Arranging A Talk Part II

So you've had a look at Arranging A Talk - here I expand on each of the points there, fleshing out the requirements and reasons for them. Everything that follows is simply expanding on the above. It's all intended to be common sense and obvious, but I've made it explicit to try to help motivate what I've said.

For some of these I may already have information to help us, and some affect the others. For example, expenses can occasionally be minimised by coordinating with an existing speaking engagement, although that then entails more attention to detail for travel, etc.

So here are some comments and further reading that will help you to understand each of the above, and help us make my visit run smoothly.

1. Choose a date, time, and topic

You may already have a specific date in mind, but if not, you can find my current speaking schedule here:

Please understand that I have additional commitments to these, but this is a good starting point. If you can then suggest specific dates and times, I can choose from among your suggestions, and we're done.

You can also find out if and when I'll be in your area - use this link:

https://www.solipsys.co.uk/new/ByPostCode.html

Enter your postal district - just the first part of your post code, not the whole thing - and you'll get a list of talks arranged in order of distance from you.

There are several talks and/or workshops I can give. These include (but are not limited to) ...

See Mathematics Talks for more. Pick one, or ask me about them.

2. Sketch arrangements for travel, meals and accommodation

I try always to travel by train, as it allows me to work while en route and thus minimise my "down time." This means we need to consider travel time from my home station (between Liverpool and Chester), travel to and from the station nearest you, and where I should stay (if necessary). We also need to consider meals, details of which will depend on the timing of the talk. These are not difficult to organise, but it's easier for me if you do so.

3. Consider the budget ...

I've transitioned to being full-time in outreach and enhancement, so now I have standard rates. These are £350 for a talk, £450 for a half day, and £850 for a full day. These are fully inclusive, covering all of my expenses (unless you are not in the UK!).

However, if your budget won't stretch to that, talk to me and we might be able to arrange a discount. I've given talks for much less, so always start by talking to me.

4. Estimate attendance
5. Decide on and book a venue

These are entirely your domain. You will need to send me details of the venue. You will need to read these:

These are critical to the success of the event.

6. Finalise travel, meals and accommodation
7. Generate invoice

Once the specific arrangements have been agreed I can generate an invoice for you. My costing and payment philosophies are given here:

Please note that these are not whims, rarely departed from, and even then only when circumstances require it. Departures from these arrangements significantly complicate my life. But having said that, if there's a problem, or if anything there surprises you, talk to me.

8. Arrange where, when and who will meet and escort me

Again, these are your domain. In general I don't need much looking after, and the extent of assistance I need will depend greatly on the level of detail in the earlier arrangements.

If you've got this far - well done! That's a lengthy page, but I hope you can appreciate that it's useful. Assuming all runs well I very much look forward to meeting you, and to speaking for you.

Having got this far you now know what's necessary, and you can go and complete the Talk Request Form.

I look forward to hearing from you!