You\u2019ve probably attended conferences in your profession or area of expertise. Now that you have a book or are planning a book related to this topic, how would you like to be a speaker at some of these conferences? <\/p>\n
As you may know, there are conferences held on many topics including travel, arts and crafts, writing, publishing, computer, agriculture, ecology, animals, photography, health, real estate, finance, business management, education, sports, spirituality and more. <\/p>\n
So how do you land a speaking gig at the conferences of your choice?
\n\u2022\tAttend a couple of them to find out what sort of programs they present.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tStudy the programs at conference websites. What topics are covered?<\/p>\n
\u2022\tHone your speaking skills by participating in a Toastmasters club and speaking locally.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCreate a handful of unique, yet potentially popular programs you could present.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tResearch conferences in your field and select a few.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tContact the organizers per the requirements at their websites. If there are no submission guidelines, simply introduce yourself and your potential programs through an email to the appropriate person, include a brief bio and invite them to ask for more information.<\/p>\n
Locate conferences through http:\/\/www.allconferences.com<\/a> and http:\/\/www.shawguides.com<\/a><\/p>\n You can also do an Internet search using appropriate key words: \u201cfamily health\u201d and \u201cconference\u201d or \u201cmoney management\u201d and \u201cconference\u201d or \u201cconference directory\u201d and \u201ceducation,\u201d for example.<\/p>\n While some conference organizers are still selecting speakers a month prior to the event, many of them have their programs set practically a year in advance. I\u2019ve discovered that, if you want a speaking gig at a particular conference, you\u2019d better be proactive. About six months ago, I contacted the director of a writers\u2019 conference I wanted to participate in. She told me, \u201cContact us in October.\u201d When I did, I was told that all of the speaking slots were filled and the event isn\u2019t until spring. In this case, I should have checked in earlier than I was told to. <\/p>\n Here\u2019s what I recommend: Research conferences that occurred one to four months earlier. Contact the organizers of those events. If they suggest you reconnect in six or seven months, make a note on your calendar to contact them in three. They may put you off for another three months, but that\u2019s okay\u2014they know you are interested. But there is a chance that they are already beginning to interview possible speakers for their program next year.<\/p>\n As I said, different conference organizers operate in different ways and on different time schedules. It is up to you to stay in touch.<\/p>\n Visit my websites to see where I\u2019ll be speaking next. http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com<\/a> Click on \u201cappearances.\u201d<\/p>\n