By Theyo Team
Who doesn't know it: you're really looking forward to a conference. But locally, instead of relevant content, there are only generalities. With content and speakers you can make a real difference at your event. Both in the positive and in the negative sense. Don't know where to find good speakers? We have 5 strategies for you on how to find what you are looking for when searching for speakers.
At first glance, it seems obvious to look in your own environment and circle of acquaintances. However, keep in mind that you may shy away from exciting new insights in your own bubble. We therefore advise you to search beyond your own circle of acquaintances when looking for a speaker.
Use the event network: what interests the participants?
Before you start looking for speakers, you need to find out what the thematic focus should be. And who doesn't know it? Far too many lectures are given, where many listeners find it difficult not to fall asleep and watch with interest after just a few minutes. So how about turning the tables and asking the participants what they are actually interested in? In addition to their preferences, the participants may also have tips for potential speakers. You can use platforms like SurveyMonkey or Typeform for this. You can also take the opportunity to get feedback on other program items and entertainment options. For example, you could suggest different ideas for getting together - like a chocolate tasting ;-) - and have them vote on what the participants feel most like. In this way, you not only get input and feedback, but also keep in touch with the participants and get excited about the event early on.
databases
Speaker databases and lists of speakers also offer an uncomplicated way to think outside the box. You can find the usual sites quickly via Google. If you are looking for a specific topic, you can limit your search on Google. In addition, you can usually search more specifically in the databases and can usually also publish tenders. Since it is usually a bit more difficult to find female speakers, we would like to refer to Speakerinnen.org and - for digital topics - to Digital Media Women .
External partners and sponsors
And even if we just suggested the opposite: of course it doesn't hurt to look around the event either. Perhaps exciting speakers can be found with the external partners and sponsors or in their environment. Another advantage is that they naturally have an interest in the event being a complete success. But beware: even if this type of acquisition can lead to great presentations and exciting insights, it also harbors risks. On the one hand, the event could get an unwanted "sales atmosphere" if external people use their lectures (uncoordinated) as sales pitches. On the other hand, it can appear to the outside world that you don't have enough budget to finance independent speakers. Here you should definitely rely on a healthy mediocrity!
social media
Social platforms like LinkedIn, YouTube, Medium and even SlideShare are a time-consuming but great way to find potential speakers. Look for topics that are relevant to your event and see who is posting on those topics. Depending on your objective, you can also filter by a particularly large number of views and/or how up-to-date the posts are.
Social networks like Instagram and TikTok are also exciting for finding speakers. On the one hand, you can let yourself be inspired and use the profiles to find potential speakers. Or you can use your accounts (and possibly your reach) to spread your advertisement. In contrast to LinkedIn, for example, sponsored content and ads on Instagram are quite inexpensive and you can target the groups of people that are relevant to you.
Find speakers through publications
Articles, blogs, academic journals, Researchgate, news sites, LinkedIn profiles, Xing groups, Quora and and and. The list of where you can find relevant publications and topic-specific content is long. And this is exactly where you will potentially find suitable speakers. Because many editors, scientists, researchers and bloggers are happy when they are asked to speak. And even if they are not interested themselves, they probably know colleagues who would be happy to be put in touch with you. It can also be exciting if the potential speakers not only fit thematically, but may even have built up their own audience through social media or blogs and can thus even generate additional attention for your event. Win win 🥳!
