Thank you for your interest in finding someone who “speaks” native plants and other related topics. You’ve come to the right place! This page was developed to help you find a speaker for your organization. It is strongly recommended that you read through our Policies for Engaging a Speaker page (see above) before beginning your search, and that you confirm details with a speaker at least thirty (30) days prior to your event. As you begin your search, you’ll find our presentation offerings are arranged by major topics. Click on any topic to display a list of presentations and their speakers. Then you can link to a complete description of their program. Our volunteers speak frequently to civic groups, non-profit organizations, schools, homeowner associations and many other types of clubs and groups. Topics include Texas native plants and plant habitats and many other related subjects. The objective of this program is to educate the public about native plants and related subjects. This Speakers Bureau will help you arrange for programs upon request on topics such as those listed below. We cannot guarantee that speakers on all topics are available in every area of Texas.
We recommend starting your search a minimum of 90 days in advance of your event to ensure a firm commitment from your choice of speaker.
Before you contact a specific speaker, please read our policies.
If you’re unable to find what you’re looking for, contact us at speaker@npsot.org and we’ll do our best to help.
Search by Speakers or by Presentations
Policies
Honorariums
Our speakers are well versed in a variety of topics related to the native plants of Texas, and they are committed to delivering accurate, engaging information for your event. Prior to speaking to your group, they will have invested many hours in preparing an effective presentation. Please honor their commitment to quality with the offer of an honorarium.
In a state as large as Texas, speakers may have to travel quite a distance from their location to yours, even within your ecoregion. Some may request that you cover expenses incurred, such as gasoline or lodging, in addition to an honorarium of not less than $100. Not all speakers will accept an honorarium and some may ask that their honorarium be paid in the form of a donation to one of our programs such as Bring Back the Monarchs to Texas, I-35 Monarch Stations, or the NPSOT Scholarship Funds.
To donate an honorarium as requested by your speaker (ONLY), click here or send your check to: Native Plant Society of Texas, PO Box 3017, Fredericksburg, TX 78624-1929. State the program you’d like your donation designated toward, and dedicate it as an honorarium with the speaker’s name.
If an honorarium is outside the scope of your group’s budget, consider limiting your search to speakers living within 25 miles of your group’s meeting location. Please note: there are speakers who request the payment of an honorarium regardless of distance traveled.
Communication with Speakers
Once you’ve located a speaker, communicate by e-mail directly to the speaker, NOT with our State office.
We strongly recommend you confirm all details with your speaker at least thirty (30) days prior to your event.
Be clear about what equipment you have available, and confirm in advance its availability as well as version or release dates of applicable software. If this will be a virtual event, be absolutely certain in advance whether or not the speaker will allow the presentation to be recorded.
Ten to 14 days prior to your event, it is recommended you e-mail your speaker again with a reminder giving the date, topic, number of people signed up, and equipment to be provided. Confirm whether or not you will be making copies of any handouts. Repeat who will be your group’s contact and their cell phone number at the time of the scheduled event. Last minute changes in date or time may result in a speaker being unavailable.
Contact
Please send an email to the Speakers Bureau Committee.