Wharton Speaker Database
Updated Database and Approval Process
Updated Wharton Speaker Database now available! Please see our user guides to view training articles on the new system. Note that for users, there are extended status tracking features, increased transparency on processing and communications, and additional requirements for post-approval status.
Step 2: Producing the event
Speakers
There are policies and guidelines for not only asking someone to speak, but also how to go about booking a speaker as your main event.
Each speaker that a group, club, department, or an individual wishes to invite to a Wharton event, whether on campus or off-site, MUST be approved by the Dean’s Office (and in certain cases by the University) before any invitation is extended. Each speaker request must be submitted using the school-wide Speaker Approval Management System. Failure to abide by this policy may result in the loss of Wharton and University resources.
The aforementioned policy does not apply to speakers invited by Wharton faculty to participate in classes or other course-related activities, nor does it apply to departmental or any academic-related invitations for seminars, colloquia, workshops, or other academic events.
- Questions should be directed to the appropriate Student Life Office or to the Senior Director of Events, Genevieve Sherick, 215-898-2299.
Requesting a Speaker
- The Wharton Speaker Database provides a way for the Dean’s office to know who has been contacted and/or accepted to a speaking post. It also provides a way for you to know if the school has prior experience or a relationship with the speaker.
- This also prevents the Wharton School from asking your speaker to address another event like yours.
- Once the form has been submitted you will be notified when a request is approved or denied. You may return to your My Request page at any point to view the status of an request
- The Dean’s office or the Wharton network may assist you in contacting a speaker. They will request or share details directly through the Database system.
- After approval, it is required that you return to your request to update invitation status after approval.
- Requests are typically processed within three (3) business days. Speakers that require additional review may take up to two (2) weeks to receive final approval.
Form for requesting Presence of the Dean »
Form for requesting Presence of the Deputy Dean »
Final Notes
- It is Wharton’s policy to not pay a speaker; however, a thank you gift (valued at around $25) is perfectly acceptable (for gift recommendations, visit our Gifts page).
- Make sure you get all the appropriate information from the speaker regarding titles, company, names, images, and biographies.
- Click here to download a Speaker Checklist template to help make sure you do not forget any of the details.
- Ask the speaker/speaker’s assistant to complete the Wharton Speaker Questionnaire to help you gather all of the relevant details you will need to market the speaking event and prepare a timeline for the speaker’s day on campus.
- All speakers on or off-campus at a Wharton event must complete a media release. Download the Wharton Media Release form to share with your speaker, or direct them to the appropriate online Wharton Media Release form. Please note: to complete the media release online, the speaker must enter the event planners name and email so we can direct the completed form to the appropriate group.