Securing speaking engagements at conferences and industry events is crucial for executives and organizations to establish thought leadership in their respective markets. One of the first steps in landing these coveted spots is developing a compelling speaker package.
Stephanie Heckman | August 13, 2024
Securing speaking engagements at conferences and industry events is crucial for executives and organizations to establish thought leadership in their respective markets. One of the first steps in landing these coveted spots is developing a compelling speaker package. A well-crafted speaker package not only showcases a speaker’s expertise but also demonstrates their presence and the value they deliver to audiences. Here are the essential elements needed to create a package that will help speakers stand out.
The bio is the cornerstone of any speaker package. It should succinctly highlight the speaker’s expertise, experience, and unique perspective. Rather than merely listing roles, as in a standard corporate bio, it should tell a narrative that shows how their experience and recognitions contribute to their authority and thought leadership. It’s essential to note the speaker’s experience, including past speaking engagements. Having two to three examples of varying lengths allows conference organizers to select the version that best suits their needs for when they’re ready to promote speakers as part of their conference marketing tasks. Additionally, tailoring the bio to different audiences ensures relevance and resonance.
One of the first things an organizer will request after selecting a speaker is a headshot (along with the bio) for inclusion in marketing materials. Ensure that a high-resolution, professional headshot is readily available. This image should be updated periodically to reflect the speaker’s current appearance.
Speech topics should reflect both the speaker’s expertise and the interests of the conferences being targeted. No one wants to hear a sales pitch. Instead, focus on what the speaker can offer that no one else can and how it connects to the current discourse. Reviewing past conference agendas for inspiration, but also to think about what’s missing that the speaker can uniquely address. To make topics stand out, consider the following:
Conference organizers need to see speakers in action to gauge their style and effectiveness. Access to videos of past talks is critical. While a polished sizzle reel isn’t necessary, it’s important to provide clips that showcase how the speaker presents on stage. Ideally, full-length recordings of previous talks should be made available, offering organizers a comprehensive view of the speaker’s style and substance. If no professional recordings exist, consider recording a talk in front of an audience of co-workers or peers to serve as a sample.
Media coverage adds an extra layer of credibility to a speaker’s profile. Any media appearances or features that reinforce their authority on key topics should be highlighted. Maintaining a list of past coverage with links ready to share with conference organizers is essential. As new media appearances emerge, updating this list not only keeps the speaker’s profile current but also provides fresh content to engage organizers and keep the speaker top of mind.
A strong speaker package is the key to securing speaking engagements at top conferences. By investing time in refining each element of the package, speakers can significantly increase their chances of landing sought-after opportunities and establishing themselves as leaders in their field.
