits
If you’re organising an event for founders, marketers or students, my talks cover what $1M+ in Meta ads taught me about creative, AI agents for a small team, and building a business self-taught. Everything you need for the programme is on the media kit, and you can book me to speak or check a date there.
If you came here because you run a business and want help with growth rather than a talk, the Growth Diagnostic is the place to start, or book a call. If you’re weighing outside help in general, hiring a marketing consultant covers what to ask.
Questions people ask
How much does a keynote speaker cost?
It varies enormously, from no fee for a local expert at a community event to very large fees for well-known names. The price depends on the speaker's demand, the length and format, how much the talk is tailored, travel, and recording rights. Ask each speaker for their fee and exactly what it includes.
What do you charge for a keynote?
My keynotes (30 to 45 minutes, with questions at the end) start from CA$1,500. Workshops (90 minutes) start from CA$2,500. Podcasts and panels usually have no fee. Fees are in Canadian dollars, and travel outside the Lower Mainland is extra.
Are travel costs included in a speaker fee?
Often not. Many speakers quote the fee and travel separately, so ask. For my talks, travel inside the Lower Mainland is included; further out, it's extra and agreed before booking.
Do speakers speak for free?
Some do, especially for podcasts, panels, student groups and community events. If your budget is small, say so early and explain the audience. For my own talks: running a student or community event on a small budget? Ask anyway.