Did you know that over 50% of survey respondents said that a speaker should educate their audience?
This should be good news for you if you’re planning a conference. Simply put, speakers are the lifeblood of conferences. You can have the best venue, the most delicious food, and the coolest swag, but if your speakers aren’t engaging, it’s all for nothing.
If you are wondering how to find event speakers when planning a conference, this short and simple guide is for you.
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Start With a Plan
When you’re first getting started with planning your conference, take some time to think about exactly what kind of content you want to see there. The more specific you get, the easier it will be to find speakers who align with your vision.
If you’re looking for keynote speakers who will provide specific tips and strategies, tell them what kind of content they should be providing. If you want someone who can talk about some challenges they’ve faced in their industry, then ask them about those specific challenges.
Once you’ve gotten as specific as possible, it’ll be easier to find the right speakers for your conference.
Look at Your Network
If you’re looking for a particular type of speaker, then it’s often easier to find them through your network. You’ll get recommendations from people who know you and the industry well, which means that they might have some great ideas for speakers who are perfect for your event.
If you’re not sure who to ask, then reach out to the people in your network and see if they have any ideas. You never know what connections or recommendations will come from this step.
Reach Out to Industry Associations
Join an association in your industry and attend their next event. Talk with the organizers about who would be excellent speakers or presenters at their next conference or meeting.
Ask if they have speaker guidelines so that you can submit speaker proposals that meet their requirements and maximize the likelihood of being accepted as a speaker.
If you don’t find an association in your industry, start one. It’s easier than you think and can be a great way to network with others in your field.
Use LinkedIn Groups to Find Speakers
LinkedIn Groups are a great place to look for experts who might be interested in speaking at your business event. Search for groups related to your industry, and look for people who have a high number of connections in your industry.
These people are likely experts, so it’s a great way to find potential speakers.
You can also search by city or country to find local groups that might be interested in having a speaker at their next event. Or, you can hire a motivational speaker here.
Planning a Conference: Find Excellent Speakers for Your Conference
When planning a conference, reach out to speakers you admire. Verify their availability first and pitch them your topic, the kinds of attendees who will attend, and the format of the debate. It never hurts to ask.
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