{"id":3814,"date":"2023-04-28T19:57:21","date_gmt":"2023-04-28T19:57:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wildapricotlive.local\/?p=3814"},"modified":"2025-05-12T05:29:38","modified_gmt":"2025-05-12T05:29:38","slug":"event-speaker","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/blog\/event-speaker","title":{"rendered":"Event Speaker 101: How to Make Connections With Superstar Speakers!"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nothing elevates an event quite like having an all-star event speaker! Whether you&#8217;re planning a panel, building a workshop or organizing a keynote, the speaker makes the event.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But how exactly do you find a speaker for an event? And more importantly: how do you find the<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> right <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">speaker in a sea of great options?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s explore what makes a great event speaker, how to find them and the best ways to build lasting relationships!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why great event speakers matter<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you\u2019re <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/blog\/how-to-plan-an-event\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">planning an event<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, there are a bunch of things to balance. Choosing a theme, finding a venue, building a budget\u2014all of these elements come together to make an event memorable. But inviting quality events speakers is one of the most important things you can do!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hosting the right event speaker will help you:<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Attract new members. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes people attend events simply because they recognize and admire the guest speaker! Think of your speaker as an introduction to your organization\u2014if you\u2019re endorsed by your speaker, their fans are more likely to become members.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Engage existing members. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Surprising your members with an exciting event speaker can be great motivation to get involved! If they attend the event and really enjoy themselves, they\u2019re more likely to keep up engagement once it&#8217;s over.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Educate and inspire. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The event speakers you bring on should be experts, influencers and thought leaders in your industry. Their presence and knowledge can be just what attendees need to learn something new!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Offer professional development. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your event is something like a workshop or guest lecture, speakers can actually provide valuable professional development opportunities to attendees. Not only will guests have gotten the opportunity to meet your speaker, but they will actually walk away with new skills and perspectives.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Provide networking opportunities. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your event involves panels, you\u2019re giving all of your speakers the opportunity to make new connections with one another. Beyond that, speakers might build new relationships with attendees. And when those relationships thrive, they will always think back to your event\u2014and your organization!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What to look for in a speaker for your event<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A key part of figuring out how to find speakers for events is knowing how to find the right match!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You want to find an event speaker who is:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Knowledgeable. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be sure to get someone who really knows their stuff! Knowledge is different from passion\u2014no matter how much someone loves their work, it&#8217;s essential that they\u2019ve got real know-how.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Engaging. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We know we just said to get the experts in there, but make sure those experts know how to engage an audience! If you can, look up videos of their previous speaking events to gauge their energy.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Authentic. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the nonprofit world, authenticity is everything. Look for guest speakers who genuinely care about their work and have an open and authentic energy.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Aligned. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As long as they\u2019ve got the mic on your stage, your event speakers serve as a representation of your organization&#8217;s values! Varying perspectives are great to get, But be sure the speakers are actually aligned with your mission and values.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Connected. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your event speaker can make some introductions, that&#8217;s less work for you to do for the next event.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Easy to work with. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don&#8217;t sink hours into managing diva behavior! Great event speakers are the ones who make your event shine with their presence.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What to prepare before booking a speaker<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you crack open your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/blog\/event-planning-checklist\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">event planning checklist<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you\u2019ll find a few tasks ahead of booking a speaker.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some things to prepare before booking a speaker for an event:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Get clear about the purpose and goals of the event<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Knowing the purpose and goals of your event will help you determine what success looks like.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This could include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choosing a theme<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Considering potential event partners<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Setting fundraising, attendance and membership goals<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Different events will require different skills, qualities and experiences from your event speakers. Once you know what you want out of your event, you can start figuring out the best person to help you make it shine.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Understand your audience&#8217;s interests<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider who your attendees are. If you are primarily working with a younger audience, bring in event speakers who are very visible on social media is more likely to get their attention. On the other hand, if your supporters are mostly boomers, a TikTok star might not resonate with them!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Try sending out a survey to your current members that directly asks what sort of events they would like to see more of and if they have any guest speaker recommendations. That can take the guesswork out of giving people what they want!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Know your budget!<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No speaker is worth going broke over! Before you send out invitations, ask yourself if your\u00a0 organization can afford to pay speaker fees. If so, set a clear budget from the start.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It can be disappointing to not have the budget to pay your speakers\u2014and in truth, it will likely lose you some options! However, at the end of the day you want to be realistic with what is possible, and up and coming speakers might just be happy for some exposure.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even with a tight budget, there are always options!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Set your event dates and times<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Booking the date and time of your event will help rule out any speakers who are not available. There&#8217;s nothing worse than receiving a yes and then later having someone change their mind because they realize the date doesn&#8217;t work for them. If you can share that information from the start, your invitation process will go all the more smoothly.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Get your tech setup right<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you&#8217;re working with an online, hybrid or in person event, you&#8217;re going to need a tech setup! For example, you\u2019ll need an audio system with microphones to ensure attendees hear speakers in all but the tiniest venues. Speakers may also expect things like projectors, screens, internet access and a readily available power outlet that won\u2019t create a tripping hazard should they walk around the room.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For virtual events, you&#8217;ll want to decide which event platform you want to get set up with. This will also help you tell speakers what type requirements they will need from home so they can prepare in advance!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No matter how you host your event, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/blog\/event-management-software\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">event management software<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be a great asset. Who wouldn&#8217;t want to help scheduling, managing registration with things like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/blog\/qr-code-check-in\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">QR code check-in<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and staying organized?<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Research potential speakers<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do your research! Gather a list of potential event speakers and organize them by who you would like most to host. When you see a whole list on paper, you&#8217;ll recognize just how many options you have.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This will also help you identify if you have any gaps in your programming. For example, if you look through your list and realize you do not have any BIPOC speakers, that&#8217;s a huge problem! Sadly, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/nonprofitquarterly.org\/how-white-people-conquered-the-nonprofit-industry\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nonprofits have a history of racism<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and it is our duty to make the industry safe and equitable for all.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It might be uncomfortable or embarrassing to realize that your speakers are not very diverse, but that&#8217;s no reason to leave them out. Resources like the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nsb.com\/indigenous-speakers\/?utm_term=diversity%20and%20inclusion%20speakers&amp;utm_campaign=2021+%7C+Event+Themes&amp;utm_source=adwords&amp;utm_medium=ppc&amp;hsa_acc=3494275470&amp;hsa_cam=12664846716&amp;hsa_grp=122780085498&amp;hsa_ad=517442957025&amp;hsa_src=g&amp;hsa_tgt=kwd-308968553950&amp;hsa_kw=diversity%20and%20inclusion%20speakers&amp;hsa_mt=b&amp;hsa_net=adwords&amp;hsa_ver=3&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw__ihBhADEiwAXEazJt1yn1wNen8TVquVP4QXaMlgQSohyt0fekwZ-jVCGGR2sOFTatDFTxoCORUQAvD_BwE\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Speakers Bureau<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can connect you with diverse speakers and start filling those gaps in representation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7. Contact the speaker or their representative<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check out your event speakers website and find out the best way to contact them. That might be through a form, an email address or a representative. Be sure to contact people in the way that they ask for\u2014that shows that you are taking a genuine interest!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If a preference is not listed, just go with whatever email is posted publicly.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8. Confirm availability and fees\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Give your event speaker explicit information about when the event is and what honoraria you are offering (if any). This will help your speakers immediately know if they can attend. and if they can&#8217;t, you still have that whole list to consult for who is next in line!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9. Prepare (and sign!) a contract<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contracts are non-negotiable! A legally-binding contract sets expectations and protects both parties. No one wants to be in an uncomfortable standoff with their event speaker, but if things do take a negative turn, your contract is an essential safety mechanism.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make sure a signed copy is provided for both your organization and your speaker.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 9 best ways to find speakers for your event<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now the big question: how to find speakers for an event? Luckily, there are tons of options!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Social Media<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other social networks feature search tools that you can use to find experts. LinkedIn in particular lets people add skills to their profiles, so search for profiles that list skills you\u2019re looking for! Plus, if any names keep showing up in your feed, be sure to investigate.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can also put out calls for speakers across social media. Word spreads fast, and folks might end up falling right into your lap!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Browse Professional Speaker Websites<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want to find a speaker for an event, you can also browse through websites that have speaker directories!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A few great options include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nsb.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Speakers Bureau<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/talentbureau.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TalentBureau.com<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/speakerhub.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SpeakerHub<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These websites allow you to filter speakers by topic and experience, so you can find the perfect person for your organization&#8217;s event.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Reach Out To Your Network (Referrals)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Curious about how to find a knowledgeable guest speaker who&#8217;s great to work with? Referrals are worth their weight in gold!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ask around about people who trusted members of your network have enjoyed working with.You can also ask them about up-and-coming speakers, or even dream speakers they might have! This will help you build out your list of names with some vetting already done.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Reach Out To Your Chamber of Commerce<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being part of a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/pulse\/7-reasons-why-joining-your-chamber-commerce-still-winning-le-roux\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">chamber of commerce<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the fastest way to get mentorship, learn about opportunities and gain access to community resources. Everyone in your chamber wants the same thing: to watch your industry thrive!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your chamber of commerce will be connected to people all across your industry, which can help you build out your network. If you&#8217;re relatively new to the industry, this is a place where you can find some trusted information.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Ask Your Members<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Really! Members will be one of your greatest assets in finding the perfect event speaker. Send out surveys and post them forums to learn about who people would like to hear speak at your next event.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In many cases members themselves can even make the best speakers of all! Do some digging through your directory, and when you find members who fit the bill, send them a message pitching your event. How\u2019s that for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/blog\/member-appreciation\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">member appreciation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Review Post-Events Survey Results<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take a look through your previous post-events surveys. What did attendees love? What did they feel like they were missing?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If there is any information that you see previous guests were looking for more of, that tells you what kind of speakers you should be looking for. Let your attendees introduce you to the best speakers for events, even if that is just giving you a concept to start with.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7. Review Events You&#8217;ve Attended In The Past<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have you been to any great events recently? If so, try to remember the speakers who really stood out to you! If you can&#8217;t remember their names, look through old schedules to jog your memory.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If similar organizations thought that these events speakers were worth programming, then it&#8217;s worth looking into them. And if you can let a speaker who&#8217;s really in demand, that&#8217;ll build some serious credibility for your organization!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not to get negative, but this can work the other way around too\u2014if you remember having an uncomfortable experience watching a speaker, put them on your no-go list. Again, no amount of talent is worth having an icky time at your event!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8. Check Industry Publications<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read through your industry publications to find the rising stars. You can also look at who your usual <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/blog\/event-sponsorship\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">event sponsors<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are hyping up! That&#8217;s a great way to build goodwill between two parties that you want to stay connected with.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are a few <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/resources.nu.edu\/c.php?g=660591&amp;p=4638454\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nonprofit-centered publications<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that you can explore for leads.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9. Search Engines<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We saved the most obvious tip for last. We google our way to all sorts of other knowledge, so why not search online for speakers too? Chances are, though, that if you used the preceding tips, you won\u2019t need to rely on the whims of a search engine.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you do decide to go this route, be smart with your search terms! Think about things like relevant LinkedIn skills and pertinent keywords.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to build good rapport with your speaker<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finding your event speaker is the first step\u2014then comes building positive relationships.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are 7 simple ways to build good rapport with your event speaker:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Communicate every step of the way. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Confusion is the death of a smooth event! Stay close contact with your speakers in the time leading up to the event and during the event itself\u2014then be sure to plan some post-event follow-up.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Provide support and prepare for the event together. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Speakers should know how long their events are, who they will be working with and all other essentials. If your event is virtual, something like a tech rehearsal will ease potential stress!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Be flexible and find solutions. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At some point, you will inevitably run into a roadblock with the speaker. When that happens, stay calm and look for ways to problem solve together. It is always possible to find a solution, and your speakers will appreciate your flexibility and understanding.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Promote them well ahead of the event. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The stronger your promotion, the better your turn out! Promoting your speakers early on is not just a great way to bring in more attendees, but it also shows your speakers that you are genuinely excited to be hosting them.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Show appreciation. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Say those thank yous\u2014say them over email, in person and in the thank you letters that come later on. Speakers work hard to make your event a blast. For example, a keynote speaker will have prepared an entire speech for you! Show them that their work really means something.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Make it a mutually beneficial opportunity! <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You have the opportunity to provide events speakers with visibility, payment and a sense of community. People ultimately want to feel like they are being heard, and they are really a part of something. Find ways to make that a reality!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Think beyond the event. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don&#8217;t think of this event as a one-and-done experience. If this is your first time working with an event speaker, be sure to keep up with them and promote their other events! You just might find new opportunities for each other later on.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to build a network of event speakers<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As we\u2019ve said, finding and booking an event speaker is just the beginning of your relationship. The long-term goal should be to build a network of event speakers that you can pull from in the future!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be sure to\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stay connected with event speakers<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stay involved with your event speakers even after the event is over. Whether that be joining each other&#8217;s mailing list or following each other on social media, nurture those relationships!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you hear about a speaking opportunity with another organization that they would be a great fit for, forward to them. Show them that you are not only invested in what they can do for your organization, but in their career as a whole.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Continue to uplift and engage their work<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Boost your previous event speakers far and wide. Share their upcoming events on social media and refer them to other organizations. Don&#8217;t just ask for referrals, give them out with enthusiasm!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have the financial resources, you can also offer monetary support if you see them doing something like crowdfunding. When you show up as a supporter rather than simply a professional contact, your relationship becomes more authentic. And when the time comes for you to search for volunteers, you just might have someone new on your team.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Invite them to events (even if they&#8217;re not a speaker!)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you&#8217;re <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/blog\/conference-planning\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">planning a conference<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you\u2019re sure to be pulling from a diverse pool of speakers. Chances are, your past speakers might not always fit the bill for another opportunity\u2014but that doesn&#8217;t mean you should forget about them!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Invite previous speakers to attend future events as guests. while they might not be getting featured, it&#8217;s enjoyable to sit back and relax for an event. If you really think they would enjoy themselves but money is a barrier, you can always offer them a discounted or complimentary ticket.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Building a network isn&#8217;t just about passing opportunities back and forth. It&#8217;s about forming genuine connections with the individual people who make up your industry. After all, you share similar interests and values! Why shouldn\u2019t you look for new ways to connect?<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ask who else you should connect with<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ah, there&#8217;s that word again\u2014referrals! Ask your speakers who else would be a great fit for your organization&#8217;s events. People enjoy spreading the word about trusted friends and colleagues, and eventually you might even want to program these people together.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Host calls for proposals<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/memberclicks.com\/blog\/dos-and-donts-for-writing-your-first-call-for-proposal\/#:~:text=A%20Call%20for%20Proposal%20(or,relevant%20for%20fellow%20industry%20professionals.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Calls for proposals<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> give people space to share what they think would make some great event programming! The best part of being an event speaker is when you get to share information that you&#8217;re genuinely excited about. When you take people&#8217;s ideas and recommendations (and then support them in following through at your conference!), you show how much you value their insight.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Join professional organizations and networks<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The key to networking? Just go ahead and network!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don&#8217;t worry about setting up the systems that will help you network\u2014they already exist! Ask around about which professional organizations are best, and then become a member. Participating in what is already there will open up all sorts of new learning opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make Your Events Memorable With Guest Speakers<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best part of running any event is watching people enjoy themselves, and an awesome event speaker will make that a reality. Whether it&#8217;s a multi-day conference or a one hour virtual event, you have the opportunity to make a genuine difference in your community.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So get started making those connections! There are a lot of great people out there\u2014all you need to do is reach out.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Nothing elevates an event quite like having an all-star event speaker! Whether you&#8217;re planning a panel, building a workshop or organizing a keynote, the speaker makes the event. But how exactly do you find a speaker for an event? And more importantly: how do you find the right speaker in a sea of great options?&#8230; <a class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/blog\/event-speaker\" aria-label=\"Continue reading Event Speaker 101: How to Make Connections With Superstar Speakers!\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":3815,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3814","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-events"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Event Speaker 101: How to Make Connections With Superstar Speakers! - WildApricot<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Let\u2019s explore what makes a great event speaker, how to find them and the best ways to build lasting relationships!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/blog\/event-speaker\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Event Speaker 101: How to Make Connections With Superstar Speakers! 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