5 effective ways to source speakers for your conference

The biggest challenge when it comes to speakers is getting the right people, as there are quite a number of factors to consider when creating a shortlist:

• Do they have the domain expertise to speak about the topic?
• Do they have a point of view or an insight your audience would like to hear?
• Are you looking for them to be a keynote speaker or a breakout session speaker?
• Can they therefore attract a large audience?
• Do they have experience as a speaker at other events?
• Will your budget accommodate their speaking fees?
• Are there geographical constraints?
• Are there timing constraints?

Given all these factors , you may find that even putting together an initial list to be challenging.?So we recommend using all avenues you have to identify as many potential speakers as possible before you’re forced to cross-off names from the list because your top choices are not available, interested, or affordable.?

But fret not; here are 5 effective speaker outreach tactics that can help:

1. Ask your audience and partners who they’d like to hear from

This is as simple as asking them to fill in a Google Form, responding to a post in a Slack community or reaching out to individuals personally.

2. Look at industry events, webinars, and conferences

Speakers that have already spoken at events are great options because you know that they have the experience and expertise that you’re looking for.

3. Leverage your C-suite’s network

Getting your CEO to post about your event or webinar series and extending a call for speakers can either result in direct interest or referrals, which may help you book people you might never have thought possible for your event.

4. Ask past speakers to refer individuals

This is a great way to get speakers with the expertise in the areas that you’re probably going to feature in the event. Also, the personal introduction from the previous speaker always adds credibility to your outreach.

5. Use an agency to source event speakers

If the spray and pray method isn’t working for you, turning to an agency for help can cut down time to source. Agencies usually have rosters of speakers, from high-profile figures to up-and-coming talent, enabling you to find a speaker that matches your needs and budget perfectly. This method can also help relieve some stress, and free you up to concentrate on other tasks.

Know any more cool ways to source speakers? Comment away...