How to Hire a Keynote Speaker in Canada & the USA
Hiring a keynote speaker comes down to five decisions: your outcome, your budget, your timeline, your shortlist and your chemistry check. This guide walks through each one with real numbers from Spoken Artists, a Toronto-based keynote speaker agency serving Canada and the United States.
1. Start with the outcome, not the name
Write one sentence describing what your audience should think, feel or do after the keynote. That sentence becomes your brief, and it is the fastest way for an agency to shortlist the right speakers.
2. Set a realistic budget
Keynote fees vary widely with the speaker's profile, the format (in person or virtual), the date and travel. Share your budget up front — a good agency will only shortlist speakers who fit it, and confirm exact quotes quickly.
3. Book early
Aim for 3–6 months ahead for conferences and sales kickoffs, and 6–9 months for peak dates (January SKOs, March International Women's Day, September–November conference season).
4. Work with an agency — at no extra cost
A good speaker agency shortlists, negotiates, contracts and handles logistics. Speaker fees are typically the same whether you book directly or through an agency, because the speaker pays the agency's commission.
5. Meet the speaker before you book
Ask for a short introductory video call. Every speaker on the Spoken Artists roster offers a free intro Zoom call so you can test chemistry and tailor the talk before signing.
6. Questions to ask every speaker
How will you tailor this for our audience? Can we see a full-length recording? What does your fee include (Q&A, book signing, breakout)? What's your cancellation and travel policy?
Kara Hardin
Mental health educator and Registered Psychotherapist helping high achievers make work human again
Sandy Brondello
Inaugural Head Coach, Toronto Tempo | WNBA Champion | Olympic Medalist
Jennifer Brace
Futurist on Future of Work, Innovation, and Well-Being
Commander Paul Smith
Decorated Naval Officer | History-Making Commander | Leadership Strategist
Scott Schieman
The sociologist rewriting what work means.
Brad Stulberg
The performance thinker for a chaotic decade.
Mark Shapiro
President & CEO, Toronto Blue Jays
Dr. Karen MacNeill
Peak-Performance Psychologist to Canada’s Olympic Athletes
How much does a keynote speaker cost in Canada and the US?+
Fees depend on the speaker, date, format (in person or virtual) and travel. Share your budget and Spoken Artists will shortlist speakers who fit it, with exact quotes within one business day.
Who are good Canadian keynote speakers?+
Canadian keynote speakers represented by Spoken Artists include Kara Hardin, Commander Paul Smith, Dr. Karen MacNeill, Derek “Drex” Jancar, Anne Belliveau. Every one offers a free intro call before booking.
Who are good American keynote speakers?+
US-based keynote speakers represented by Spoken Artists include Jennifer Brace, Brad Stulberg, Sean Riley, Melissa Arnot Reid, Luke Aikins. All are available for events across the United States and Canada.
Do your speakers travel to the United States?+
Yes. Spoken Artists speakers regularly keynote across Canada and the United States, in person or virtually. Quotes are available in CAD or USD.
How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?+
Three to six months is ideal; six to nine months for peak dates like January sales kickoffs and fall conference season. Short-notice bookings are often still possible — ask.
Can I meet the speaker before I book?+
Yes. Every speaker on the Spoken Artists roster offers a free introductory Zoom call so you can test chemistry and tailor the keynote before committing.