Conference and Event Speaker Collateral: 5 Things to Ask For

1. A Bio and a High-Resolution Headshot

Speakers are essential for conferences and events, as they significantly influence registrations and participant experience. One of the first things to request from your speakers is a professional bio and a high-resolution headshot. These elements are crucial for your website, newsletters, social media, and event areas, whether online or on-site. Including these in event applications helps personalize the content and make it more engaging for the audience.

A well-crafted bio and a high-resolution headshot can make a significant difference in how a speaker is perceived. They not only provide essential information but also help in building a connection with the audience even before the event begins. This initial connection can be a deciding factor for many potential attendees.

1.1 Importance of a Professional Bio

A professional bio is more than just a summary of a speaker's career. It serves as a tool to establish credibility and authority in their field. A well-written bio highlights the speaker's achievements, expertise, and unique perspectives, making them more appealing to potential attendees. This can significantly boost the event's attractiveness and drive registrations.

Moreover, a professional bio can be used across various platforms, including the event website, promotional materials, and social media. This consistency helps in reinforcing the speaker's brand and ensures that the audience receives a cohesive message about who the speaker is and what they bring to the table.

1.2 How a High-Resolution Headshot Enhances Promotion

A high-resolution headshot is essential for effective promotion. It adds a personal touch to the speaker's profile and makes the promotional materials more visually appealing. High-quality images are particularly important for online platforms where visual content often captures more attention than text alone.

Using a high-resolution headshot in promotional materials can also enhance the speaker's professional image. It shows that the event organizers pay attention to detail and are committed to presenting their speakers in the best possible light. This can, in turn, attract more attendees who are looking for high-quality events.

1.3 Tips for Crafting a Compelling Bio

Crafting a compelling bio involves more than listing achievements. Start with a strong opening that captures the essence of the speaker's career and expertise. Use engaging language and focus on the most relevant accomplishments that align with the event's theme. Including a personal touch, such as a unique perspective or a brief anecdote, can make the bio more relatable and memorable.

It's also important to keep the bio concise and to the point. While it's tempting to include every detail, a well-edited bio that highlights the most important aspects will be more effective. Remember to tailor the bio to the specific audience of the event, emphasizing the points that will resonate most with them.

2. A Compelling Session Description

A compelling session description is another key element to request from your speakers. This description should contain a « why » to attract audience interest and provide a clear understanding of what the session will cover. Full descriptions (one or two paragraphs) and short descriptions (one or two sentences) are needed for various uses, such as the website, agenda, and social media.

The session description plays a crucial role in marketing the event. It needs to be engaging and informative, giving potential attendees a reason to choose this session over others. A well-written description can significantly boost attendance and ensure that the audience is well-prepared and excited for the session.

2.1 Elements of an Engaging Session Description

An engaging session description should start with a hook that grabs the reader's attention. This could be a provocative question, a surprising fact, or a bold statement. Follow this with a brief overview of the session's content, highlighting the key takeaways and benefits for the audience. Make sure to address the « why » – why this session is important and why the audience should care.

Including specific details about what the audience will learn or experience can also make the description more compelling. Use clear and concise language, and avoid jargon that might confuse or alienate potential attendees. The goal is to make the session sound exciting and valuable, encouraging people to register and attend.

2.2 Tailoring the Description to Your Audience

Tailoring the session description to your audience is crucial for maximizing its impact. Consider the demographics, interests, and needs of your target audience when crafting the description. Use language and examples that will resonate with them and address their specific pain points or interests.

It's also helpful to segment your audience and create different versions of the description for different platforms. For example, a more detailed version might be suitable for the event website, while a shorter, punchier version could be used for social media. This ensures that the description is effective in various contexts and reaches the widest possible audience.

2.3 Examples of Effective Session Descriptions

Examples of effective session descriptions can serve as inspiration for your own. Look for descriptions that are clear, concise, and engaging. They should provide a compelling reason for the audience to attend and give a clear overview of what to expect. Pay attention to the language used and how the key points are highlighted.

For instance, a good session description might start with a question that addresses a common challenge faced by the audience, followed by a brief overview of the session's content and the benefits of attending. Including testimonials or quotes from previous attendees can also add credibility and make the description more persuasive.

3. Personal Social Media Handles

Personal social media handles are another important element to request from your speakers. Using these handles to tag speakers in promotional posts encourages them to promote their sessions and the event. This not only increases the reach of your promotional efforts but also facilitates sharing and engagement on social media.

Social media is a powerful tool for event promotion, and leveraging the networks of your speakers can significantly boost your reach. When speakers share promotional content with their followers, it adds credibility and can attract a wider audience to the event. This can lead to increased registrations and a more engaged audience.

3.1 Leveraging Social Media for Speaker Promotion

Leveraging social media for speaker promotion involves more than just tagging speakers in posts. It's about creating a strategy that encourages interaction and engagement. This can include sharing behind-the-scenes content, conducting live Q&A sessions, and posting regular updates about the event and the speakers.

Encouraging speakers to share their own content related to the event can also be highly effective. This could include blog posts, videos, or personal insights about their session. The more engaged the speakers are in promoting the event, the more likely their followers are to take an interest and register.

3.2 Best Practices for Tagging and Sharing

Best practices for tagging and sharing on social media include using the correct handles and hashtags, posting at optimal times, and creating visually appealing content. Make sure to tag speakers in a way that is relevant and adds value to the post. This could be by highlighting their expertise, sharing a quote from them, or promoting their session.

It's also important to engage with the content that speakers share about the event. This can include liking, commenting, and sharing their posts. This not only boosts the visibility of the content but also shows that you value their contribution and are actively supporting their promotional efforts.

3.3 Case Studies of Successful Social Media Campaigns

Case studies of successful social media campaigns can provide valuable insights and inspiration. Look for examples where speakers played a key role in promoting the event and driving engagement. Analyze what strategies were used, what types of content were most effective, and how the audience responded.

For instance, a successful campaign might involve a series of posts leading up to the event, featuring different speakers and highlighting their sessions. This could be complemented by live interactions, such as Q&A sessions or live streams, to build excitement and engagement. By studying these examples, you can identify best practices and apply them to your own event promotion strategy.

4. A Short, 30-Second Video

A short, 30-second video is a powerful tool for event marketing. Videos are highly engaging and can quickly convey key information about the event and the speaker. Requesting a short video from your speakers can add a dynamic element to your promotional efforts and capture the audience's attention.

These videos can be used across various platforms, including social media, the event website, and email newsletters. They provide a personal touch and allow the speakers to connect with the audience in a more direct and engaging way. This can significantly boost interest and registrations for the event.

4.1 The Power of Video in Event Marketing

The power of video in event marketing lies in its ability to convey information quickly and engagingly. Videos can capture the essence of the event and the speaker's session in a way that text alone cannot. They can also evoke emotions and create a sense of excitement and anticipation.

Using video in your marketing strategy can significantly increase engagement and reach. Videos are more likely to be shared on social media, and they can also improve the performance of email campaigns and website content. By incorporating video, you can create a more dynamic and compelling promotional campaign.

4.2 Tips for Creating an Engaging Speaker Video

Creating an engaging speaker video involves several key elements. First, keep it short and to the point – 30 seconds is ideal. Start with a strong opening that grabs the viewer's attention, such as a bold statement or a provocative question. Follow this with a brief overview of the speaker's session and what the audience can expect to learn or experience.

Make sure the video is visually appealing and of high quality. Good lighting, clear audio, and a professional appearance are essential. Encourage the speaker to be enthusiastic and personable, as this will help to create a connection with the audience. Finally, include a clear call to action, such as registering for the event or visiting the event website for more information.

4.3 Where and How to Share the Video

Sharing the video across multiple platforms can maximize its impact. Post it on social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Use the video in email newsletters and on the event website. You can also consider using it in paid advertising campaigns to reach a wider audience.

When sharing the video, make sure to include a compelling caption and relevant hashtags. Tag the speaker and encourage them to share the video with their followers. This can help to increase the reach and engagement of the video, driving more interest and registrations for the event.

5. One or Two « Fun Facts »

Requesting one or two « fun facts » from your speakers can add a personal and relatable touch to their profiles. These fun facts can humanize the speaker and make them more approachable, enhancing the audience's connection with them. This can be particularly effective in creating a more engaging and memorable event experience.

Fun facts can be used in various promotional materials, including social media posts, email newsletters, and the event website. They provide a light-hearted and interesting element that can capture the audience's attention and make the speaker stand out. This can ultimately lead to increased interest and engagement with the event.

5.1 Humanizing Your Speaker with Fun Facts

Humanizing your speaker with fun facts involves sharing interesting and relatable information about them. This could be a unique hobby, a surprising achievement, or a personal anecdote. These fun facts can make the speaker more relatable and approachable, helping to build a connection with the audience.

Including fun facts in promotional materials can also add a touch of personality and humor, making the content more engaging. This can help to create a more positive and memorable impression of the speaker and the event as a whole. By humanizing the speaker, you can make the audience feel more connected and invested in the event.

5.2 How Fun Facts Can Enhance Audience Engagement

Fun facts can enhance audience engagement by making the speaker more relatable and interesting. When the audience feels a personal connection with the speaker, they are more likely to be engaged and attentive during their session. This can lead to a more interactive and dynamic event experience.

Sharing fun facts on social media can also encourage interaction and sharing. People are more likely to comment on and share content that they find interesting or amusing. This can help to increase the reach and visibility of your promotional efforts, attracting more attendees to the event.

5.3 Examples of Effective Fun Facts

Examples of effective fun facts can provide inspiration for what to request from your speakers. Look for facts that are unique, interesting, and relevant to the speaker's personality or background. For instance, a speaker might share a surprising hobby, a unique travel experience, or an unusual skill.

Effective fun facts are those that add a personal touch and make the speaker stand out. They should be light-hearted and engaging, providing a glimpse into the speaker's personality. By including these fun facts in your promotional materials, you can create a more engaging and memorable event experience for your audience.