How can meeting planners find unique speakers?

by | Feb 15, 2024 | Creativity

unique speaker
Sometimes it seems we see the same speakers at every conference. I get it. It’s social proof. If you’ve spoken at one industry conference you must be good, right? But what about those meeting planners who like to think outside the box and start their own trends? How do they find unique speakers who aren’t already on the circuit? How do they find unique speakers nobody else has heard of?

Unique talent

For many years I worked behind the scenes in casting for film production companies. Hollywood is no different. We would tend to follow the path of least resistance and hire actors everyone else was using. We would get our suggestions from talent agencies. Who sent out the same handful of actors. Who made them the most money.
If I wanted to try something different it was up to me to do the work to seek out unique talent that no one else had heard of. And trust me. Just like in the speaking industry, Hollywood is full of talented people who never get a shot.
But looking for that talent meant looking in places others weren’t looking. I spent my weekends going to live theater. Not just the big ones, but tiny, hole in the wall theaters I would normally not think of. I would watch offbeat TV shows and low-budget movies. Not just the big blockbuster movies everyone had heard of. The more obscure, the better. Comedy clubs late at night when the new talent was showcased. Open mics. I started reading for film festivals where I had access to scripts from around the country. Good and bad writers who didn’t live in Hollywood and didn’t have any connections in the business.
I started having fun finding and developing talent that would eventually go on to bigger things. Did I have to sift through a lot of bad talent? You bet! But I also found gems, and went out of my way to champion them to my bosses. I would work with the most talented to get their work up to what I knew my bosses were looking for. It was very rewarding. And I was able to say “I discovered them”. And we won awards!

Unique speakers

So, why isn’t that done more often? It’s easier and more time-consuming to follow what everyone else is doing. And, like I said, it’s a comfort level of social proof. But if you want to be a more innovative meeting planner and find unique speakers, read on.
Finding speakers who aren’t in the traditional speaking industry can be a rewarding endeavor for meeting planners, as it brings a fresh and unique perspective to the event. Look for professionals who are renowned in their respective fields but may not be actively involved in the speaking circuit. These individuals might be subject matter experts, academics, entrepreneurs, or successful business leaders who can offer valuable insights and experiences to your audience.
Here are some strategies to help you discover such speakers:

Reach Out to Industry Experts:

Professional Networking Events:
    • Attend industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events where experts in the field are likely to participate.
Online Platforms:
      • Explore professional social media platforms like LinkedIn to identify and connect with industry experts.

Join relevant online forums, groups, or communities where experts in your field may be actively participating.

Smaller Speaker Bureaus:
        • You might find unique speakers at a more boutique agency. I would often go to newer agencies or small ones to find new talent.
Industry Associations:
    • Many industries have associations that maintain directories of experts and speakers. Contacting these associations can help you find suitable candidates.
Expert Directories:
    • Explore online expert directories that categorize professionals based on their expertise. Websites like Expertise Finder, SpeakerSponsor or SpeakerMatch can be useful.

Webinars and Podcasts:

        • Attend webinars or listen to industry-specific podcasts to identify potential speakers. Many experts participate in such events to share their knowledge.
Online Search:
    • Use search engines to find experts in your field. You can specify your search terms to narrow down relevant results.
University and Research Institutions:
    • Contact universities and research institutions that specialize in the relevant industry. Professors and researchers often have expertise and may be willing to participate as speakers.
Content Platforms:
    • Explore content platforms like YouTube or TED Talks to discover individuals who have spoken on topics related to your event.

When reaching out to potential speakers, be sure to provide clear information about your event, its audience, and the topics you are interested in. Additionally, check the speaker’s background, expertise, and past speaking engagements to ensure they align with your event’s goals and objectives.

Explore Thought Leaders in Niche Fields

  1. Expert Directories:
    • Use expert directories or platforms that categorize professionals based on their expertise. This can help you discover thought leaders in niche fields.
  2. Academic and Research Institutions:
    • Look into universities and research institutions specializing in the niche. Professors, researchers, and experts often contribute significantly to thought leadership in their respective fields.
  3. Ask for Recommendations:
    • Seek recommendations from peers, colleagues, and industry contacts. They may have come across thought leaders or have connections with individuals who are well-regarded in the niche.
  4. Online Communities and Forums:
    • Join online communities, forums, or discussion groups specific to the niche. Engage in conversations, ask questions, and identify individuals who consistently provide valuable insights.

Embrace Artists, Performers, and Storytellers:

Meeting planners can find artists, performers, and storytellers through various channels. Here are some effective methods:

  1. Entertainment Agencies:
    • Contact entertainment agencies that specialize in providing a wide range of performers. They often have a diverse roster of artists, including musicians, comedians, magicians, and storytellers.
  2. Event Platforms and Directories:
    • Explore online event platforms and directories that connect meeting planners with performers. Websites like GigSalad, GigMasters, and The Bash allow you to browse and hire entertainers for events.
  3. Professional Associations:
    • Check professional associations related to the entertainment industry. These associations often have directories of artists, performers, and storytellers. Examples include the International Live Events Association (ILEA) or the National Speakers Association (NSA).
  4. Local Talent Agencies:
    • Connect with local talent agencies that represent artists and performers in your area. They may have a good understanding of local talent and can help you find suitable acts for your event.
  5. Social Media Platforms:
    • Utilize social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to discover and connect with artists and performers. Many entertainers use these platforms to showcase their work and connect with potential clients.
  6. Online Portfolios and Websites:
    • Visit the websites and online portfolios of artists and performers. Many have websites showcasing their work, providing contact information, and offering booking details.
  7. Attend Showcase Events:
    • Attend showcase events or entertainment expos where performers and artists demonstrate their skills. These events are excellent opportunities to see live performances and network with talent.
  8. Community and Cultural Events:
    • Attend local community and cultural events to discover local artists and performers. Building relationships within your community can lead to connections with talented individuals.
  9. Word of Mouth:
    • Ask colleagues, friends, or other event planners for recommendations. Personal referrals can lead to discovering unique and talented artists.
  10. Arts and Performance Schools:
    • Contact local arts schools, drama schools, and music schools to find emerging talent. Students and recent graduates often welcome opportunities to showcase their skills at events.

Engage with Social Media Influencers:

Social media influencers who have built a substantial following around a particular niche can offer a fresh and relatable perspective to your event. Their online presence demonstrates their ability to connect with an audience effectively.

  1. Professional Networking Events:
    • Attend industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events where experts in the field are likely to participate.
    • Utilize networking platforms and events specific to the industry to connect with potential speakers.
  2. Online Platforms:
    • Explore professional social media platforms like LinkedIn to identify and connect with industry experts.
    • Join relevant online forums, groups, or communities where experts in your field may be actively participating.
  3. Industry Associations:
    • Many industries have associations that maintain directories of experts and speakers. Contacting these associations can help you find suitable candidates.
  4. Expert Directories:
    • Explore online expert directories that categorize professionals based on their expertise. Websites like Expertise Finder, SpeakerHub, or SpeakerMatch can be useful.
  5. Consult Peers and Colleagues:
    • Ask colleagues, industry contacts, or other meeting planners for recommendations. Word of mouth can be a powerful way to find credible and effective speakers.
  6. Webinars and Podcasts:
    • Attend webinars or listen to industry-specific podcasts to identify potential speakers. Many experts participate in such events to share their knowledge.
  7. Online Search:
    • Use search engines to find experts in your field. You can specify your search terms to narrow down relevant results.
  8. University and Research Institutions:
    • Contact universities and research institutions that specialize in the relevant industry. Professors and researchers often have expertise and may be willing to participate as speakers.
  9. Content Platforms:
    • Explore content platforms like YouTube or TED Talks to discover individuals who have spoken on topics related to your event.

When reaching out to potential speakers, be sure to provide clear information about your event, its audience, and the topics you are interested in. Additionally, check the speaker’s background, expertise, and past speaking engagements to ensure they align with your event’s goals and objectives.

Find local talent

Not all unique speakers can be found in national circles. They might be in your own backyard. This would especially apply if your budget is small and travel expenses would be a problem. Here are some ways to find that local talent:

  1. Local Networking Events:
    • Attend local business, industry, or community networking events. These gatherings provide opportunities to meet potential speakers, learn about their expertise, and assess their suitability for your event.
  2. Chamber of Commerce and Business Associations:
    • Contact local chambers of commerce and business associations. They often have directories of local businesses and professionals, including potential speakers who may be interested in speaking engagements.
  3. Community Colleges and Universities:
    • Reach out to local colleges and universities. Professors, researchers, and experts in various fields may be interested in sharing their knowledge with the community. Many universities have speakers’ bureaus that can connect you with suitable candidates.
  4. Local Professional Organizations:
    • Explore local chapters of professional organizations related to your event’s industry. Attend their events or check their directories to find speakers who are active in the local community.
  5. Community Centers and Cultural Institutions:
    • Check with local community centers, libraries, museums, and cultural institutions. They often host events and may have connections with local talent, including speakers.
  6. Social Media and Online Platforms:
    • Utilize social media platforms, particularly local community groups on Facebook or LinkedIn. Post inquiries about potential speakers or search for individuals who are actively contributing to discussions in your community.
  7. Local Media and Blogs:
    • Follow local news outlets, blogs, and community websites. Journalists, columnists, or local experts who contribute to these platforms may be potential speakers for your event.
  8. Local Podcasts and Radio Shows:
    • Listen to local podcasts and radio shows. Hosts of such programs often have valuable insights and may be willing to speak at events.
  9. Industry Meetups and Meet-and-Greets:
    • Attend industry-specific meetups and informal gatherings. These events are excellent opportunities to meet local professionals and identify potential speakers.
  10. Word of Mouth and Recommendations:
    • Ask colleagues, friends, or other local event planners for recommendations. Personal referrals can be a valuable way to discover local talent.

Finding unique speakers

Finding unique speakers who aren’t part of the traditional speaking industry requires creativity, open-mindedness, and a willingness to explore diverse fields and communities. By reaching out to industry experts, exploring niche fields, collaborating with local leaders, tapping into academia, embracing artists and performers, engaging with social media influencers, seeking recommendations, hosting panel discussions, and conducting local talent searches, meeting planners can uncover extraordinary speakers who will bring a fresh and captivating perspective to their events. These unconventional voices can elevate your event’s impact, engage the audience, and leave a lasting impression on all who attend.