Getting Started

Whether you're booking a comedian for a corporate gala, a conference keynote, or a private event — ComedySpeaker.com makes it easy to find the right talent.

1. Create a free account — Click "Join Free" and select "I'm an Event Planner."
2. Browse speaker profiles — Use search filters to find speakers matching your needs.
3. Send an inquiry — Contact your top picks with event details.
4. Review quotes — Speakers respond with their fees and availability.
5. Confirm your booking — Lock in your speaker.
6. Communicate directly — Use our messaging system to coordinate details.

Searching for Speakers

Use the Find Speakers page to search by:

• Keyword — Speaker name, speaking topic, or comedy style.
• Comedy Type — Corporate keynote, stand-up, MC/host, clean comedy, improv, roast, etc.
• Location — US, Canada, UK, Australia, Virtual, or International.
• Budget Range — Filter by your event's speaker budget.
• Event Type — Corporate event, conference, gala, fundraiser, holiday party, etc.
• Sort by — Best match, highest rated, fee (low/high), or newest profiles.

You don't need to create an account to browse. Only an account is required to send inquiries.

Reading Speaker Profiles

Each speaker profile contains:

• Photo & Name — Professional headshot and stage/legal name.
• Comedy Types & Speaking Topics — Their styles and subject areas.
• Video Reels — Watch actual performances before reaching out. This is the most important step!
• Bio — Background, experience, and what makes them unique.
• Speaking Fee — Public range or "Contact for Pricing."
• Travel Requirements — Whether they travel nationally or require expenses.
• Testimonials — What past clients say about working with them.
• Past Clients — Notable companies and organizations they've performed for.
• Reviews & Ratings — Verified reviews from event planners who booked through ComedySpeaker.com.
• Social Media — Links to their Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, etc. (paid speaker accounts).

Sending an Inquiry

When you're ready to reach out:

1. Click "Send Inquiry" on the speaker's profile page.
2. Fill in your event details: event type, date, location, and estimated budget.
3. Write a personalized message — the more detail you provide, the better the speaker can respond.
4. Submit the form. The speaker receives a notification immediately.

What to include in your message:

• Event name and type (e.g., "Annual Sales Kickoff Meeting")
• Expected audience size and demographics (e.g., "250 sales professionals, ages 30–55")
• Tone or theme (e.g., "Motivational but fun," "Clean humor only," "Celebratory")
• Date, time, and location
• Your budget range (this speeds up the process significantly)
• Any content restrictions (e.g., "No political humor," "No profanity")

Posting Your Event

Instead of (or in addition to) reaching out to individual speakers, you can post your event for speakers to find and pitch you.

Go to Dashboard → Post an Event and fill in:

• Event title, type, and theme
• Date, location, and audience size
• Comedy styles you're looking for
• Budget range (optional but recommended)

Events are reviewed and approved by our admin team (usually within 24 hours). Once live, speakers can find your listing and reach out to you.

The Booking Process

Here's how a booking works from start to finish:

1. You send an inquiry — The speaker receives your event details and message.
2. Speaker responds with a quote — They provide their fee for your event.
3. You review the quote — Compare the fee against your budget.
4. You confirm the booking — Click "Confirm Booking" in your dashboard.
5. Messaging unlocks — Direct messaging is now open between you and the speaker.
6. Event happens — The speaker performs at your event.
7. Mark as complete — Mark the booking as complete in your dashboard.
8. Leave a review — Share your experience to help future planners.

Messaging Speakers

Direct messaging opens automatically once a booking is confirmed by both parties. This is intentional — it keeps communication organized and ensures both sides are committed before exchanging contact details.

Use the messaging system to:

• Coordinate event logistics (venue address, parking, A/V requirements)
• Share the event agenda and your preferred timing
• Discuss any content customization requests
• Ask follow-up questions about their performance

Confirming & Payment Arrangements

When you confirm a booking in the ComedySpeaker.com system, this signals your intent to proceed. Payment arrangements between you and the speaker are typically handled directly (via the speaker's preferred payment method or your company's accounts payable process).

ComedySpeaker.com collects a small booking fee from speakers on confirmed bookings. As a planner, you pay the speaker directly according to your agreement with them.

Leaving Reviews

After a booking is marked complete, you can leave a star rating and written review for the speaker. Reviews help:

• Future planners make informed decisions
• Speakers improve and showcase their track record
• The ComedySpeaker.com community maintain quality

Go to the booking in your dashboard, then click "Leave a Review." Reviews are verified (tied to actual bookings) and appear publicly on the speaker's profile.

Budget Guidance for Comedy Speakers

Speaker fees vary widely based on experience, reputation, and event type. Here's a general guide:

• $500 – $2,500 — Local / emerging comedians. Great for smaller events and tight budgets.
• $2,500 – $7,500 — Mid-tier working comedians with corporate experience.
• $7,500 – $20,000 — Established corporate comedy speakers with strong reels and testimonials.
• $20,000+ — Celebrity comedians, nationally recognized keynote speakers.

Additional costs to budget for:

• Travel and accommodation (often required for out-of-town speakers)
• A/V requirements the speaker may have
• Any customization or additional preparation fees

Tips for a Successful Comedy Booking

• ✅ Watch videos first. Comedy is subjective — always preview their work before reaching out.
• ✅ Be specific about your audience. A comedian who kills it at a tech startup may not be right for a religious charity gala.
• ✅ Mention content guidelines upfront. If you need clean comedy or have topic restrictions, state it clearly in your first message.
• ✅ Share the event agenda. Speakers perform better when they know the program — how long they have, what happens before/after them, whether there's a dinner, etc.
• ✅ Negotiate respectfully. Most speakers have some flexibility, especially for multi-date engagements or nonprofit events.
• ✅ Book early. Top speakers fill up months in advance, especially for holiday season dates (October–December).
• ✅ Use a written agreement. Even a simple email confirmation of the agreed fee, date, and event details protects both parties.
• ✅ Introduce the speaker properly. A good speaker introduction sets the tone and warms up the audience. Ask your speaker for a bio to read.