Global Speakers Bureau

Global Speakers Bureau (GSB) is a specialist agency that connects event organisers with high-profile keynote speakers, thought leaders, and subject matter experts. Founded in 2007 and operating from London, United Kingdom, the agency focuses on the sourcing, booking, and logistics management of speakers for corporate events, conferences, and institutional gatherings. While its headquarters are in New York City, GSB maintains a strong operational presence in London, serving clients across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.

Services and Specialties

Global Speakers Bureau offers a comprehensive suite of speaker-related services that extend well beyond simple booking. The agency manages the entire lifecycle of a speaker engagement, from initial selection to on-site coordination. Their core services typically include:

• Speaker identification and vetting based on event themes and audience needs
• Full logistical management, including travel arrangements, accommodation, and scheduling
• Contract negotiation and fee management
• Pre-event briefing and content alignment between speaker and organiser
• Crisis management and contingency planning for speaker no-shows or last-minute changes
• Post-event evaluation and feedback collection

The agency's roster includes Nobel Prize winners, TED speakers, former heads of state, Fortune 500 CEOs, and leading scientists. They cover a wide range of topics including business leadership, innovation, geopolitics, sustainability, and motivational storytelling. GSB's London office is particularly active in sourcing European speakers for events across the continent and the Middle East.

Who They Help

Global Speakers Bureau serves a diverse client base that includes multinational corporations, trade associations, universities, government agencies, and non-profit organisations. Their clients typically organise large-scale conferences, annual general meetings, leadership summits, or internal training events that require a keynote speaker with credibility and stage presence. The agency is especially well-suited for event planners who need access to rare or high-demand speakers—those whose calendars are booked months in advance. GSB's team in London works closely with European clients to navigate cultural nuances, time zones, and local event customs, making them a practical choice for organisations based in the United Kingdom or those planning events in Europe.

Approach and Reputation

Global Speakers Bureau positions itself as a problem-solving partner rather than a simple booking agent. Their London-based team emphasises responsiveness, often handling urgent speaker requests or last-minute changes with speed and discretion. The agency's long history—over 45 years of collective industry experience—means they have established relationships with speakers' agents, managers, and personal assistants, which can smooth negotiations and reduce friction. GSB is known for its professionalism in managing logistics, from visa arrangements for international speakers to technical requirements for hybrid or virtual events. While operating from London, the agency's global network allows them to coordinate events in regions as varied as Asia, Latin America, and Africa.

Location and Credentials

With a strong base in London, United Kingdom, Global Speakers Bureau serves as a bridge between North American and European speaker markets. The London office handles a significant portion of the agency's European and Middle Eastern business, leveraging the city's role as a global travel hub. This location allows GSB to manage speakers flying into Heathrow or Gatwick, arrange last-minute meetings in Canary Wharf or the City of London, and coordinate with event venues across the UK and Europe. The agency's dual presence in New York and London gives it a unique advantage in handling transatlantic events, which are common for multinational clients.

Global Speakers Bureau is a good fit for event organisers who need reliable access to high-calibre speakers with minimal hassle. Their London-based team offers hands-on support for corporate events, conferences, and institutional gatherings throughout Europe and the Middle East. Organisations looking for a speaker agency with a proven track record in logistics, a broad international roster, and a focus on client service will find GSB a practical choice.