Booking a Speaker, Part Two
Showcase interviews Bob Isbill
High Desert’s Bob Isbill has received the CWC Jack London Award recognizing outstanding service to his branch, as well as the rarely bestowed Ina Coolbrith Award for exceptional service to the statewide CWC. He consistently sets high standards for spearheading branch anthologies, competitions, seminars, and events. We recently asked him about booking speakers, particularly since the onset of Covid-19. We continue his comments from last month’s socalwritersshowcase.com.
Showcase: Are there frequent mistakes and oversights to avoid?
Isbill: For in-person meetings, I make it clear that they will have a segment of time to meet and greet and sell their books or services. I let them know that if their books are reasonable, or if they can offer any special discount, it will enhance their sales. Upon their arrival, I try to personally meet them and take them to a table prepared in advance so they can settle in and display their books. A bottle of water is always appreciated.
Showcase: How has Covid changed the scene?
Isbill: Fewer members are attending. I think it’s a technology thing, although our VP is very adept at helping the membership learn Zoom. Of course, direct and personal meet and greets have changed that aspect of inducing a speaker to show up. However, the up side is that there are no transportation fees or expense worries. People who were reluctant to drive, say, from Los Angeles to Apple Valley, no longer have to consider that problem. That is a definite plus.
Showcase: What arrangements does a virtual program entail? Equipment? Software? Instructions to attendees?
Isbill: Members need only open a free account with Zoom. They need a camera if they want to participate in a meeting and be seen as well as heard. Prices vary, but they are pretty affordable. Your branch needs to subscribe to Zoom or offer meetings that fall under the free time constraints. Practice is the key element. The more you participate, the easier it is.
Showcase: Anything else?
Isbill: It is absolutely unbelievable how MOST speakers are unprepared to be asked to speak, and to be able to provide the information you need on a moment’s notice. This is something that every CWC published author is capable of getting ready. I am putting together a PowerPoint presentation on how to do this based on my ten years experience in getting speakers and publicizing our events.
Showcase: Thanks, and happy booking.