GSIA Podcast - Amplifying Voices
Join the Global Speaking Industry Association (GSIA) as they go behind the scenes with some of the most knowledgeable trusted experts in the meeting planning and speaker bureau communities. The speaking industry runs on relationships most audiences never see — the ones between agents, bureaus, and the talent they represent. Each episode digs into the same core territory: the real story behind how a guest got their start, the risks and turning points that shaped their business, and where they see the industry heading next. Our host sits down with the presidents, principals, and veterans shaping that world to unpack how they got in, what almost broke them along the way, and what they've learned about spotting real talent in a marketplace that's quickly become oversaturated. New guest, same core questions — because the answers never sound the same twice.
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“The Long Game” ft Martin & Farah Perelmuter from Speakers Spotlight - GSIA Podcast | Agencies of Change
11/03/2026
“The Long Game” ft Martin & Farah Perelmuter from Speakers Spotlight - GSIA Podcast | Agencies of Change
Martin and Farah Perelmuter built Speaker Spotlight out of a spare bedroom in 1995 with one phone and zero clients — thirty years later, they’ve booked nearly 40,000 keynotes in more than fifty countries without ever paying their agents commission. Their take on longevity is simple: play the long game, trust your gut on who you represent, and never let the chase for a close get in the way of building something that lasts. Host Kane Harris sits down with the presidents, principals, and veterans of the speaker bureau and agency world to unpack how they got in, what almost broke them along the way, and what they’ve learned about spotting real talent in a marketplace that’s quickly become oversaturated. New guest, same core questions — because the answers never sound the same twice.
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"Fingerprints" ft Rich Gibbons from SpeakInc - GSIA Podcast | Agencies of Change
09/22/2026
"Fingerprints" ft Rich Gibbons from SpeakInc - GSIA Podcast | Agencies of Change
Rich Gibbons, President of Speak Inc., says the best advice he'd give his 1991 self had nothing to do with sales tactics — it was about whose side of the table he was really looking from. Thirty-five years later, that shift still shows up in the moments he calls the most satisfying in the business: the ones where his fingerprints are on something bigger than himself. The GSIA podcast sits down with the presidents, principals, and veterans of the speaker bureau and agency world to unpack how they got in, what almost broke them, and what they've learned about spotting real talent in a marketplace that's quickly become oversaturated. New conversation, same core questions — because the answers never sound the same twice.
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Jim Davidson: Speaking in The Time of COVID-19
10/26/2020
Jim Davidson: Speaking in The Time of COVID-19
About Jim Davidson- Jim Davidson is a keynote speaker, resilience expert, best selling author and climber, Jim has had two different TV shows made about different experiences in his life. One featured on NatGeo, and one featured on the Discovery Channel. In this episode, Stephen Kirkpatrick, Jennifer and Jim Davidson discuss: In this time of COVID, how to stay as safe as possible while still travelling to speaking engagements. Getting used to speaking for a small crowd in a large room. How to adapt your presentation for a virtual conference. Jim’s climb up Mt. Everest during an earthquake. Key Takeaways: How to have a constructive conversation about keeping a live event safe for everyone involved. ALL of the elements you need to consider for COVID safety including headset mics, sound checks, laptop setup, stage entrance/exit, and more. There are going to be mistakes, but do the best you can to stay as safe as possible. If you don’t reference COVID in your talk, people may think you’re choosing to ignore it. When there’s a pink elephant in the room, talk about it. In these uncertain times keep your speeches optimistic, but still realistic. "So you have to look really deep inside and realize that as a parent, as a community member, as a member of a country or a member of an industry, this is tough, but we're going to figure this out. It may be really different. It may be longer than we think, we don't know the date, and you may not know the date either, but we're going to hang in there. And we are going to see this through and we will rise again. — Jim Davidson Book preview of “The Next Everest”: Connect with Jim Davidson: Website: Instagram: Facebook: Twitter: YouTube: LinkedIn: Email: Connect with Stephen Kirkpatrick with Executive Speakers Bureau: Twitter: Facebook: Website: YouTube: LinkedIn: Connect with IASB: Twitter: Facebook: Website: LinkedIn: Show notes by Podcastologist: Strickland Bonner Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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Embracing and Encouraging Creativity to Eliminate Fear
06/30/2020
Embracing and Encouraging Creativity to Eliminate Fear
In this episode, Jennifer Lier, Josh Linkner discuss: Driving outcomes for growth by embracing creativity. Reimagining the way we interact with our customers and come out of this challenge stronger. Adapting in real time rather than overcorrecting. Mistakes are the portals to discovery. Key Takeaways: Are we behaving in a way that embraces and encourages creativity or in a way that prohibits creativity and creates fear? Build rituals and rewards that bring about our desired outcomes. Create different ways to interact with customers and team members. Change the person’s role in the meeting to let the creativity flow. Create an Imbizo group that gains an outside perspective to help solve a problem. That collaboration leads to a creative solution. Look ahead rather than be disappointed with the current state of the world. Don’t overcorrect, adapt instead. Stay with your area of expertise and apply it to today’s challenges. Mistakes help us to grow. Leaders can create a safe environment where all ideas are welcome in order to boost confidence and allow for more creativity. “Creative confidence doesn't come from knowing you’re gonna play it perfectly, it comes from knowing for sure you’re gonna screw it up, but then having the confidence to course correct.”—Josh Linkner Connect with Josh Linkner Website: Podcast: Creative Trouble Makers Three Ring Circus: Helping Speakers to Build Their Speaking Practice Connect with IASB: Twitter: Facebook: Website: LinkedIn: Show notes by Podcastologist: Kristen Braun Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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The Evolution of Virtual Events in the Age of Covid-19
06/17/2020
The Evolution of Virtual Events in the Age of Covid-19
In this episode, Jennifer Lier, Richard Schelp, and Nick Gold discuss: Reacting and connecting day to day. Providing counsel to your clients. Virtual events still and their role when live events return. In the face of change, embrace the new opportunity. Management of virtual events. Key Takeaways: Reassure your clients that they are cared for and build their confidence in hosting virtual events. In the future incorporate virtual packages into in person packages to create hybrid events. When clients are frustrated with not being able to meet with clients, encourage them to embrace the environment we are in, get creative, and understand the door to opportunity is here to make creative solutions for their clients. When managing the virtual event you are in charge of all aspects from scheduling to fees. Aide the client in determining and value of their brand. "We’re giving them solutions. We always claimed we were in the education business, because we were putting key notes out there, now we’re in the education business.it’s referrals and relationships. You do a great job at one event, and. Hopefully, that produces the next couple." — Richard Schelp Connect with Richard Schelp Co-Owner and President of Executive Speakers Bureau and Immediate Past President of the IASB Board: Website: Email: Connect with Nick Gold Managing Director of Speakers Corner and 2020-2021 President of the IASB Board: Website: Email: Show notes by Podcastologist: Kristen Braun Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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A Sneak Peek Into How a Non-Exclusive Speaker and Speaker Bureau Relationship Works
02/05/2020
A Sneak Peek Into How a Non-Exclusive Speaker and Speaker Bureau Relationship Works
In this episode, Stephen Kirkpatrick, Ryan Estis, and Brian Palmer discuss: The definition of a non-exclusive relationship The pros and cons of having a non-exclusive relationship First hand experience navigating the industry Tips and great assets that have proven successful with bureaus and customers. Key Takeaways: Each speaker has their own individual needs, and the decision to be a Non-Exclusive Speaker vs. an Exclusive Speaker is really based on those individual needs and how your business is structured. There is no right or wrong way. However one decides to conduct their business, it is important to try and cultivate a good, working relationship with a bureau as these partnerships are invaluable. Every speakers bureau and the agents that work within them all work a little different. IASB was, in part, founded to foster cooperation between bureaus. "In this business, it’s referrals and relationships. You do a great job at one event, and hopefully, that produces more business." — Ryan Estis Connect with Brian Palmer with National Speakers Bureau: Twitter: Website: LinkedIn: Connect with Ryan Estis with Ryan Estis & Associates: Twitter: Facebook: Website: YouTube: LinkedIn: Instagram: Connect with Stephen Kirkpatrick with Executive Speakers Bureau: Twitter: Facebook: Website: YouTube: LinkedIn: Connect with IASB: Twitter: Facebook: Website: LinkedIn: Show notes by Podcastologist: Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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Booking a Speaker and Why it Makes Sense to Use a Speakers Bureau
11/12/2019
Booking a Speaker and Why it Makes Sense to Use a Speakers Bureau
Questions to ask to find the right speakers bureau for you. How working with a Speakers Bureau can improve your process and efficiency. The changing landscape of meetings and events.
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Building Relationships & Showcasing Speakers at IASBtalks
08/01/2019
Building Relationships & Showcasing Speakers at IASBtalks
In this episode Stephen and Brittanny discuss: What IASBtalks is all about and how speakers can benefit from participating The IASBtalks vetting process and how to make the best first impression How to utilize your 20 minutes on stage wisely What bureau agents are looking for when viewing videos and supplemental materials to book their next event IASBtalks success stories! Key Takeaways: IASBtalks is an opportunity for speakers to showcase their content in front of an international audience full of some of the biggest influencers in the bureau world Bureau agents may only listen to first 60 seconds of a video, skip the fancy intro and get right into the primary content Maximize your time on stage by tailoring the content to your audience Networking at IASBtalks is invaluable and those in-person conversations will likely land you a future speaking engagement. "When you are an IASBtalks speaker you are going to be in front of bureau owners, bureau agents, managers and other people in the industry and speakers. You've got the crème de la crème of the bureau world." — Brittanny Kreutzer Join us April 16-19th, 2020 in Miami, Florida at our annual convention. For more info about attending and applying to speak visit . Connect with Brittanny Kreutzer with Speaker Exchange Agency: Website: LinkedIn: Facebook: Twitter: Connect with Stephen Kirkpatrick with Executive Speakers Bureau: Twitter: Facebook: Website: YouTube: LinkedIn: Connect with IASB: Twitter: Facebook: Website: LinkedIn: BRITTANNY KREUTZER, Speaker Exchange Agency Brittanny Kreutzer started The Speaker Exchange Agency with a background in sales and a love for the speaking industry. She was given a taste of the speaking industry while interning in college for Nancy Lauterbach, a past speakers bureau owner. Upon graduation from college she began a successful career selling radio space and developing radio campaigns for CBS Radio in Kansas City; however, after a few years the excitement of the speaking industry drew her back-in. After working at a speakers bureau for several years and becoming one of the top sales executives, she took a break to spend time with her newborn baby Madison. The love she has for this industry struck again and after only a short months break, Brittanny combined forces with her past colleague and friend, Julie Homsey, to create The Speaker Exchange Agency, LLC. With a passion for the speakers in this industry, she looks forward to growing SEA and connecting her clients with the amazing speakers she has grown to know and love. She is known for her “bubbly” personality, quick response times, and willingness to go the extra mile for her clients. Being able to finally know what she “wants to be when she grows up” is truly a blessing, and she feels honored to work with such an amazing team of people every day. Brittanny graduated from the University of Kansas with a B.S in Journalism. She lives in Lenexa, KS with her husband Michael, daughter Madison, son Hudson and 4 lb dog Winston. When she’s not booking speakers she enjoys spending time with family, cooking, reading and being a mom to her two small and adventurous children. STEPHEN KIRKPATRICK, Executive Speakers Bureau Stephen Kirkpatrick joined Executive Speakers Bureau in 2015. He serves in a dual role as an Account Executive and as head of their Speaker Management Division. Before joining the ESB team, Stephen worked as the Senior Director of Development at Christian Brothers University where he also worked with the baseball team. Prior to his time at CBU, Stephen worked with an entertainment consulting firm in Los Angeles, California where he worked with clients like: Debbie Allen, Kathy Ireland, Ray Romano, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Stephen was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and graduated from Ole Miss, where he played college baseball, with a major in English and a minor in Spanish. He now lives in Olive Branch, Mississippi, with his wife, two children and his pets---an ornery cat and a hyper bulldog . He enjoys spending his time bettering his community through involvement with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, his college fraternity and his church. Show notes by Podcastologist: Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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Speakers Bureaus 101
06/26/2019
Speakers Bureaus 101
In this episode, Stephen, Tim, Richard, and Kelly discuss: How to define a speakers bureau. Various types of speakers bureau models, how they work, and why they are advantageous for both planners and speakers. Advantages for working with a bureau who is a member of IASB. How the speaker industry has changed over the last 10 years, and where it is going in the next 10 years. Key Takeaways: Speakers bureaus work a lot like sports agencies, managing the logics and details for you. Have a feel for the group for whom you are looking for a speaker – that needs to be formulated up front. The internet is not the best place to start your search for a speaker – working with an IASB bureau brings credibility and ease to booking your speaker. As a speaker, get the experience – do your 10,000 – that’s how you’re going to get noticed. "For a meeting planner, I would advise reaching out to a bureau. Not only to save your time, but also, this is one small part of what you do. The goal is to make it as easy and seamless as possible, because when a meeting planner puts up a speaker for an event, it’s their reputation on the line within their own company. And our job is to make them look like the hero." — Kelly Eger Connect with Stephen Kirkpatrick & Richard Schelp at Executive Speakers Bureau: Twitter: Facebook: Website: YouTube: LinkedIn: Connect with Kelly Eger at The Harry Walker Agency: Twitter: Facebook: Website: YouTube: LinkedIn: Connect with Tim Mathy at SpeakInc.: Twitter: Facebook: Website: YouTube: LinkedIn: Connect with IASB: Twitter: Facebook: Website: LinkedIn: Guest Bios: Stephen Kirkpatrick, Executive Speakers Bureau Stephen Kirkpatrick joined Executive Speakers Bureau in 2015. He serves in a dual role as an Account Executive and as head of their Speaker Management Division. Before joining the ESB team, Stephen worked as the Senior Director of Development at Christian Brothers University where he also worked with the baseball team. Prior to his time at CBU, Stephen worked with an entertainment consulting firm in Los Angeles, California where he worked with clients like: Debbie Allen, Kathy Ireland, Ray Romano, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Stephen was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and graduated from Ole Miss, where he played college baseball, with a major in English and a minor in Spanish. He now lives in Olive Branch, Mississippi, with his wife, two children and his pets---an ornery cat and a hyper bulldog . He enjoys spending his time bettering his community through involvement with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, his college fraternity and his church. Richard Schelp, Executive Speakers Bureau Richard Schelp is the President and Co-Owner of Executive Speakers Bureau. Richard has been with Executive Speakers Bureau for 15 years, and during that period of time he has helped lead the organization to an unprecedented level of growth. Known as a true expert in the industry, speakers and organizations from all over the world contact Richard for his insight on future trends and directions. In addition, Richard handles some of the bureau's largest and most significant accounts, including all of the state hospital associations, State Farm Insurance, American Rental Association, Chase Bank, Boston Scientific Corporation, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Allscripts, and American Heart Association. Prior to joining Executive Speakers Bureau, Richard was in sales and sales management with a few top technology companies including IBM and AT&T. During his tenure with those organizations Richard received a number of awards for his sales performance. Richard has lived in the state of Tennessee for most of his life, and has a BS in Business from the University of Tennessee and an MBA from the University of Memphis. He is married to his lovely wife Angela and has four wonderful children. When Richard is not working, he enjoys sports, attends his children’s sporting events and shows, and participates in international missions with his church. Kelly Eger, The Harry Walker Agency Kelly serves as HWA's Chief Operating Officer. She began her career at the Agency two decades ago and in that time has worked in multiple departments, partnering closely with speakers and hosting organizations. Kelly has represented HWA as a board member and past president of the International Association of Speakers Bureaus (IASB). Kelly graduated from New York University, majoring in Public Relations and Marketing with a minor in Political Science. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband Eric and their son, Alex, and daughter, Sloane. Tim Mathy, SpeakInc Tim has been with SpeakInc since 1996 and was made Partner in 1999. He is actively involved with Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), Meetings Professionals International (MPI), Worldwide Exhibition for Incentive Travel, Meetings and Events (IMEX), and serves as the SpeakInc. liaison to the National Speakers Association (NSA). Tim is a graduate of the University of San Diego, but also studied abroad in Oxford, England. He and his wife Jennifer stay busy chasing around their three children, Kyle, Daniel and Sarah. Tim can often be seen on the weekends coaching his kids in one of their many sporting activities. In his spare time he enjoys playing sports, a good game of hold-em and diving into the latest bestseller. He currently operates our Denver office. Show notes by Podcastologist: Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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Welcome to IASBpodcast!
06/21/2019
Welcome to IASBpodcast!
Welcome to the IASB Podcast! Here you will find meaningful coverage of the challenges and rewards of planning and producing events. Brought to you by the International Association of Speakers Bureaus, this podcast will feature topics and situations such as how to better leverage your time, resources, and budget when it comes to having a professional speaker or celebrity as part of your event, how to ensure you’re creating a great outcome for your client, and what you’re missing out on by not working with an IASB member. Every month, an IASB member will be speaking with industry leaders, innovators, and disrupters in the speaking industry on their experiences, choices, and insights. Connect with IASB: Twitter: Facebook: Website: LinkedIn: Show notes by Podcastologist: Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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