Public speaking at technical conferences involves complex economics where speakers are often treated as products sold to audiences, yet many events don't compensate them fairly. While employed speakers can speak for free (gaining employer branding), independent speakers should apply Rule #0: if others profit, so should you. Fair compensation models include 3-4x ticket price for keynotes, or $5,000-$25,000 depending on audience size and opportunity cost. Speakers should price based on their economic moat and the value delivered, not time spent. Workshops offer better economics with direct cost allocation. Beyond money, speaking provides networking, exposure, and business development opportunities, but independent speakers shouldn't feel guilty requesting payment at for-profit events.
Table of contents
What or who is the product?Why speak in the first place?Technical events are tough businessDid you come for the speakers or the coffee?Free Keynote SpeakersThe hotel makes money, so should youThe Simple Law of Money FlowHow much are 45 minutes of your time worth?Price for impact, not effortWorkshopsLeave room for experimentsFinal rule2 Comments
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