Insights | June 10, 2025

Corporate Talent Booking: Top 5 Things to Consider 

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In an ever-changing industry with ever-changing tools, the G7 Corporate Talent Booking team thrives on creating value for our partners by serving as a time-proven and trusted resource.

Drawing from our experience and recent trends, here are a few key learnings and considerations for your next talent booking:

1.  Contract Clarity
Always make sure to comb through talent contracts, especially postponement and cancellation language as these terms can be one-sided and frequently vary between talent agencies.

2.  Expand into Hybrid and Virtual Formats
For this strategy, you’ll want to specifically target talent that are skilled at performing or presenting virtually. Look for production-ready acts with engaging on-camera skills. Remember to address your content distribution needs/channels, usage duration, licensing fees and approval timing. 

3.  Maximize Impact with Smaller-Scale Experiences

While large events often make headlines, intimate programs can be effective at driving VIP attendance and helping to cultivate meaningful relationships via memorable shared experiences.  Think interactive chats with best selling authors, celebrity chef prepared meals, clinics with sports stars, and fireside acoustic concerts with GRAMMY winning artists.  

4. Extend Talent Value Beyond the Mainstage

Amplify your talent investment by extending their presence and impact beyond their primary appearance to include deliverables such as VIP meet and greets, coffee chats with virtual attendees, book signings, expo booth appearances, social videos and more. Leveraging talent across multiple engagement streams not only increases ROI, but also creates programming continuity and depth.

5. Risk-Reduction
Even the best-laid plans can hit unexpected snags — a speaker drops out, negotiations stall, or timelines shrink faster than expected. That’s why it’s essential to build a contingency plan before you’re in the red zone. Here are a few smart moves to reduce risk:

  • Backup Options: Identify a pre-approved shortlist of talent options to quickly pursue so you’re not scrambling last-minute to find a replacement. 
  • Balanced Agreements: Ensure your agreements include clear and fair provisions should cancellation and Force Majeure matters occur.  
  • Partner Wisely: Not all talent bookers are created equal, look to engage an agency with extensive corporate experience, buying power and deep industry relationships that can be leveraged to resolve challenges on your behalf.  

By keeping these insights in mind and partnering with an experienced agency, you’re not just booking talent—you’re strategically investing in impactful experiences that drive attendance and elevate your brand.