Terms of Service

By accessing or using the YapElite platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. These terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and YapElite regarding your use of our premium speaker marketplace. If you do not agree to these terms, you must immediately cease all use of the platform.

We reserve the right to modify these terms at any time. Your continued use of the platform following any changes indicates your acceptance of the new terms. We recommend reviewing this page periodically for updates.

YapElite provides a curated digital ecosystem that connects world-class keynote speakers, thought leaders, and industry experts ("Speakers") with corporate event organizers, conference producers, and luxury brand managers ("Organizers").

Our service includes speaker discovery, booking-scoped direct messaging, direct booking offers and requests for proposals between speakers and organizers, and a booking flow with a staged payment schedule (see Section 6).

To access certain features of YapElite, you must register for an account. By creating an account, you represent that you are at least 18 years of age and possess the legal authority to enter into binding agreements.

All users must maintain professional standards in their profile descriptions and interactions. YapElite reserves the right to vet applications to ensure the quality and exclusivity of our marketplace. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials.

Speakers on YapElite are expected to uphold the highest levels of excellence and professionalism. This includes punctuality for scheduled sessions, original content delivery, and adherence to the specific requirements outlined in each booking contract.

Failure to meet these standards, including "no-shows" or significant delivery deviations without prior written agreement, may result in permanent removal from the elite marketplace.

Organizers must provide accurate information regarding the scope, audience, and logistics of their events. You are responsible for providing the necessary infrastructure for a Speaker to perform their duties as agreed upon in the booking contract.

Communication with Speakers must remain professional and respectful at all times. Any logistical changes must be communicated through the YapElite dashboard to ensure proper record-keeping.

Each booking records a staged payment schedule: a 30% deposit when the organizer confirms and 70% on completion. Today this schedule is a record only: the app does not charge cards, hold funds or pay out speakers. YapElite subscriptions (Speaker Pro, Organizer Pro) and one-off purchases (Featured Boost, Priority RFP) are billed by Google Play.

Each booking also records a platform fee: 18% of the agreed fee, or 12% for Speaker Pro subscribers. The fee is calculated and stored with the booking but is not collected yet. Before real booking payments are enabled, this section will be updated to explain how the fee is shown and collected.

Users are prohibited from using the platform for any fraudulent, harassing, or illegal activities. This includes but is not limited to: uploading malicious software, impersonating other professionals, or scraping data from the platform.

We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or any other protected characteristic. Violations will lead to immediate and permanent expulsion from the YapElite network.

Speakers retain ownership of their original presentation materials and intellectual property. Organizers receive a limited license to record or distribute sessions ONLY if specifically outlined in the individual booking agreement.

YapElite owns all rights to the platform's proprietary software, brand assets, and curated data. Use of the "YapElite" brand name for self-promotion must adhere to our secondary branding guidelines.

You may terminate your account at any time by contacting support. YapElite reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these terms, engage in suspicious activity, or fall below our platform's professional quality thresholds.

Upon termination, all pending obligations and financial commitments must still be honored according to existing contracts.

YapElite provides a platform for connection but is not an employer, agent, or insurer for any party. We do not guarantee the quality or outcome of any speaking engagement.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, YapElite shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of your use of the platform. Our total liability is limited to the amount of service fees paid to us by you in the 12 months preceding the claim.

These terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any disputes arising from these terms or your use of the platform shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in Johannesburg, Gauteng.