Celebrities and speakers

Obviously celebrities are individuals like all of us so the breadth of our experience will be as varied as an individual's character. However the following may be helpful:

The event

• What is the event, how many people will be there, what kind of event is it (fun? formal?)
• Do you have a budget to help either pay the expenses of the celebrity or is there a specific budget for a speaker? Also do you have a budget that will allow you to pay some fee to the celebrity to ensure they turn up.
• If you need a speaker, choose one that fits the description of the event. Agencies will have lists that may be easier for you to go through.
• Costs. In real terms, if you do not have contacts, speakers can cost between £2,000 and £20,000.

Celebrities/speakers

• If you have contacts within the celebrity world use them.  Also ask around your organisation -it's surprising who knows who!
• If you have contacts with agents use them, they will often be looking a number of celebrities. For example agents who deal with sports celebrities may be able to suggest or recommend an individual if you give them a brief (e.g. your marathon campaign).
• Be clear about what it is you're doing and what it is you want them to do. Put it in writing. (Some celebrities will only give their name if they are going to get really involved, others are happier to let you use their name, signature for letters etc only if they don't get involved. If, for example, you want them to speak, give them a clear brief about what type of speech they should be delivering. Include any in-house jokes that they can use.)
• Be clear about what is imperative (i.e. you need their photo, use their signature on an agreed letter etc) and what would 'additional' (x amount of radio shows, one TV. appearance, actual event/campaign appearance) if they could do but is not vital.
• When they attend an event it is recommended (from my own negative experience!) to make sure that a charity representative is there to collect them when they enter. Celebrities are human beings and if they come alone, they may also feel strange to enter somewhere without knowing anyone. This is recommended whether you are attending the event or not - if they are representing you, you should be there to meet them (with e.g. someone else who will be sitting with them etc) and even if you are not sitting with them, or even invited you have made sure they are safe. Check that they are happy!!
• Experience suggests that it is better to get a celebrity/celebrities to support you for a period of time e.g. 2 years or for a campaign so you do not have to keep trying to find new celebrities. Again be clear about what you need from them. Also don't forget that celebrities mix with celebrities. If you get friendly, in the sense of something genuine, then ask if they can help to find other celebrities.
• With regard to getting celebrities on board, it can be a numbers game or it can be targeted. You have to see what you think at the time. For example when doing a celebration of the charity event you may be able to write to as many celebrities as you can think of, especially if you are in a prestigious venue, if you want someone to head a sports event then you want a sports-person OR an actor that plays a sports-person in a sitcom, for example.
• When you want a celebrity also consider things like, where they live (i.e. if they are near to the event, they might come), if they are in a play somewhere near your event etc. Basically it is easier to get someone to an evening event when they live nearby or when they are in that area (e.g. for a pantomime).
• A lecture given by Max Clifford at the DSC Charityfair 1997 made the point of watching in the papers to see who are 'current' celebrities. He also said that those who are new to the public eye might be more readily available as they are seeking as much publicity as possible. He also commented on using people like himself to get to celebrities - however he supplemented this by saying that he also receives hundreds of requests from charities regularly!! The phrase Right Time Right Place springs to mind. Bear in mind that relatively 'new' celebrities can also come undone with new publicity. Be aware!
•  If you really want a particular celebrity or speaker, don't book the venues first, book the speaker/celebrity!
• Remember that celebrities and speakers are usually paid for appearing in public. If you do not pay them anything, how do you know they are going to turn up if a more fruitful opportunity appears? Sometimes it is better to pay and have a clear contract, than to wait on goodwill, especially if the event is very high profile for you and your charity.

Where to find contacts for celebrities/speakers:

Diary Directory:         020 7724 7770

For celebrity speakers/ideas contact:

British Speakers Bureau:               020 7224 4040  for an information pack.

Also consider look-a-likes (much clearer exchange and they come as the character as opposed to the real person which means they are more likely to fulfil someone's fantasy than what the real person should be like!

Agency in Clapham in London:       020 7720 0525

Additional notes

Other fact sheets in Annual fundraising
Fact sheet index

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