Speaker Booking Agent

About Youth Forge

Youth Forge is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering under-18 founders by providing funding, mentorship, and advocacy. Our work has been recognized at major platforms such as Toronto Tech Week, Global TV, and TEDx. We believe innovation is ageless and foster an environment where young innovators thrive.

Our Culture and Expectations

We seek highly motivated individuals who demonstrate leadership potential, ownership, resourcefulness, and a passion to excel without excuses. Our team members, whom we term as "drivers," are committed to continual process improvement, enthusiastic about their work, and eager to promote growth and brand development.

Role Overview

The Speaker Booking Agent will play an instrumental role in securing speaking opportunities for the Executive Director of Youth Forge. This involves researching relevant events and conferences focused on young founders, C-suite executives, and related audiences. Candidates will craft customized pitches tailored to the mission of host organizations and effectively establish contact with event hosts and other stakeholders. Additionally, maintaining and updating contact management systems is essential to this role. The ultimate goal is to enhance Youth Forge’s visibility through curated speaking engagements.

Requirements

• Proven work experience as a speaker agent, including pitching and engaging conference hosts for speaking slots, supported by records such as contact sheets or pitch templates.
• Alternatively, hands-on experience in booking roles involving speakers or guests for conferences, podcasts, television, radio, or bookstore readings is required.
• Experience with companies hosting conferences, events, or podcasts is highly desirable.

Compensation and Work Conditions

• This is a performance-based role with no maximum limit on earnings.
• A minimum commission of 15% will be paid for each remunerated speaking engagement, with potential negotiation up to 30% depending on experience, performance, and commitment.
• The position is primarily remote but includes periodic travel to conferences throughout fall, winter, and spring seasons.

Interview Topics

• Methods employed to reach out to event hosts.
• Formats used for pitching.
• Techniques to discover speaking events and conferences.
• Industry experience related to speaker booking.
• Networks involving event hosts, news producers, and conference organizers.
• Number of events booked within a three-month period.
• Opportunities to negotiate commission rates.