This may be the norm for big name speakers, I don't know. Still, I never imagined so much to do about a speaking engagement. This was for http://hsrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=A2KLtaiJ...sbC1kbw--/RS=^ADA0LMMNsyoWnXba7s1rdnF1WprKgM-
That's all pretty much standard for politicians on a schedule. You would not believe what celebrity speakers will put into an appearance contract. A limousine of a specific color, a fruit basket in their hotel room, a certain scotch, their own hairdresser, all kinds of perks.
Back in the 70's, Edwin Edwards showed up for an Elton John Concert in the LSU Assembly Center with front row tickets. The head of the LSU Pop Entertainment Committee was questioned why the Guv got better seats than any of the students who waited for hours in line. He said that honestly, they owed the Governor a favor. When Emerson, Lake and Palmer had played there a few months earlier, their contract was filled with add-ons like lobster room service and a ton of liquor and caviar. At the last minute they added that each of the band needed to have their own limousine to and from the concert. They had to scramble to find another couple of limousines and the governor came through for them. But then they owed him a favor, of course. Like the Godfather . . . someday, and that day may never come, you may have to do him a service.
That was put in Van Halen's contracts with production companies by Diamond Dave. It wasn't because he or anyone in the Van Halen entourage loathed brown M&Ms. It was a quick and simple way to determine if the producers had actually read the contract and took everything in it seriously.
I'd pay a nickel to see her speak. Perhaps a dime if there wasn't any football or golf on opposite the speech.
