"We Don't Pay Our Speakers"

In the past two weeks alon

e, I received four invitations to speak at high-profile industry conferences in 2025, both domestically and internationally. Upon further inquiry, I was told, "We don't pay our speakers."

One organizer even refused to cover travel expenses but was happy to "waive the registration fee."

Before I tear the universe a new one, let me acknowledge the speaking clients I’ve had the privilege of working with—organizations that understand the pragmatic business tactic of "you get what you pay for" and have welcomed me into their communities for decades.

Then there are these four—and so many others—and it’s time for a reckoning. The persistent refusal to pay professional speakers for their expertise, time, and reputation is not just disrespectful—it’s exploitative.

These events charge admission, secure sponsors, and rake in profits. They aim to attract attendees with marquee names, compelling insights, and transformative experiences—yet they balk at compensating the very people who make it all possible.

Look at the speaker rosters for most of these events. They’re pay-to-play. The lineup is filled with "Senior Directors of This" and "Chief Something Officers" from large companies with deep pockets, happy to fund their executives’ travel and expenses as part of their marketing strategy.

But ask a patient advocate—whose livelihood can depend on speaker compensation—to attend?

“Mercy me, I’ve got the vapors!”

They want to exploit your expertise, your story, and your credibility for their personal ego, profit margins, and reputation.

The mindset is infuriating.

Professional speakers are not just warm bodies at a podium. We bring years of proprietary experience, thought leadership, and credibility. We draw crowds. We make your events better. And yet, the attitude remains: "Your value is immense, but we’re not willing to pay for it."

This rant isn’t just about events.

It mirrors the broader exploitation seen in industries like healthcare. Patients are routinely asked to share their stories, join advisory boards, and participate in panels—all without compensation. These contributions fuel billion-dollar innovations, yet paying the individuals whose lived experiences drive progress?

Perish the thought.

"We don’t pay our speakers" is the same as "We don’t pay our patients." Both reflect a systemic disregard for labor and value.

If you’re an event organizer, hear this: you cannot build a successful event on exploitation. Your attendees expect quality. Your sponsors expect results. Or maybe they don’t?

Neither happens without the talent you’re trying to undervalue.

Paying professional speakers isn’t a favor—it’s the cost of doing business.

Let’s stop playing the Oregon trail of healthcare. hashtag#ButTheExposure