CWA announces call for 2019-2020 Speakers Bureau programs

Since its launch in 2009, the CWA Speakers Bureau has provided CWA members a valuable opportunity to book events, build their individual platforms, and sell books, while simultaneously offering event programmers a trusted resource to guide their programming efforts. (Check out the current CWA Speakers Bureau menu here).

In August, the CWA will finalize and post its NEW 2019-2020 CWA Speakers Bureau Menu to the CWA website and distribute a hard copy of the menu to some 200 Chicago area libraries and venues.

For CWA members interested in joining, here are the details:

  • The CWA Speakers Bureau is open to current CWA members only.
  • One program listing costs $50. Two program listings cost $95. Three program listings, the maximum number allowed, cost $125. Pay online here:
2019-20 Speakers Bureau Program Listing

or by sending a check made payable to Chicago Writers Association, P.O. Box 6505, Evanston, IL 60204. Payment is due JULY 15.

  • Listings are active for one calendar year and will expire in August 2020.
  • You must submit your program profile/menu listing electronically in the text of an email (not as an attachment) to smithwriting@gmail.com by 11:59pm CST on JULY 15. This is a firm deadline with no exceptions.
  • Right down to punctuation and capitalization, each menu listing should follow the Speakers Bureau’s standard format, which is:

“Title of the Program” by Presenter’s Name

Maximum 75-word program description. Note if the program includes handouts, booklets, Q&A, etc. (Intended audience; Length in minutes; Fee and any special requests, such as reimbursement for travel expenses or permission to sell books)

References: List up to two references – name and contact info. References should be of the professional variety, not personal, and, ideally, should be able to comment on the program being offered.

Website: If available, list your website or blog address (no social media)

Contact Info: Provide your phone number(s) and email

Here is a specific example to follow:

“Chicago Genealogy 101” by Grace DuMelle

Learn the challenges of searching for your Windy City relations from Grace DuMelle, author of Finding Your Chicago Ancestors and head of Heartland Historical Research. Discover lesser-known sources for family historians – fire insurance maps, probate cases, inquest records, and more – that can open a window into your ancestors’ world. Includes handouts, Q&A. (Adults; 60 min; $150 with permission to sell books)

References: John Smith, Evanston Public Library, (847) 555-1212, jsmith@library.com; Mary Jones, Oak Lawn Public Library, (708) 555-1212, mary@library.org

Website: www.hhrs1872.com

Contact: hhrs1872@ameritech.net, (312) 842-8933

 

ATTENTION PREVIOUS SPEAKERS BUREAU MEMBERS: If you want the exact same listing(s) as presented in the 2018-2019 Speakers Bureau menu, please pay the appropriate fee and then contact Daniel Smith at smithwriting@gmail.com to confirm those details.

Important notes:

  • All presentations are subject to CWA approval and listings will be edited as necessary to meet style, space, and tone requirements.
  • There is no guarantee Speakers Bureau members will get booked for an event. The CWA is a vehicle to promote programs in an effective, credible light.
  • If an event programmer wishes to schedule a program, he/she will contact the member directly. It is each member’s responsibility to handle such queries in a professional manner and meet expectations. The CWA does not function as an intermediary or actively line up programs for Speakers Bureau members.

Please contact CWA Speakers Bureau director Daniel Smith at (708) 717-6126 or smithwriting@gmail.com with any questions.