Speakers Bureau
Ohio Humanities' Speakers Bureau program provides the tools for thoughtful conversation, facilitation, and reflection on topics relevant to Ohioans today. Scholars in the fields of history, literature, philosophy, law, and archaeology have been engaging audiences and inspiring conversation for over 20 years. This year, our scholars are available to book virtual programs.
2023 Speakers Bureau Updates
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the state’s issued public safety guidelines, Ohio Humanities will accept requests for in-person programming scheduled after January 1, 2023; however, those programs are subject to be rescheduled as virtual programs pending the most up-to-date public safety guidelines. If you would like to schedule a virtual program but need technical assistance in order to do so, please contact Program Officer Melvin Barnes at mbarnes@ohiohumanities.org. Technical assistance can include access to a Zoom platform, logistical planning, online assistance before and during a scheduled program, and general virtual program training.
1. Schedule a Speaker
If your organization would like to book a speaker, first contact the speaker to confirm program dates, times, and whether or not the program will be offered virtually. Proposed events should be free and open to the public. Please be aware that 2023 bureau booking requests will be accepted from December 1, 2022, to December 31, 2023. Therefore, we will only accept requests for programs scheduled after January 1, 2023. You can find speaker contact information at the bottom of each speaker page.
2. Book Your Speaker
Once you have contacted and confirmed with your speaker, use our online application to apply for the program at least six weeks before your scheduled event. Upon approval, we’ll send you a program agreement packet and ask you to pay the appropriate application fee to Ohio Humanities. Groups are limited to three Speakers Bureau programs per year. If you have any questions, please call Program Officer Melvin Barnes at 614.461.7802 or via email at mbarnes@ohiohumanities.org.
3. Optional Assistance for Virtual Programs
If you do need technical assistance, contact us immediately after submitting your speaker request form to begin planning your event.
Speakers Bureau Fee Structure
Non-profit organizations with an annual budget under $150,000 pay a fee of $50.00.
Non-profit organizations with an annual budget over $150,000 pay a fee of $250.00.
Schools (including colleges or universities) and corporate or private entities pay a fee of $400.00.
Speaker Applications
If your organization would like to book a speaker, first contact the speaker to confirm program dates, times, and whether or not the program will be offered virtually.
After you have confirmed scheduling details, submit a speaker request form to Ohio Humanities at least six weeks before the presentation takes place. Upon approval, we’ll send you a program agreement packet and ask you to pay the appropriate application fee to Ohio Humanities. Groups are limited to three Speakers Bureau programs per year.
Speaker Fee Structure
Non-profit organizations with an annual budget under $150,000 pay a fee of $50.00.
Non-profit organizations with an annual budget over $150,000 pay a fee of $250.00.
Schools (including colleges or universities) and corporate or private entities pay a fee of $400.00.
For any questions, please contact Program Officer Melvin Barnes at mbarnes@ohiohumanities.org.