The Ethics of Unpaid Speaking Gigs: Niluka Kavanagh Calls for Fair Compensation

In a recent LinkedIn post, Niluka Kavanagh passionately addresses the prevalent issue of event organizers asking professional speakers to present for free, particularly at high-ticket events. Kavanagh highlights the disparity between the value speakers bring and the lack of financial compensation offered, framing it as a significant concern within the industry.

Kavanagh begins by directly confronting the practice: “Please stop asking speakers to speak for free.” This repeated plea underscores the urgency and frustration felt by many in the professional speaking circuit. The post details a personal experience where an invitation to speak at a major HR technology event, with delegate tickets priced at £1,500, came with no speaker budget. The justification offered was ‘exposure,’ a reason Kavanagh argues is often misused.

“We’re going to profit from your expertise, your experience and all the knowledge you’re bringing… and we’re going to take all the money and give you none of it.”

Kavanagh argues that the notion of ‘exposure’ as adequate compensation is largely invalid unless it’s a unique, high-value networking opportunity like Davos or Cannes. For most events, especially those charging substantial delegate fees, speakers deserve fair payment. Kavanagh emphasizes that this is not a plea from an emerging speaker, but from a seasoned professional who works with agencies and conducts speaking as a primary business.

The Value Proposition of Professional Speakers

The core of Kavanagh’s argument centers on the inherent value professional speakers provide. These individuals have cultivated expertise, honed their delivery, and built a reputation that directly contributes to the success and profitability of an event. Asking them to forgo payment, especially when the event itself is a revenue-generating enterprise, is seen as exploitative.

“The optics of that are not great,”

Kavanagh states, pointing out the ethical implications of profiting from someone’s knowledge and experience without commensurate reward. The post suggests that event organizers need a clearer understanding of what they are requesting when they seek free labor from experts. Kavanagh stresses that speakers are not free resources but professionals whose contribution is fundamental to the event’s existence.

Distinguishing Professional Speakers from Other Participants

Kavanagh does offer a nuance, suggesting that the only justifiable exception to payment might be for individuals who speak not as part of their professional service but primarily to sell a product or service from the stage. However, even in these cases, Kavanagh questions their suitability if their primary intention is sales rather than content delivery. For established experts and thought leaders with a proven track record, the expectation of free work is deemed unprofessional.

“If your event has a budget – which most events do – speakers should absolutely be a line within it.”

This statement underscores Kavanagh’s firm belief that speaker fees should be a standard, budgeted expense for any event organizer. The logic is simple: without compelling speakers, there is no event to charge attendees for. Kavanagh concludes by urging organizers to reconsider their practices and to ensure that speakers are compensated fairly for their valuable contributions, rather than being treated as unpaid labor.

The Financial Reality of Event Organizing

Kavanagh’s analysis highlights a critical financial dynamic in the events industry. High ticket prices indicate a significant revenue stream, from which speakers, as key drawcards, should receive a share. The argument is that the investment in speakers is not merely an expense but a foundational element of the event’s value proposition. By failing to pay speakers, organizers are not only undervaluing their expertise but also potentially jeopardizing the quality and appeal of their own events.

“Because without your line up of speakers, you won’t have an event to charge for in the first place.”

This final point from Kavanagh serves as a stark reminder of the symbiotic relationship between organizers and speakers. It calls for a shift towards more equitable and professional practices within the events sector, ensuring that those who share their knowledge and expertise are recognized and rewarded appropriately.