What’s the difference between a Guest Speaker, Resident Speaker, and Associate Editor? 

We have a few different types of speaker roles: 

• Guest Speakers deliver a one-off session at 1–2 events per year. 

• Resident Speakers are regular contributors who speak at 4 or more events annually and help maintain consistency and quality across the series. 

• Associate Editors are experienced sector voices who, in addition to speaking, also support us with agenda planning, content development, and editorial shaping behind the scenes. 

You don’t need to worry which category you fall into — we’ll have discussed this with you already if it’s relevant! 

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How do I propose a session topic or idea? 

We always welcome great session ideas from our speakers. If you have a theme, case study, or area of expertise you’d like to present, email Tilly (our speaker lead) at tilly@intelligentmedia.co.uk. You don’t need a full synopsis — just a title or brief description is enough to start the conversation. 

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What happens if I need help preparing my session? 

If you’d like input or a sounding board while developing your session, our team is here to help. We can: 

• Review your slides 

• Provide sample formats or timings 

• Offer guidance on tone or level 

• Or arrange a short prep call with a member of the team or another speaker 

We’re here to make sure you feel confident, prepared and supported. 

 

Can I suggest other speakers or contributors? 

Absolutely — we love speaker referrals, especially from trusted voices like yours. If you know someone with a great story, practical insight or relevant expertise, please do introduce them to us or email their details to hello@edexeclive.co.uk. We’re always looking to grow the EdExec LIVE family. 

 

What kind of content are you looking for in sessions? 

We aim to deliver content that is: 

• Practical, honest and real 

• Grounded in the lived experience of school business professionals 

• Focused on finance, operations, leadership, procurement, strategy or wellbeing 

 

Do I get paid to speak at EdExec LIVE? 

In short — not usually. And we can’t stress enough just how much we genuinely appreciate the time, insight and generosity of the amazing school business professionals, consultants and leaders who contribute to our events. 

Peer-led content is the beating heart of EdExec LIVE. It’s what makes our sessions real, relevant and resonant. And we know that the willingness of speakers to share their lived experience, challenges, lessons, and solutions has a huge impact on our delegates. They regularly tell us that hearing from people who have “been there, done that” is one of the most valuable parts of the day. 

 Our mission is to make EdExec LIVE as accessible as possible to all school business leaders — especially those working in smaller schools, tight-budget environments, or without ring-fenced CPD support. That’s why we work hard to keep delegate tickets free or very low-cost. To make that possible, the entire event is funded through exhibitor income, and we manage our budgets tightly so we can prioritise delegate access and experience. 

While we don’t pay standard speaker fees, we do everything we can to support speakers in other ways. So if there's something we can do to support you, please just ask! 

  

Do you cover expenses for speakers? 

Yes, we do! While we can’t offer huge budgets, we absolutely want to ensure you’re not out of pocket for joining us. 

Here’s what we cover: 

• Travel – including standard-class train fares or mileage (at HMRC rates). You’re welcome to book your own travel and send us the receipt, or we’re happy to book it for you. 

• Reasonable sustenance costs – light meals, coffee, etc., on the day 

• Taxis – where needed for local connections or accessibility reasons 

  

We don’t cover hotel accommodation as standard, but: 

• We’ll do our best to match you to a local event 

• We’ll schedule your session later in the day where possible to avoid the need for an overnight stay 

• If you’re travelling a significant distance and feel you may need accommodation, please let us know as early as possible — we’ll do everything we can to support you within our budget 

Please note: We ask that any expenses outside standard travel/sustenance are pre-approved, so we can ensure they align with our tight budgets. If in doubt — just ask! We’re happy to chat it through. 

  

Do I need to book my own travel?  

You’re very welcome to book your own travel and send us the receipts — or, if you prefer, we’re happy to arrange it for you. Either way, we kindly ask that you choose the most cost-effective option available, to help us keep delegate tickets free or low-cost. 

Driving? We’ll cover your mileage at the standard HMRC rate. 

Public transport? Standard class fares are perfect. 

Taxis? Yes, if part of your onward journey, please keep to local journeys where possible. 

  

Can I claim expenses for lunch, coffee, or other costs? 
Yes — reasonable sustenance costs such as lunch, coffee or light refreshments can be claimed. If you’re unsure about anything, just drop us a message before the event. 

  

Do I need pre-approval for any expenses? 

Yes — if your expenses go beyond standard travel or sustenance (e.g. accommodation, extended journeys, or non-standard transport), please check in with us first before booking. We just need to ensure it aligns with our budget constraints. 

  

What if my circumstances change or I have a query about expenses? 

No problem at all provided we have enough notice to make alternative arrangements. Just email us at hello@edexeclive.co.uk with any updates or questions — we’re always happy to chat it through and work to find solution that suits you. We do ask that within 6-8 weeks of the event date arrangements are fixed, as it can be very difficult to find contingency plans at short notice, but if there's something unavoidable, please let us know as soon as possible and we'll so everything we can to find a solution.  

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How can I claim my expenses for the day?  

We will contact you after the event to remind you to complete the expenses form. Please find the form here 
 
How do I access information about the venue?  

Please see all event locations, dates and details here.  

  

What is the running order of the day?  

*The timetables are finalised several weeks prior to each event; therefore, this is for illustration purposes only and is subject to change. 

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08:30am – 09:00am           Registration 

09:15am – 11:00am           Seminars 

11:00am – 11:30am           Coffee break 

11:45am – 12:30pm           Seminars 

12:30pm – 2:15pm             Lunch 

2:15pm – 4:00pm               Seminars 

4:00pm – 4:30pm               Networking drinks 

  

How can I inform you of my dietary requirements? 

Please complete the form above with your dietary needs and make yourself known to us or to a member of the team at the venue on the day.  

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How do I evacuate the venue in case of an emergency? 

If you are a vulnerable adult or will have difficulty responding to a fire alarm or escaping from the building unaided in the event of an emergency, please let us know prior to the event. 

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How do I set up my presentation?  

Your presentations will be loaded onto our laptops and will be set up and linked with screens in the relevant seminar rooms. We have a member of the EdExec team present in all seminar rooms for the beginning of each session to ensure that the presentations load and run without a hitch. The same team member will also give you a five or ten minute warning prior to the end of your session. Please do not start the session without the member of the team present – start times can be subject to change on the day so please wait from the go ahead from our team! 

Please do not run over the allocated session time (45 minutes) as it will negatively impact delegates' ability to attend their other sessions. 

We have pre-prepared questions submitted from delegates that you can use if you have some time at the end of your session.