Conferences Looking for Speakers 2026: Submit Your Proposal Today!
Are you looking to share your expertise at conferences in 2026? This article lists upcoming conferences looking for speakers 2026. Many conferences have already opened their speaker applications for 2026, necessitating checks on event websites for deadlines. Platforms like 10times, a global event discovery platform with extensive filtering options by date, location, and industry, can help you find relevant opportunities and see how these conferences intersect with business sectors to drive business growth. Additionally, you can find opportunities to speak at conferences in 2026 through dedicated speaker platforms, event aggregator websites, social media, and professional associations. Many upcoming events are hosted and facilitated by organizations that play a key role in creating these opportunities for networking and knowledge sharing. Find out how you can submit your proposal and become a keynote speaker at top events.
Key Takeaways
2026 offers numerous opportunities for keynote speakers across various conferences, including Eco-Conferences, Future of Tech, Global Health Summit, Women in Leadership, and Marketing Marvel.
Keynote speaking enhances professional visibility, networking opportunities, and personal brand enhancement, crucial for career growth.
Successful speaker proposals require thorough research, compelling ideas aligned with the conference’s goals, and ensuring your proposal is a good fit for the event’s theme and audience, along with a clear submission process to increase the chances of selection. Organizers evaluate proposals based on relevance and quality to select speakers who best match their programming needs. Conferences looking for speakers often focus on specific themes or topics relevant to their industry. Online conference directories like All Conference Alert and Conference Monkey list conferences and are easy to navigate, making it simpler to find opportunities. The call for participation for the Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC) 2026 closed in May 2025, highlighting the importance of early submissions for high-profile events.
Top Conferences Seeking Keynote Speakers in 2026
The demand for keynote speakers is at an all-time high, with upcoming conferences seeking individuals who can bring expertise, charisma, and real-world relevance to their events. This year, a diverse range of conferences is looking for speakers, from those focused on environmental conservation to cutting-edge technology and healthcare innovation. Conferences often seek speakers who can engage audiences through interactive workshops and presentations. These speaking opportunities not only allow you to share your insights but also to engage with a wide audience, providing valuable experiences and networking opportunities for participants and contributing to advancing important dialogues in various fields.
For those passionate about design, innovation, and creativity, the IDSA events are inviting both seasoned professionals and newcomers to submit their proposals. The Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) will host Designing with AI Deep Dive virtually on April 3-4, 2026, and Women in Design Deep Dive in-person on June 26-27, 2026. Additionally, the Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP) is hosting CHANGE San Diego in-person from February 29 to March 2, 2026, and a virtual conference in June 2026. The National College Testing Association (NCTA) will hold its 2026 Conference, although the specific date is not mentioned. The collection of speakers at these events receives significant promotion and visibility across all of IDSA’s media channels. The evolving landscape underscores the importance of captivating presentations and interactive workshops, making this an exciting time to step onto the stage and share your knowledge.
Here are some of the top conferences looking for speakers in 2026.
Eco-Conferences: Earth Matters 2026
The ‘Earth Matters 2026’ conference is a must-attend event for anyone passionate about environmental conservation and renewable energy. This conference seeks individuals who are genuinely passionate about environmental issues and can bring diverse perspectives to enrich the content and appeal to a broader audience, with a strong commitment to inclusion and equity in all aspects of its planning and scheduling.
Participating as a speaker allows you to contribute to important discussions on sustainability and inspire action in others.
Future of Tech 2026
The ‘Future of Tech 2026’ conference is dedicated to exploring cutting-edge technology and its impact on various sectors. This event is particularly interested in speakers knowledgeable about current technology trends and innovations, especially the importance of data and emerging technologies in shaping the future of tech. Experts in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, cryptocurrency, and other technology innovations are encouraged to submit their proposals and showcase their expertise.
This conference offers a fantastic opportunity to be at the forefront of technological advancements and engage with professionals shaping the future of tech. Share your insights and experiences on this perfect platform.
Global Health Summit
The Global Health Summit is an annual conference that addresses modern health challenges and innovative solutions in the healthcare industry. This summit serves as a platform for thought leaders, policymakers, and healthcare professionals to collaborate and share insights. Speakers invited to the Global Health Summit should have significant experience in healthcare, particularly in dealing with contemporary health issues.
Topics of interest for speaker proposals include advancements in medical technology, public health strategies, and innovative healthcare delivery models, as well as optimizing healthcare processes for better outcomes. Those with a strong background in healthcare and a passion for addressing global health challenges will find this conference an excellent opportunity to share knowledge and make a significant impact.
Women in Leadership 2026
The ‘Women in Leadership 2026’ conference is dedicated to gender discussions and breaking the glass ceiling in leadership roles. This event aims to address key issues surrounding women’s leadership and promote diversity in leadership roles.
Speakers passionate about women’s leadership are encouraged to submit their proposals and contribute to this important dialogue. The conference is committed to providing support and resources to empower women leaders, ensuring they have the guidance and assistance needed for a successful and impactful experience.
Marketing Marvel 2026
The ‘Marketing Marvel 2026’ conference is focused on exceptional marketing skills and innovative approaches in the marketing sector. This event encourages submissions from seasoned marketers who possess the skills needed to excel in today’s competitive marketing landscape.
Experts in marketing looking to share innovative strategies, as well as the importance of integrating effective sales techniques into marketing presentations, will find this conference the perfect platform.
Benefits of Being a Keynote Speaker
Being a keynote speaker offers numerous benefits that can significantly enhance your professional and personal growth. One of the most notable advantages is the opportunity to establish visibility within your industry, leading to potential partnerships and collaborations. Networking and referrals at industry events can lead to speaking opportunities that are not publicly advertised. Keynote speakers have the chance to network with industry leaders, enhancing their professional connections and opportunities for future engagements. The success of conferences relies heavily on the contributions of presenters, with speakers actively contributing to the event’s value and impact through their engagement and expertise, and speakers are offered coaching and orientation sessions. Ordinarily, speakers are not financially rewarded by associations for their conference speeches, but the exposure and networking opportunities can be invaluable.
Speaking at conferences boosts professional growth and visibility within the community. Showcasing your knowledge to a high-profile audience solidifies your reputation and opens doors to future opportunities.
Here are some specific benefits of being a keynote speaker.
Showcase Your Expertise
Presenting at conferences allows you to display your unique skills and insights, and provides an opportunity to discuss emerging trends and challenges in your field with a diverse audience. Engaging in public speaking can significantly boost your visibility and credibility in your professional domain. A well-crafted presentation can raise your profile and solidify your reputation as a thought leader in your industry.
Outline expected outcomes for attendees and focus on key takeaways to make your presentation impactful. Personal stories or anecdotes can make your presentation relatable. Aligning your topics with audience interests is crucial for success.
Networking Opportunities
Keynote speaking often leads to significant networking with influential figures and peers in the industry. Events create platforms for connections with industry leaders, enhancing your professional network and opening doors to future collaborations and opportunities. Remember, friends, building these lasting professional relationships can be just as rewarding as the keynote itself.
Besides networking with attendees, speakers often access exclusive events as part of their engagement, enhancing visibility and providing valuable opportunities to connect with influential figures in your field.
Enhance Your Personal Brand
Being a keynote speaker enhances your visibility and establishes your credibility within your industry. Presenting at conferences allows you to showcase your knowledge and professional prowess to a wider audience, essential for personal brand growth.
Speaking engagements also create valuable networking opportunities with industry leaders and peers, further enhancing your personal brand.
We would love to hear your experiences and insights on building a personal brand—feel free to share your stories or feedback.
How to Submit a Speaker Proposal
Submitting a speaker proposal requires careful planning and attention to detail, as event agendas are often finalized months in advance. The process typically involves researching the event, crafting a compelling proposal, and following the submission guidelines and deadlines. Platforms like Sessionize, which features a "Discover" tab to find events, can be a valuable tool for identifying opportunities and submitting proposals effectively. Similarly, SpeakerHub is a marketplace that connects event organizers with speakers and allows users to create a profile, further expanding your reach. The Project Management Institute Central Alabama Chapter maintains a continual speaker RFP process, providing ongoing opportunities for speakers to engage with their events.
Here are the steps to help you submit a successful speaker proposal.
Research the Event
Understanding the conference theme and audience is crucial for tailoring your proposal to their expectations. Research the event’s goals, demographics, and attendees’ needs to ensure your speech aligns with their interests and the conference’s theme.
Crafting Your Proposal
A compelling speaker proposal should have a captivating title and description to grab the attention of the selection committee. Clearly outline what attendees will gain from your presentation, including key takeaways and the value of your insights. A unique perspective or experience can distinguish your proposal and make it more appealing to organizers.
Your proposal should also include a detailed session structure, highlighting any guest speakers and specific topics you will cover, such as Service Design, which can be particularly relevant and appealing. It’s important to communicate the topic, your qualifications, and how your presentation benefits the event.
A well-crafted proposal can significantly increase your chances of being selected as a speaker.
Submission Process
The submission process typically requires a clear and detailed presentation of your proposed speech. Most event organizers will request a detailed description of your speech as part of the submission. Ensure that all required materials are submitted before the deadline to avoid missing out on opportunities.
Check submission deadlines and contact event organizers if you have questions. A detailed session structure and highlighting guest speakers can make your proposal more appealing.
Remember to clearly communicate how your presentation will contribute to the event and engage the audience.
Be sure to watch for any notice from event organizers regarding changes or updates to event details.
Upcoming Deadlines for Speaker Proposals
Planning is essential for submitting a proposal, as event agendas are often set months in advance. Missing a submission deadline can result in lost opportunities to present at key events in your field.
Here are some important deadlines to keep in mind for speaker proposals in 2025.
We welcome your suggestions for managing deadlines or streamlining the proposal process.
Early 2026 Deadlines
Before: For those looking to secure speaking opportunities early in the year, several key conferences have deadlines in the first few months of 2026. The ILTA 2026 Conference requires speaker proposals to be submitted by February 1, 2026. Proposals for the ASCEPT, APFP, APSA Joint 2026 Annual Conference are due by February 5, 2026. Make sure to submit them on time. The LearningSCAPES conference in Portland has a proposal deadline of March 1, 2026.
After: Here are some key conferences with upcoming speaker proposal deadlines in early 2026:
ILTA 2025 Conference: Proposals due by February 1, 2026
ASCEPT, APFP, APSA Joint 2025 Annual Conference: Proposals due by February 5, 2026
LearningSCAPES Conference in Portland: Proposal deadline is March 1, 2026
Make sure to submit them on time.
Other notable deadlines include the ADRP International Conference on March 18, 2026, and the Minnesota Home Care Association on March 20, 2026. It’s crucial to follow the specific submission guidelines and formats for each conference to increase your chances of being selected.
Mid-2026 Deadlines
As mid-2026 approaches, several conferences will be finalizing their speaker line-ups, making timely submissions essential. The National Association of Government Communicators has an application deadline for speaker proposals on June 12, 2026.
Missing these submission deadlines can lead to lost opportunities to present at key events in your field.
Late 2026 Deadlines
For those planning ahead, it’s important to note the speaker proposal deadlines towards the end of 2026. The application deadline for the Virginia Association for Counselor Education and Supervision conference is December 1st, 2026. The Maine Dental Association’s 2026 Annual Convention has a deadline. It is set for November 15th, 2026.
Submissions for the Annual Revenue Cycle Conference should be in by November 29th, 2026. The very last deadline mentioned is December 31st, 2026, offering a final chance to secure speaking spots for the year.
What Conference Organizers Look For in Speakers
Conference organizers prioritize speakers with deep knowledge and real-world relevance, as these qualities enhance credibility and position the speaker as an authority in their field. A well-structured speaker proposal that clearly aligns with the conference’s goals and presents engaging ideas is crucial to captivate both organizers and the audience. Organizers seek qualified professionals who resonate with the audience and bring valuable insights to their presentations.
Understanding what conference organizers value can significantly increase your chances of being selected as a speaker. Here are some key attributes they look for.
Expertise and Knowledge
Conference speakers should demonstrate a profound understanding of their subjects and provide high-quality, well-researched content. Conferences seek dedicated experts with specialized and diverse skills to recommend speakers who are thought leaders in their fields, offering a deep dive into their areas of expertise.
Recommendations from industry leaders can also play a significant role in the selection process.
Engagement and Presentation Skills
Engagement and presentation skills are crucial for keeping the audience interested and ensuring they retain the message. A well-organized presentation can improve audience retention by up to 40% compared to unstructured content. Start with a strong hook to grab attention within the first 30 seconds and maintain engagement through audience interaction.
Incorporating interactive elements and organizing your material effectively can make a significant difference in your presentation’s reception. These skills enhance your speech’s immediate impact and leave a lasting impression on the audience.
Relevance to Conference Themes
Familiarizing yourself with the conference’s goals ensures your speech aligns with their objectives and resonates with the audience. Understanding the demographics and interests of the audience helps tailor your proposal effectively, making it more relevant and appealing.
A well-aligned proposal increases your chances of being selected as a speaker.
Compensation and Benefits for Speakers
Compensation for speakers at conferences varies significantly based on experience and the scale of the event. Speaker compensation policies are often determined by the organization’s budget and priorities. While some speakers receive direct payments, others might benefit from exposure, coaching, and promotional opportunities. The pay rates for speakers can swing wildly – from a few hundred bucks to several grand. For beginner speakers, the pay scale can range from $100 to over a thousand dollars depending on various factors. Instead, their compensation often comes in the form of ‘exposure’ or reimbursement of travel expenses.
Understanding different forms of compensation and benefits helps you decide which speaking engagements to pursue.
Direct Payments vs. Exposure
New speakers might start their fees at a few hundred dollars to establish worth. Charging too much can deter clients, while charging too little might undervalue your talents. Beginners might choose to volunteer for free to gain experience and exposure.
Experienced speakers might also opt to speak without charging if they deem the cause worthy, utilizing their platform for greater impact.
Balancing monetary compensation with the exposure and networking opportunities from speaking engagements is essential.
Travel and Accommodation
International conferences may cover travel expenses, providing a financial benefit for speakers. This can make it more feasible for speakers to participate in events across the globe without incurring significant personal costs. However, IDSA does not offer honorariums, travel, or expense reimbursement for speaker participation due to tight budgetary constraints.
Additional Perks
Many conferences offer a combination of monetary compensation and additional benefits for speakers. Some speakers may opt for non-monetary benefits like exposure and reputation development. Conferences often cover travel and accommodation costs, ensuring comfortable arrangements for their keynote speakers.
Speakers may also gain exclusive access to networking events or promotional opportunities, further enhancing their engagement with the audience and industry. These additional perks can add significant value to the speaking engagement beyond financial compensation.
Tips for First-Time Public Speakers
For first-time public speakers, the prospect of giving a keynote address can be both exciting and daunting. Effective speakers maintain audience interest through strong engagement techniques and clear communication. Most speakers at conferences do get paid, unless they're speaking purely for the love of it. Understanding the potential compensation and benefits can help you decide which opportunities to pursue.
Here are some tips to help you prepare and succeed in your first speaking opportunity. Building a robust portfolio of speaking experience is essential for becoming a paid speaker.
Overcoming Stage Fright
Feeling nervous before speaking is common and manageable with the right techniques. Physical activity, like exercise, can release endorphins to counteract anxiety. Preparation and practice build confidence and overcome stage fright. Participating in speaker coaching and orientation sessions can help refine presentation materials and further enhance your confidence.
Structuring Your Presentation
Effective structuring of your presentation ensures that your message is clear, impactful, and memorable. A well-structured presentation typically includes an introduction, main points, supporting details, and a conclusion. Engaging your audience through storytelling, asking questions, and using interactive elements can enhance the impact of your presentation.
Regularly rehearse your presentation and solicit feedback to refine delivery and structure, boosting confidence and ensuring smooth, effective flow.
Engaging Your Audience
Maintain audience engagement by asking questions and encouraging participation throughout your presentation. Interactive elements and educational content can further enhance engagement.
Connecting with your audience on a personal level by sharing stories or anecdotes can make your presentation more relatable and memorable. Engaging your audience effectively can leave a lasting impression and increase the overall impact of your speech.
Summary
In summary, 2026 offers a wealth of speaking opportunities across various fields, from environmental conservation to cutting-edge technology and healthcare innovation. By understanding the benefits of being a keynote speaker, crafting compelling proposals, and meeting submission deadlines, you can significantly enhance your chances of being selected for these prestigious events. For example, the Florida Festivals and Events Association (FFEA) is holding its annual conference in Orlando, FL, from August 20 to 22, 2026, providing a platform for speakers to share their expertise and connect with industry professionals. Additionally, the FIRST conference will take place in Fukuoka, Japan, from June 9 to 14, 2026, offering another excellent opportunity for speakers to engage with a global audience.
Take the leap and share your expertise with the world. The insights and connections you gain from these experiences can propel your career forward and establish you as a thought leader in your industry. Submit your proposals today and make 2026 a year of professional growth and impactful public speaking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of being a keynote speaker?
Being a keynote speaker offers significant visibility and valuable networking opportunities, allowing you to showcase your expertise and enhance your professional reputation. These benefits contribute to overall professional growth and recognition in your field.
How do I submit a speaker proposal?
To successfully submit a speaker proposal, research the event thoroughly, create a compelling proposal, and adhere to the conference organizers' submission guidelines and deadlines. This approach will enhance your chances of being selected. Most conferences post "Call for Speakers" or "Submit a Proposal" links on their event pages well in advance.
What do conference organizers look for in speakers?
Conference organizers seek speakers who possess deep expertise, strong engagement abilities, and content that aligns with the conference themes to effectively connect with the audience.
What are the deadlines for speaker proposals in 2026?
The deadlines for speaker proposals in 2026 generally fall between January to March for early submissions, June for mid-year, and November to December for late submissions. It’s essential to check specific conference websites for exact dates.
What compensation do speakers typically receive?
Speakers typically receive compensation that may include direct payments, coverage for travel and accommodation, and networking opportunities. Overall, the exact compensation can vary based on the event and the speaker's experience.
