Speakers with a platform

Meetings & Conventions: Short Cuts September 2000 Current Issue
September 2000
Short Cuts:
Speakers with a platform

For groups that have endured one too many mediocre speakers, finding someone who can address and hold their interest for an hour is no small task. Major national speakers bureaus offer hundreds of choices. But another alternative is to go directly to specialized bureaus that hand-pick presenters with a particular area of expertise. For an event with a sports-related theme, for instance, consider Speaking of Sports (217-544-8552; www.speakingofsports.com). The bureau is a branch of Springfield, Ill.-based Capitol City Speakers Bureau. Health-related organizations might rely on Standpoint Healthcare Speakers Bureau (212-929-7521; www.standpointinc.com), a New York City-based agency that books consultants and other experts in the health-care industry. Other bureaus identify with political or social causes. San Francisco-based Community United Against Violence’s Lesbian/Gay Speakers Bureau (415-777-5500; www.xq.com/cuav/speakers.htm) specializes in diversity and tolerance issues. And the progressive Boston-based Jodi F. Solomon Speakers Bureau (617-266-3450; www.jsolomon.com) aims to “enhance minds and opinions,” according to founder Jodi Solomon. Her company represents “speakers with substance,” including Spike Lee, Time magazine writer Calvin Trillin, and others who address global and cultural issues such as the environment and gun control.

MARTHA COOKE