Imagine you are planning a virtual conference, all your preps are done; your online conference platform has been finalized, the number of attendees, date & time of the conference, etc. Now, the only thing you are supposed to do is finalize a speaker for the conference. You have considered several options, but nothing seems to work. It is when you realize that selecting a speaker for your conference isn’t as easy as you think. 

Choosing a speaker takes effort, time, patience, and a clear guideline of what you want. The content of your virtual conference is important but what is more important is the person who is delivering the content. Hence, while you are looking for a speaker for your virtual conference, consider a few guidelines before doing so. Here are some things to consider: 

 

• Start Looking Out For the Speaker Early: 

The first thing you need to make sure of is to start looking out for the speaker early; Even the slightest carelessness can cost you the success of your virtual conference. Now that the number of speakers has significantly increased, selecting the right lineup of speakers has never been more important. With virtual conferences, selecting the right speaker has become easier, owing to the numerous advantages that virtual events come with. Unlike physical events, Customizable virtual events don’t have any restrictions; the speakers are no longer bound by things like flight timings, hotel accommodations, money, etc. 

Also, it allows the organizers to spend on quality speakers as they get to save money for physical venues and other things. 

So, when you are looking for speakers, make sure you look for speakers from diverse backgrounds; it will fuel different opinions, leading to a higher level of debate and richness in your content. 

 

• Be Clear With Who Should Speak and Who Shouldn’t: 

One thing you should be mindful of while choosing speakers is your speaker should be able to draw a crowd. For that, you need to be clear with your event; As an organizer, you should be well aware of all the aspects of your virtual conference. For example; you should be able to answer who your target audience is? What are their interests? Apart from it, be clear about the theme of your virtual conference and the key takeaways you expect people to have from your conference. In addition, be sorted with all the details of your virtual conference; it will make things easier for you. 

 

• Draft a Questionnaire: 

The next thing you should ideally do is draft a questionnaire about the speakers you want to invite for your virtual conference. That form or questionnaire will help you make communication easier for both you and your potential speakers. Here are some questions or details you should ask your virtual speakers: 

1. Are the speakers available on your virtual conference date?
2. Will the speakers/guests commit to rehearsals and other requirements? 
3. Are they comfortable with the topic you want them to talk about? Here, make sure you explain to them in detail what your virtual conference is all about. 
4. Tell them the number of attendees that will be attending the conference. Also, if it is going to be a large-scale mega-conference or a small-scale conference. 
5. Most importantly, ask them the deadline of letting you know if they are interested in your conference. 

Apart from it, don’t forget to ask for the following details: 

1. Their names and profession
2. A short bio for your website and social media channels. 
3. A high quality they would like to be referred to. 

All these details will make the entire process for you very simple and seamless. 

• Start the Speaker Search: 

Now that you have curated all the necessary information and details for your potential speaker, it’s time to start your search with a bang. You might have some names in your mind, and you would wish to make them a part of your conference, whatever the situation is. Here are a few ways you can use to have the best speakers at your conference. 

• You can hire an agency to make your hunt effective and fast. Though agencies can be costly and demanding, they are one of the most effective ways to ensure you get the best speakers gracing your virtual conference. 
• The next thing you can do is reach out to your favorite celebrities or influencers through social media. Since social media has become an integral part of our lives these days, leveraging it in your planning and strategies can help you significantly. However, when you reach out to people, make sure you draft a proper-detailed message including all the details of your virtual event. In the message, add a compelling hook, a well-elaborated message, and a direct ask. 
• The other and easiest way to invite a speaker to your conference is to use your network. Go through your network and target the speakers that interest you. You can also ask for a referral from your friends and colleagues. 

 

• Cut the List Short: 

The next step you need to take is to cut your long list of speakers short and finalize the required number of speakers for the conference. To make things easier, you can follow this checklist, and see if they match your expectations or not. 

• Their performance in previous events. 
• Do they align with your event goals? 
• What are their strengths and weaknesses? 
• Do you need to worry about something if you attach their name with your brand? 

Once you have the final list of the speakers, you can reach out to them and begin with your event preparations. To know and understand their communication skills better, you can set up video conferencing chats with them. 

 

• It’s Time to Rock the Event:

Now that you have your final list of the speakers ready for the virtual conference, start treating them like VVIPs. Keep them updated about the event status, and in return, they will help you promote your event on their social media and personal networks. Not only this, but they will also help you bring more star speakers in the future as well. 

Now that you have your speakers with you, contact an expert online event platform and bring your ideas to life in the best way possible.