Letter of agreement
Please sign and return one copy

This is to confirm an agreement between Mariah Burton Nelson ("speaker") and a client ("organization") for a speaking engagement.

1) Organization's name: ___________________________

2) Organization's website:___________________________________

3) Contact person within the organization: ___________________

4) Title: _____________________

5) Work phone number: _________________________________

6) Home or cell number (emergencies only):______________________

7) Email address: __________________________________________

8) Mailing address:_________________________________________

9) Presentation date: _______________________________________

10) Presentation time: _____________________________________

11) Length of presentation(s): _______________________________

12) Title of presentation (s): ________________________________

13) Theme of the meeting or conference, if any: __________________

14) Describe extra activities, if any (reception, etc.) _________________

15) Expected number of attendees: __________________

16) Name of hotel: _____________________
Address: _____________________
Phone number: _____________________
Confirmation number: _____________________

17) Program location, if different from hotel: ___________________

18) Speaking fee:$_____.
Includes ____ books at _____ apiece.
Plus expenses: Round trip airfare, ground travel, meals, tips, lodging

19) Enclosed deposit: $_____ (50% of the fee is required as a nonrefundable confirmation deposit and should be returned with this signed letter of agreement. Without the deposit, the date is not confirmed.)

20) Nearest airport, if relevant:_______

21) Distance from airport to hotel or event (in minutes): __________

22) Name of person or service for airport pickup: _____________

Rider, Letter of Agreement

Below are my usual and preferred policies, procedures, and requests. If something is unacceptable or impossible, let me know and we'll discuss and adjust.

1) Microphone: I need a microphone that DETACHES from the lectern. First choice: Wireless lavaliere. Second: Wired lavaliere. Third: Cordless handheld. Fourth: Handheld with cord.

2) LCD Projector and Screen: Please provide an LCD Projector, screen, and audio cables to connect to the sound system. I will bring a Macintosh PowerBook G4 laptop (including VGA and DVI adaptors) for my Audio/Visual PowerPoint presentation. Note: Many PowerPoint presentations do not include audio. Mine does. The sound can be hooked up separately or conducted through the microphone sound system.

3) Room setup: I want my audience to be comfortable, connected with each other, and facing me. Ideally, this means curved rows facing the podium, so that everyone can see me without turning their head. Chevron-style seating is okay; what we're trying to avoid, if at all possible, is straight rows facing the front wall.

4) Travel arrangements via plane: Because of my height and frequent travel, I fly first class or fully refundable coach-plus upgrade. If the cost is prohibitive or the flight is short, this can be negotiated; please ask. I have an "arrive early, stay late" policy, to insure against flight delays and to leave plenty of time for discussion, socializing, etc. If possible, I will have the flights direct billed to you by providing a locator number to your office or using your credit card.

5) Airport pickup: I can be picked up by your staff, a car service, or a taxi. Just let me know when you decide. At 6'2" I am easily identifiable. If met, I should be met at baggage claim with a sign.

6) Ground transportation: Cab expenses can be added to the fee or invoiced separately with receipts; your choice.

7) Hotel: Hotel must offer access to a restaurant. Please reserve a queen or king-size bed in a quiet, nonsmoking room and arrange to have it direct billed, including meals. Room should be on second floor or higher, with interior entrance only, for safety purposes. Bed-and-breakfast inns acceptable only with prior approval.

8) Payment: Please send half of the fee as a down payment, to hold the date, within two weeks of confirming this agreement. The balance is due the day of the event. Miscellaneous reimbursable expenses shall be paid within 30 days of invoice.

9) Semi-vegetarian meals: I eat fish, cheese, and eggs. If we're having a meal together at a banquet or luncheon, I'd appreciate having a non-meat, non-poultry option.

10) Media: Please give my phone number directly to any interested media. I prefer to conduct interviews prior to the day of the event, or after the speech, in order to reserve my energy and attention for interacting with your group.

11) Books: I never sell books or other products from the platform, overtly or otherwise. I do expect to bring books for those who might be interested, or provide books for each of your attendees, if we have arranged that. If a book-signing is planned, please provide a table and chair for me to sign books.

12) Lectern: Please provide a lectern for notes and water.

13) Audio or videotapes of the program: Only with permission; not for resale.

14) Cancellation by client: In the event of cancellation by the client, if the contract date is not secured for another engagement, the speaker will be paid the balance of the contract.

15) Cancellation by speaker: In the unlikely event that I cancel (only serious illness or family emergency), I will do everything possible to help you obtain a comparable speaker at the same fee. If such a speaker cannot be found, I will of course promptly return the deposit in full.

16) Force Majeure: Any cancellation by either party shall not be considered a breach of agreement if it is caused by circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the party affected, including but not limited to acts of God, fire, flood, labor strikes, riots, wars, civil disorder, and terrorism. If a force majeure event makes it impossible for the agreement to be fulfilled, the speaker shall be entitled to retain the deposit but shall not be entitled to the full payment, regardless of which party is affected by the force majeure.

17) Confirmation: Please confirm or update these details, and any other pertinent information, a few weeks before the event.

18) Spirit of cooperation: This agreement is made in a spirit of cooperation and mutual benefit, with every expectation for a smooth and successful event.

Please complete, sign, and return this agreement within 14 days, keeping a copy. Accepted and agreed to by:

Mariah Burton Nelson or agent: _______________ Date: __________

Client:_____________________________ Date: _____________