Simon Willison’s Weblog

What do you offer to a high-profile speaker when inviting him to an event?

24th June 2013

My answer to What do you offer to a high-profile speaker when inviting him to an event? on Quora

Unless they live locally it’s almost rude not to offer flights and accommodation—they will certainly expect it.

If you want to make a really good impression, have someone pick them up at the airport and take them to their hotel. It can be a black car, but it’s also a nice gesture if the event organiser does it personally.

For massive bonus points: provide them with a preloaded data SIM card (maybe even in a device that does tethering which they can borrow for the trip). Speakers from abroad will appreciate this enormously.

Have a speakers dinner at a good restaurant.

Don’t be surprised if high profile speakers expect a speakers fee.