Speakers Bureau Frequently Asked Questions

PLEASE NOTE: The Speakers Bureau program will no longer accept applications from membership organizations. Eligible organizations must be oriented to the general, out-of-school adult public and cannot require a membership fee.

Are you still accepting Speakers Bureau applications during Coronavirus and COVID-19?

IN-PERSON Speakers Bureau events are currently postponed due to concerns around Coronavirus and COVID-19. No new applications for in-person Speakers Bureau events will be approved at this time. Your organization may instead wish to explore conducting a Speakers Bureau event remotely via Zoom. If so, please write to gary-sheppard@uiowa.edu for more information. 

How do I apply for a Speakers Bureau event?

You may apply for a SB event online, or by filling out the PDF application and sending it to us by mail/email/fax. There is a $50 application fee, payable online or by check. For step-by-step instructions, click here.

Who is eligible to apply?

Humanities Iowa (HI) Speakers Bureau presenters are available to talk with:

  • library groups
  • professional associations
  • arts councils
  • churches
  • PTAs
  • local historical societies or arts councils
  • employee associations or any other non-profit adult community group
  • ​colleges, community colleges, universities, and public schools can apply if programs are geared toward and open to the general public.

Who are your speakers?

We have a diverse collection of speakers with a wide range of presentation styles and topics. To see a full list of our current speakers, click here.

How much does it cost?

A fee of $50 must accompany the request for a HI speaker. HI will fully fund the speaker’s honorarium. If the speaker must stay overnight, the sponsoring organization must negotiate that expense with the speaker.

How do we pay?

You can mail a check or pay online. Online payments are through Network for Good, which is also used for donations. If applying through the online application, please include a copy of your email receipt.

What do we have to do?

The local program coordinator will be asked to complete a one-page evaluation of the presentation, coordinate all arrangements with the speaker, and publicize the event locally. A suggested flier template is available upon request. That is it!

Restrictions

  • For-profit organizations are not eligible to apply for Speakers Bureau presentations.
  • Colleges, community colleges, universities and public schools can apply for the purpose of hosting a speaker for a public program that is geared toward the general public. The Speakers Bureau is not intended to supplement the teaching mission of educational institutions.
  • Programs may not be held for fundraising purposes.
  • They must be free and open to the public. (Programs held in conjunction with a dinner or luncheon may ask attendees to pay the cost for the meal only, and must advertise the presentation as free and open to the public).
  • Each organization may host up to three (3) presentations per HI’s fiscal year (Nov 1 – Oct 31).
  • A minimum of twenty (20) participants per program is required.

I have more questions.

The staff at HI will be happy to answer your questions. For questions, please contact us.