Your virtual event is coming together, the theme is set, and the date is locked in. You've used your handy Summit Host Planner to build a solid foundation for your event addressing many of the important decisions up front so you can feel confident and clear moving on.

With this initial planning and ideas stage completed, now comes the crucial step of finding the right speakers to bring your vision to life.  

You've done a mega braindump to create a large list of anyone who might fit your event theme and the topics you need to deliver. But you don't actually know many of these people and feel a little overwhelmed by the task of researching and making sure they'll be an ideal fit...

I'm with you my friend, speaker research is a big deal! But luckily when done right, all that time spent looking for the perfect people can pay off big! So, before I tell you the many pieces of information I collect about each potential speaker (inside my Ultimate Event Organizer) let me first say...

take a deep breath, work slowly, and get ready to hand pick the people who will help you deliver an amazing and impactful event to your attendees!

Lastly, if you absolutely don't have the time to do the initial research yourself... 

the good news is this can easily be done by a virtual assistant or a member of your team! Once they have the list filled out and completed, you can swing back in and choose the perfect fit speakers from the list they've composed! 

Let's get started.

Researching Speakers For Your Virtual Event

Well before you ever start sending out pitches, you have to take some time to create some comprehensive speaker research and make sure the people you pitch are the perfect fit. Here's a breakdown of why each column is essential for making informed decisions:

• Speaker Name & Company: This is a no-brainer, but it's important to have it readily available for introductions and outreach.

• Social Media Presence (IG handle, Website URL): A speaker's social media presence and professional website offer valuable windows into their brand and expertise. Explore the kind of content they share, their areas of focus, and how they engage with their audience. Are they actively sharing thought leadership pieces or industry trends? Do they have a strong follower base engaged in discussions? This can tell you a lot about their reach and influence.

• Email Address: This is your primary communication channel. Ensure you have a valid email address to reach out and discuss the opportunity. Sometimes this isn't as easy to find, so you may have to dig, and look on their Facebook Page or in their privacy policy to find it!

• Optin Name: If the speaker has a main option on their website, this is an easy win! It's a clue about their target audience and the main topic they focus on. For instance, an optin name like "Social Media Marketing Hacks For Digital Business Owners" says a lot!

• Product/Service Info: Understanding the speaker's business offerings can help determine, possible speaking topics, potential conflicts of interest, or even sponsorship opportunities. If their company offers social media management services, for example, there might be a conflict if your event is sponsored by a competitor. 

• Preferred Speaking Topic: Knowing the speaker's areas of expertise helps tailor your pitch and confirms their alignment with your event's theme. Some speakers may have a page dedicated totheir preferred speaking topics, making it easy to understand what they feel most confident speaking about. 

• Notes: This is your goldmine, especially if someone on your team will be doing the initial research! Jot down any additional information you find about the speaker's experience, speaking style, past engagements, or anything that stands out. Did they deliver a TED Talk that resonated with you? Are they known for their engaging and interactive presentations? Note down anything that strengthens their candidacy for your event.

Why Each Research Column Matters

By investing time in thorough speaker research, you'll be well-equipped to identify the perfect voices to elevate your virtual event and leave a lasting impression on your attendees. Here's a deeper dive into why each piece of information is crucial:

• Social Proof: A speaker's online presence acts as social proof, showcasing their brand and expertise. Actively engaged profiles with valuable content demonstrate their ability to connect with an audience and generate interest in their area of focus.
• Alignment with Your Theme: Reviewing their content and past speaking engagements helps ensure their expertise aligns with your event's goals and target audience. You wouldn't want an expert in astrophysics presenting at a virtual event on social media marketing!
• Communication & Engagement: A professional website and readily available contact details show their commitment to communication and professionalism. This is especially important for virtual events, where clear and timely communication is paramount.
• Building a Compelling Pitch: The more you know about the speaker, the better you can personalize your invitation and highlight how their participation benefits them and your audience. Tailoring your pitch demonstrates respect for their time and expertise, significantly increasing your chances of securing their participation.

Researching Speakers For Your Virtual Event

Alright, there you have it! With a well-researched speaker list in hand, you're empowered to craft personalized pitches that resonate with each potential speaker.

Remember, your virtual event is a platform for them to share their knowledge and expand their reach. By showcasing the value proposition and fostering a collaborative spirit, you'll be well on your way to securing a lineup of star speakers who will make your virtual event a resounding success!