Speaking FAQ

Ann is passionate about challenging and encouraging individuals and groups through writing and speaking. It is an honor and privilege – and fun too.

If you’d like to book Ann to speak at an event, please read the following FAQ. Then, if you have questions to ask or want to formally send an invitation, please fill out and submit the on-line Speaker Request Form. Donna or Ann will respond within the week.

TYPES OF EVENTS

1. What types of events do you speak at?
Ann has spoken at many different events and to a range of audiences. She currently delivers keynotes and workshops at conferences, retreats, special events, and leadership functions.
2. We know that you and Donna are in this ministry together. How does that work?
While we don’t always travel together, we are in this ministry together and prefer to travel and minister together. We have found that when we both attend events it’s a benefit to us as well as to the group we are ministering to. Our different personalities, abilities, and giftedness complement each other, with Ann assuming the speaking and writing roles and Donna focusing on the supportive and one-on-one roles. That said, we sometimes co-lead workshops and Donna is available to speak from time to time.
3. Do you speak at mid-week events?
Yes, if the schedule allows.
4. Do you accept U.S. and international invitations?
Yes.

TOPICS

5. What topics do you speak on?
Generally, Ann addresses issues that motivate others to look deep into their own lives, to draw out their God-given abilities, and to recognize the profound influence they have on others. She draws on her broad experiences in ministry, business and the peaks and valleys of life. A listing of speaking topics can be found at Speaking Topics.
6. What if our group wants a topic that’s not listed on your site?
Ann is happy to work with you to accommodate your theme and needs.
7. We don’t have a theme and are happy to have you choose the topic. Is that okay?
Once Ann knows the demographics and dynamics of your group, she is willing to discuss options for you to consider. However, because you know your group and their needs better than anyone, she prefers that you make the final decision on the topic or theme.

EXPENSES

8. What are your speaking fees?
Our fees depend on the type of event, number of times you want Ann to speak, and the amount of time away. Once you fill in the Speaker Request Form, one of us will get back to you to discuss fees and your needs. In addition to our regular schedule, we prayerfully make ourselves available for a limited number of events from groups that are on a very minimal budget.
9. What other expenses do we need to be aware of when we invite you to speak?
Groups are responsible for all travel expenses. These may include: airfare, car travel (40 cents/km), ferry costs, parking, car rental, overnight accommodation, meals and gratuities.
10. What airport do you use?
We primarily use the Abbotsford airport but can also fly from Vancouver. For U.S. destinations, we are more likely to fly from Seattle, WA.
11. To save on expenses, is it okay for us to billet you in a private home?
We prefer to stay in a hotel to allow the freedom to prepare, rest, and move about freely. However, we have no problem sharing a room. If billeting makes it more do-able for your group, we will work with you in that way.
12. Do you require anything of the organizers during the event?
A book table is needed to make our book(s) available to your attendees. It needs to be located in a prominent place near the exit of the room for a one-time event or in a prominent area for a weekend conference/retreat. If a bookstore is also setting up at your event, we ask that they not sell our books. There is no need for you to have someone manage the table, as Donna takes care of this so that Ann is free to focus on speaking and to meet with people after sessions.

BOOKING ANN AND/OR DONNA

13. We’d like to invite you to speak at our event but have a few questions to ask. What should we do?
Fill out the on-line Speaker Request Form and ask any questions you have that are not addressed here. One of us will get back to you within the week.
14. How do we request you for our event?
Fill out and submit the Speaker Request Form. If Ann is able to meet your request, you’ll receive an agreement to sign and return with a non-refundable deposit. Your date is confirmed on our calendar after the signed agreement and deposit are received.
15. How far in advance do we need to book you?
Ann’s schedule is put in place up to 12 months in advance. However, it sometimes happens that a previously scheduled event opens up and makes it possible to accommodate a different group on short notice. You can check our schedule and availability at Schedule.
16. What happens in the event of a cancellation?
There is a standard cancellation policy written into the event agreement. In the unlikely event that we have to cancel due to illness or an emergency, we will return your deposit and either try to set another date with you or suggest another speaker.
17. What if we’re unsure of an exact date for our event?
If you’re not sure of the exact date, you may submit some options in your initial inquiry and we will let you know which dates will work with our calendar. You may also simply give a month and we’ll get back to you with the dates that we are available in that month.
18. We’d like to confirm whether or not you’re available for a specific date but we’re considering other speakers, too. What should we do?
Simply fill out the Speaker Request Form and ask any questions you like. One of us will answer them as quickly as possible. Our schedule and availability are also posted on our website. Unfortunately, we cannot commit to being available before knowing that you want us for sure.
19. Can we phone you with our speaking request?
It is easier and more efficient to process each request via email using the Speaker Request Form. If you would like to chat with one of us please include that in the comment section of the form and we can arrange a time that works.
20. We would like to hear you speak. How can we do this?
You can listen to a sample of Ann’s speaking and media interviews on this website. You can also sign up for our free monthly newsletter, and follow our itinerary if you’d like to attend an event to hear Ann speak and meet us in person.