How can you create a cohesive conference program with diverse speakers?

1 Define your goals

Before you start looking for speakers, you need to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve with your conference program. What is the main theme or topic of your event? What are the key messages or takeaways you want to convey? Who is your target audience and what are their needs and interests? How do you want to structure your program in terms of formats, sessions, and tracks? Having these answers will help you narrow down your speaker criteria and align them with your conference objectives.

2 Research your potential speakers

Once you have your goals and criteria, you can start researching potential speakers who fit them. You can use various sources, such as online platforms, social media, podcasts, blogs, publications, recommendations, or previous events, to find speakers who have relevant expertise, experience, and reputation in your field. However, don't limit yourself to the usual suspects or the most popular names. Look for speakers who can bring diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and voices to your program. Consider factors such as gender, race, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, culture, location, and career stage, among others, when selecting your speakers.

3 Reach out to your speakers

After you have a list of potential speakers, you need to reach out to them and invite them to participate in your conference. This is a crucial step that requires careful planning and communication. You need to craft a personalized and compelling invitation that explains why you want them to speak at your event, what are the benefits for them, and what are the expectations and requirements. You also need to provide them with clear and timely information about the conference details, such as the date, time, location, format, audience, and budget. Make sure you follow up with them regularly and address any questions or concerns they may have.

4 Support your speakers

Once you have confirmed your speakers, you need to support them throughout the preparation and delivery of their presentations. You need to provide them with guidance and feedback on their topics, outlines, slides, and scripts, as well as technical and logistical support for their equipment, travel, and accommodation. You also need to promote them and their sessions on your website, social media, and marketing materials, as well as introduce them and moderate their sessions during the event. You also need to thank them and acknowledge their contributions after the event, as well as solicit their feedback and testimonials.

6 Evaluate your outcomes

After your conference is over, you need to evaluate the outcomes of your speaker recruitment process and your program. You need to measure the impact and effectiveness of your speakers and their sessions, such as through surveys, feedback forms, analytics, or reviews. You also need to assess the level and quality of diversity and inclusion in your program, such as through indicators, benchmarks, or best practices. You also need to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges of your process and your program, as well as the lessons learned and the areas for improvement.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?