Speakers and talent: Frequently asked questions

Whether you're a seasoned keynote speaker, an emerging voice with a unique story, or a comedian looking to bring energy and impact to live events, we’d love to hear from you. At PepTalk, we connect top talent with forward-thinking organisations around the world. This guide covers everything you need to know about applying – from what to submit, to how we work, and what happens next.

Joining the PepTalk Roster

Speaker and Talent Applications

How can I sign up to be a keynote speaker or comedian with PepTalk?

Thanks for your interest! If you'd like to enquire about joining the PepTalk roster, please fill out this form.

This helps us determine if your expertise aligns with our current client needs. We know it's a lot of information, but at the moment, we're specifically focusing on working with speakers whom we can successfully connect with the briefs we're receiving, so your answers will help us prioritise.

What will I need to share?

• Video requirement: We require at least one video of you speaking, preferably on your topic. It doesn’t have to be a keynote, video podcasts, interviews, or social media reels also work. Unfortunately, we can’t review applications without this.
• Attachments: Please share any attachments with experts@getapeptalk.com via Google Drive, Dropbox, WeTransfer, or a similar service.

What makes a strong application?

We look for speakers with a clear area of expertise, a confident and engaging presence on video, and an angle or story that feels timely or distinctive. You don’t need a huge social following or media profile, but clarity and originality go a long way. Think about what makes you stand out in your field, and make sure your video showcases that.

What happens after the form is submitted?

• We'll aim to review your submission and reply within 7-14 working days.
• If your application is a good fit, we’ll be in touch to gather more information to complete your profile. From there, our team works behind the scenes to match you with incoming briefs. Once your profile is approved, it usually goes live on the PepTalk site within 1–2 weeks, and you’ll be in the mix for relevant client requests.
• If not, we’ll let you know and keep your information on file for future opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does PepTalk work?

We receive briefs from our clients on various topics and match them with relevant speakers for their events. If it’s a good fit and you're on the shortlist, we’ll contact you regarding availability.

What topics do you cover?

Everything from change management to geopolitics, imposter syndrome, storytelling, culture, and well-being is on our current topic list. We also provide event hosts, moderators, after-dinner entertainment, and more.

Who do you work with?

• PepTalk clients are primarily in the UK, the US, the Middle East, and Europe. However, we take briefs globally, including in South Africa and New Zealand.
• 🇬🇧 UK clients include Ernst & Young, Moet Hennessy, BT, AstraZeneca, HSBC, Vodafone, Starbucks, Sky, and Publicis.
• 🇺🇸 US clients include Blackbaud, EY, the World Bank, Qualtrics, HSBC, Coca-Cola, and Bitsight.

Is there a fee for being a PepTalk Speaker?

There is no cost to you to be either listed on our site or booked.

What fees do you charge to the end client?

• Experts set their fees (payable to PepTalk), assuming a typical 45-minute keynote with 15 minutes for Q&A.
• PepTalk charges this total, plus a commission for each booking directly to the client; experts receive their entire fee, relevant taxes, travel, etc.
• PepTalk pays the speaker via invoice after the session has taken place.

I don’t know what to charge.

You set your fee, but read on if you're looking for guidance. Our clients have a wide range of fee expectations, and there is demand for all fee levels. Some of our most popular and booked speakers are at the lower end of the scale.

• For virtual keynotes, fees typically start at £1,000 (net to the speaker)
• UK and European in-person engagements generally start at £1500 (net to speaker), rising to £25,000+ for top-tier engagements. This varies by public profile, expertise, and experience.
• For US in-person engagements, speaker net fees generally range from $2,000 to over $100,000, depending on your profile and the format — an after-dinner talk, conference keynote, Q&A session, or even a podcast appearance. This varies by public profile, expertise, and experience.
• If you're a comedian, fees often start at around £750 net or $1,000 for a 20-minute set.

What is a travel buyout?

A travel buyout is a fixed fee paid to a speaker instead of reimbursing individual travel expenses. This lump sum covers flights, ground transportation, accommodation, and food, allowing the speaker to arrange their own travel.

How is the travel buyout calculated?

The buyout amount depends on where the speaker is based and where they expect most bookings to occur.

For example:

• A speaker based in London mainly expecting regional or short-haul bookings may require a lower buyout.
• A speaker anticipating frequent long-haul bookings would need a higher buyout to cover increased costs.

If you are booked for an unusual engagement, we will confirm a new buyout rate specifically for that booking.

We recommend speakers set a realistic and transparent buyout that aligns with their typical travel needs to ensure clarity for everyone. Speakers should also periodically review and adjust their buyouts to reflect changing travel patterns.

Is there a contract for talent/experts?

Contracts are only drawn up once an engagement is booked. The agreement is between the speaker and PepTalk (we're set up as an approved supplier to many organisations which speeds up the process).

There are also no exclusivity requirements for being a speaker on PepTalk; you’re welcome to work with other bureaus. However, we offer a free management service if you’d like us to take the hassle out of your hands!

Interested? Email experts@getapeptalk.com to learn more. Benefits also include an enhanced profile, the opportunity to be paid on the same day as engagements and increaded marketing.

How do I promote my speaking offer?

Check out our helpful guide to promoting your speaking offer.

Do I need to have copyright to my images?

We ask that you own the rights to your images and can grant us permission to use them on our website and in other promotional materials.

I have a question you've not answered here.

Email experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll help you out.