How to Get Invited to Speak at Tech Conferences
How to Get Invited to Speak at Tech Conferences
In February, I flew to Saudi Arabia to attend the #Leap2025 Tech conference, a global stage bringing together tech leaders, innovators, and future thinkers. I had the opportunity to host panels, get interviewed about my business, and even discuss the future of tech with members of the royal family. It was a full-circle moment and a reminder of how far you can go when you consistently show up and speak up.
Since sharing my experience, one question keeps coming up: How do you get invited to speak at conferences like that? How do you go from being an attendee in the crowd to a speaker on the stage?
The truth is, it’s not only about luck or just knowing the right people. It’s also about taking initiative, building credibility, and positioning yourself as someone who adds value.
Over the years, I’ve learned a few lessons that helped me land these opportunities. It’s not about the shiny object or fitting a trend. It’s about showing substance, staying consistent, and building a presence that people trust.
Here are my top tips for landing speaking opportunities and positioning yourself for success at conferences and events:
1. Take a risk to start your idea
The first step is always the hardest: launching your idea. You have to take that leap of faith, and you can’t wait for everything to be perfect; you just have to start. Risk-taking is the foundation of all opportunities.
2. Learn from rejection and risk
Not every pitch will land. Not every opportunity will be a yes. But each rejection teaches you something valuable. Learn from it, adjust if needed, and keep going. Rejection is just another form of feedback.
3. Shift your mindset to value add
It’s not about what you can get, it’s about what you can give. When you focus on adding value, both to your audience and the people around you, you become someone worth listening to. People want to hear from individuals who contribute to the bigger conversation, not just those chasing the spotlight.
4. Build a public professional profile
No one will know about your expertise and learnings unless you show up. Build a profile that reflects your work and thought leadership. Whether it’s on LinkedIn, Substack, a personal website, or social media, consistency is key.
So, be visible, share insights, and show your journey.
5. Have substance and critical thoughts
If you want to speak on stage, make sure you have something meaningful to say. It’s not enough to repeat keywords. Your audience wants depth and clarity. It's best to stay updated on trends and understand them fully. Make yourself be the voice of reason, innovation, and critical thinking.
6. Don’t rely on AI for everything
Hear me out, I love tools like ChatGPT, but when it comes to your personal brand and messaging, make sure you showcase your own voice. Authenticity is the key to standing out. Your ideas are what make you unique, not the tools you use.
7. Focus on 5 topics and understand the trends
To make a lasting impact, niche down. Focus on five key areas and build deep knowledge in them. Study the trends, understand the shifts, and position yourself as someone with valuable insight. It’s not about spreading yourself thin, it’s about mastering what matters to you.
8. Create a portfolio with evidence of past experience
Don’t just talk about what you’ve done, instead show it. Build a portfolio that highlights your experience and achievements. Whether it’s case studies, media features, or testimonials, make sure you have proof that backs up your credibility.
9. Show up in spaces, ask questions & always prepare
Being present is half the point. Attend events, engage in conversations, ask thoughtful questions, and come prepared for every opportunity that comes your way. The best speakers are often the best listeners. Show up ready to learn and contribute.
Takeaway
Trends fade, but value and authenticity last. Focus on showing up consistently, sharing what matters, and building real credibility, and that’s what gets you invited to speak.
Key Piece of Advice
Don’t just wait for the invitation. Build your profile, create valuable content, and show up where it matters. Speak about what you know, not just what’s trending.
So What?
If you want to make an impact and start landing speaking gigs, it all starts with taking the first step. Take risks, focus on substance, and keep building. With these small, consistent actions, you will not just attend conferences but be invited to take the stage and share your voice with the world.
Sonya Barlow is an award-winning entrepreneur, presenter and author with over 100K followers. She hosts her self-titled YouTube show "The Sonya Barlow Show", authored the business book "Unprepared to Entrepreneur" and runs a business inclusion consultancy and careers app, the "LMF Network". You can work with Sonya for campaigns, content and conversation. Connect via email 📩 - Hello@SonyaBarlow.Co.Uk.