Speak­er Rider

This document covers the conditions I ask for when I speak at conferences, give workshops, or join panels. If you’ve read this and still want to have me, I’m confident we'll work well together.

I’ve written this not to be difficult, but to be honest – with you and with myself about what makes for a good experience on both sides. Most of these things are things I’d want for any speaker you invite, not just for me.

Code of Conduct #

Your event must have a publicly accessible Code of Conduct that clearly describes what behaviour is not acceptable, how attendees can report an incident, and how reports will be handled. A generic one you’ve copied from somewhere else is better than nothing, but a specific, thought-through one is better still.

I will not speak at events that don’t have one.

Diversity of the Lineup #

I care about who else is on stage. A lineup that is entirely or overwhelmingly white, male, and from the same handful of countries tells me something about the event’s priorities – and it tells your attendees something too.

I’m not asking for a quota. I’m asking for genuine effort: actively seeking out speakers from underrepresented groups, paying them the same rates, giving them the same support, and not treating diversity as a checkbox to tick after the “real” lineup is set.

If you’re building a diverse lineup and think I’m a good fit for it, I’d be happy to join you.

Fees #

I charge a speaker fee for conference talks, keynotes, and panels. The exact amount depends on the nature of the event, its size, and whether it’s a commercial conference or a community-run event. Community conferences with limited budgets get a very different conversation than large commercial ones.

Workshop fees are negotiated separately and depend on duration, format, and audience size.

Please don’t ask me to speak “for the exposure.” I’m happy to talk about what works for both of us – but that conversation needs to start with an honest discussion of budget.

Travel and Accommodation #

For in-person events, I require full coverage of travel and accommodation – flights or train tickets (booked in advance where possible), and a hotel for the nights I need to be there. I’ll always aim to be reasonable about this: I won’t ask for first class, and I’m happy to share recommendations or book things myself if that’s easier.

I’m based near Stuttgart, Germany, which makes me easy to reach for events across Europe. For events further afield, please factor in the additional travel time and any visa requirements.

If your event is fully remote, travel obviously doesn’t apply – but I do ask that you account for the time involved in preparing and delivering a quality talk.

Recording and Streaming #

I’m happy for my talks to be recorded and for recordings to be made publicly available after the event – in fact, I encourage it. Talks that live on beyond the event reach more people, and that’s good for everyone.

What I ask in return: please let me know in advance if you plan to record, and share the final video with me once it’s ready so I can link to it from my own site.

I do not grant rights to use recordings for commercial purposes beyond event promotion without a separate conversation.

Technical Requirements #

I speak from my own MacBook Pro. Please provide an HDMI or USB-C connection to the projector or display – I’ll bring my own adaptors as backup, but it helps to know in advance what’s available.

I use my own clicker/presenter remote.

Slide format: 16:9. If you need a preliminary version of my slides in advance for captioning, live translation, or accessibility review, please let me know and I’ll do my best to get you something in time.

For audio: a lapel or headset microphone is my preference over a handheld, but I’ll work with whatever you have. If you have a confidence monitor showing my slides and a timer, even better.

A Few Other Things #

I’ll promote your event. Before and after. To my newsletter readers, on my site, and across my social networks. I take this seriously – you’re trusting me with a slot on your programme, and I want to help make the event a success.

I’ll be present. Not just for my slot. I’ll attend talks, join the hallway conversations, stay for the social events. The talk is one part of why I’m there.

I’ll prepare properly. I don’t recycle talks unchanged. Every event gets a version that’s considered for its audience and context.

I may need a quiet space before going on stage. Not always, but sometimes. Worth knowing in advance if that’s possible.

Not a Checklist #

If something here isn’t quite possible for your event – especially if you’re running a community conference with a tight budget – please talk to me anyway. This rider is a starting point for a conversation, not a list of demands. I’ve spoken at events where some of these things weren’t in place and had a wonderful time. Context matters.

What I care about most is that you’re trying to run a good event, that you treat your speakers and attendees well, and that the people in the room will find something genuinely useful in what I have to say.

If that’s you, let’s talk.

~

Header photo by Florian Ziegler 📷