In the world of event planning, securing the right speakers can be the cornerstone of your event’s success. Great speakers not only captivate your audience but also elevate the reputation of your event, making it memorable for years to come. But where do you find these industry leaders, thought-provoking experts, or inspiring storytellers?
Enter LinkedIn—the ultimate networking platform that doubles as a powerful tool for speaker sourcing. With over 900 million users from diverse industries, LinkedIn offers a treasure trove of potential speakers who can align perfectly with your event’s goals.
Here’s how you can leverage LinkedIn to find and secure top-tier speakers for your events.
I. Leveraging LinkedIn for Speaker Sourcing
1. Define Your Ideal Speaker Profile
Before diving into LinkedIn’s vast network, it’s essential to define the kind of speaker you’re looking for.
- Expertise: Identify the specific knowledge or skills they should have that align with your event theme.
- Experience: Look for individuals who have spoken at events before, ensuring they have the confidence and ability to engage a crowd.
- Speaking Style: Determine whether you want a motivational speaker, an academic presenter, or an interactive storyteller.
- Audience Appeal: Consider what type of speaker will resonate with your target audience and deliver value.
For example, if your event is about AI in marketing, you might look for a seasoned AI professional who has experience delivering case studies or industry trends in an engaging way.
2. Conduct Advanced LinkedIn Searches
LinkedIn’s search functionality is a game-changer when it comes to finding specific profiles.
- Use advanced search filters such as keywords, job titles, industries, locations, and more.
- Combine Boolean search techniques to refine your search. For example:
“Data Scientist” AND “Conference Speaker” AND “Marketing” AND “Location: [City/Region]”
- Explore their activity and connections to see their involvement in relevant industries or topics.
These targeted searches will help you uncover profiles of professionals who are not only experts in their field but also have a history of speaking at similar events.
3. Explore LinkedIn Groups
LinkedIn groups are a goldmine for identifying potential speakers.
- Join Relevant Groups: Look for groups that cater to your event’s niche or industry, such as “Healthcare Innovators” or “SaaS Leaders.”
- Observe and Engage: Monitor discussions and identify members who actively share insights or engage in meaningful conversations. These are often individuals who are passionate and knowledgeable—key traits for a speaker.
- Post in Groups: Share that you’re looking for speakers for your event. Be specific about the topic and event details to attract the right candidates.
4. Analyze Speaker Profiles
Once you identify potential speakers, delve deeper into their LinkedIn profiles.
- Experience: Look for details about their professional background, past speaking engagements, and expertise.
- Publications and Presentations: Check if they’ve authored articles, written books, or given talks at conferences.
- Recommendations: Read testimonials to gauge their credibility and impact.
- Engagement: Review their activity on LinkedIn—are they engaging their audience, sharing valuable insights, and participating in discussions?
This analysis will help you evaluate whether they’re a good fit for your event and capable of captivating your audience.
5. Personalize Your Outreach
Reaching out to potential speakers requires a thoughtful approach.
- Craft a Personalized Message: Address them by name, reference their expertise, and explain why they’re a perfect fit for your event.
- Highlight Event Benefits: Clearly outline the value of speaking at your event—whether it’s audience reach, networking opportunities, or a chance to position themselves as thought leaders.
- Be Clear and Concise: Avoid long-winded messages. Keep your outreach professional and to the point.
Example Outreach Message:
Hi [Name],
I’ve been following your work on [specific topic/industry], and I’m impressed by your insights on [specific detail]. I’m organizing [Event Name], focused on [theme], and believe your expertise would add incredible value to our audience.
We would be honored to have you speak on [specific topic]. The event will take place on [date] in [location], with an expected audience of [size/type].
Please let me know if you’d be open to discussing this further—I’d love to explore how we can collaborate!
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
II. Building Relationships with Potential Speakers
Successful speaker sourcing goes beyond just outreach; it’s about building genuine relationships.
- Engage with Their Content: Like, comment on, and share their LinkedIn posts to show interest in their work.
- Attend Their Events: If they’re hosting a webinar or speaking at another conference, attend and engage with their session.
- Stay Connected: Follow their career journey, and keep the lines of communication open for future opportunities.
By fostering a relationship, you not only increase the likelihood of securing them as a speaker but also build a lasting professional connection.
III. Tips for a Successful Speaker Outreach Campaign
Securing top-tier speakers for your event requires more than just sending out invitations—it’s about crafting a strategic and respectful outreach process that sets the tone for a professional relationship. Here are some detailed tips to ensure your speaker outreach campaign is successful:
1. Be Patient and Persistent
Finding the right speakers can take time, and not every outreach attempt will receive an immediate response. Here’s how to balance patience with persistence:
- Follow up respectfully: If you don’t hear back after your initial message, send a polite follow-up after a few days or a week. Keep your tone professional and avoid sounding demanding.
- Offer flexibility: Mention that you’re available to connect at their convenience, demonstrating respect for their busy schedule.
- Set realistic timelines: Start your outreach process early, as high-demand speakers often book their schedules months in advance.
Example Follow-Up Message:
“Hi [Name], I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to follow up on my earlier email about [Event Name]. We would be honored to have you speak at our event, and I’m happy to answer any questions or discuss details further. Let me know if there’s a good time to connect!”
2. Maintain Professionalism
Every interaction with potential speakers should reflect your professionalism and respect for their time and expertise. Consider these best practices:
- Polished communication: Ensure your messages are free of errors, clear, and concise. A well-written message reflects the quality of your event.
- Respect their time: Acknowledge that speakers often have packed schedules and may require time to consider your proposal.
- Be transparent: Clearly outline the purpose of your event, the expected audience, and what you’re looking for from the speaker. Providing key details up front saves time and builds trust.
Example Initial Outreach Message:
“Hi [Name], I’m [Your Name], [Your Role] at [Your Organization]. We’re organizing [Event Name] on [Date], which focuses on [Theme/Topic]. Given your expertise in [Field], we believe you’d be a perfect fit to inspire our audience of [Description of Attendees]. We’d love to discuss this opportunity further and hear your thoughts. Please let me know if you’d be interested in exploring this!”
3. Track Your Progress
Efficient tracking of your outreach efforts helps you stay organized and ensures no potential speaker is overlooked. Here’s how to set up a system:
- Use a CRM or spreadsheet: Create a tracker with columns for speaker names, contact details, outreach dates, follow-up actions, and responses.
- Set reminders: Use calendar notifications or task management tools to schedule follow-ups.
- Analyze patterns: Review your outreach data to identify successful strategies, such as the best times to reach out or which messaging styles receive the most responses.
Example Spreadsheet Columns:
- Speaker Name
- LinkedIn Profile
- Email Address
- Date of Initial Outreach
- Follow-Up Dates
- Response Status (e.g., Pending, Interested, Declined)
4. Be Flexible
Speakers, especially established ones, may have specific preferences or requirements. Being flexible in your approach can help build trust and encourage them to work with you. Consider the following:
- Scheduling: Offer multiple time slots or adapt to their availability to accommodate their busy calendar.
- Honorariums: Be open to discussing their fees, travel arrangements, or any additional requirements. If your budget is limited, propose alternative value, such as increased exposure or networking opportunities.
- Session Formats: Some speakers may prefer a particular format, such as keynote addresses, panel discussions, or workshops. Be prepared to adjust based on their strengths and preferences.
Example Flexibility Message:
“We’re happy to work around your availability and discuss how we can make this opportunity mutually beneficial. Please let us know if there are specific session formats or topics you’re passionate about, and we’ll tailor the event accordingly.”
5. Provide a Clear Value Proposition
Speakers are more likely to accept an invitation if they understand the value of participating in your event. Clearly articulate what’s in it for them:
- Audience details: Highlight the demographics, size, and influence of your audience.
- Networking opportunities: Mention who else will be speaking or attending to showcase the event’s prestige.
- Content leverage: Offer to share recordings, photos, or coverage of their session for their portfolio or promotional use.
Example Value Proposition Message:
“Our event attracts [number] attendees, including [specific audience demographics, such as industry leaders or decision-makers]. This is a great opportunity to share your expertise and connect with like-minded professionals. We’d also be happy to provide professional recordings of your session for your use.”
By following these tips, you can create an outreach campaign that is professional, strategic, and speaker-friendly. The right approach not only helps you secure top speakers but also builds lasting relationships that can benefit future events.
IV. Conclusion
LinkedIn is a treasure trove of opportunities for event planners, offering access to a global network of professionals and thought leaders. By defining your ideal speaker profile, leveraging advanced search techniques, and engaging meaningfully with potential speakers, you can secure impactful speakers who elevate your event.
Ready to take your speaker sourcing to the next level? Platforms like Samaaro can help streamline the process, from personalized outreach to managing speaker relationships. Book a demo or start your free trial to see how we can support your event planning journey!
