Learn how to boost your proposals with a public relations agency to earn high-value speaking opportunities and stand out to event organizers.
You want your company's spokesperson to secure speaking gigs that enhance your brand's reputation and reach your target audience. While a public relations agency can help, mastering the submission process is essential. A polished, timely, and strategic proposal can make the difference between acceptance and being overlooked. Here's how to craft a successful submission.
Know the decision-makers and their timelines
Understanding who controls the speaking opportunity and when decisions are made is crucial. Research the event organizer, typical speakers, and application process. Know the timelines — most events start planning several months or even a year in advance. Submitting late, no matter how strong your proposal, won’t help.
Carefully review the event's guidelines. Some require comprehensive outlines, others prefer concise pitches. Include any necessary case studies, speaker videos, or past appearance outcomes. Timeliness is as important as content. If proposals close by March 1, submit early to stand out before the flood. For industry-standard best practices, review the CASE Guidelines for Company Engagement at Conferences.
Craft a compelling abstract that offers value
Your proposal starts with an abstract, a critical section. It should clearly show what the audience will gain from attending the session. Lead with what attendees will learn or do afterward. Are you solving a common issue for executives or showing marketers how to spot trends? Get to the point swiftly.
Keep it straightforward and focused. Avoid dense language and jargon. Ensure it's engaging and practical. Ask yourself, would the audience spend 45 minutes on this? If not, reshape it.
Position your speaker as the right fit
Finding the right speaker is as important as the topic. Select someone who can connect, educate, and hold an audience. If you have multiple experts, choose the one with relevant experience and a dynamic presence.
Include a concise bio highlighting their background connected to the topic. Past engagements, podcast interviews, and articles add credibility. Don't overlook video footage. If your speaker has been filmed presenting, include a clip. It helps organizers visualize the performance. Ensure you have a clear, updated headshot; avoid low-res images or event cutouts. Consider practicing these 10 tips for improving your public speaking skills to increase your speaker’s confidence and performance.
Use PR strategy to amplify and support your proposal
Once you have a strong speaker and abstract, public visibility strengthens your proposal. Decision-makers lean towards those already showing thought leadership.
Leverage your public relations agency for earned media. Aim for mentions in credible publications, podcast appearances, or quotes in industry roundups. While you can't guarantee selection, you can increase favorability. Articles in respected outlets send powerful signals. The more visible your voice, the easier it becomes to say yes.
Follow up and focus on long-term relationships
After submitting, don’t assume silence means rejection or acceptance. Follow up politely once the deadline passes. A courteous inquiry is often welcomed.
If you’re not selected, it can feel discouraging. However, opportunities often follow when you ask for feedback. You might land on a waiting list or be invited for future contributions. Stay engaged for future openings without being too assertive.
Treat speaking engagements as a long game. Create a calendar with target dates, explore industry association calls, and book speakers well in advance. Consistent outreach over time yields more success than sporadic efforts.
How smart submissions win speaking spots
A strong submission is more than good writing. It's about knowing the audience, timing delivery well, and reinforcing proposals with public credibility. The factors that make one speaker stand out may not always be obvious, but preparation makes a substantial difference. It shows organizers that your organization is ready to bring value and relevance to the stage.
Securing the right stage elevates opportunities and builds deeper credibility. When your submission reflects strategy and clarity, it’s more than a speaking chance — it’s part of your reputation-building journey.
Ready to stand out on stage? At Axia Public Relations, we specialize in securing impactful speaking opportunities for your organization. Check out our SpeakersBureau service.
Topics: public relations, thought leadership, public speaking
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