Speaker Selection Process

Pubcon has earned a reputation as the leading edge conference for marketing and web developer technology. The high level of presentation content at Pubcon sets us apart from other tech conference available.

Speakers First

Our speaker and session selection process is unique.
Most conferences create a default set of panels and then go looking for speakers to plugin to those panels. It leads to inappropriate speakers trying to fill a slot (often with a buddy) and ending up with half-hearted beginner level content designed to fool the speaker selection committee.

We let speakers propose the topic they want to talk about. This process allows speakers to propose sessions that speak from their expertise and passion. We then create a panel around the session proposal from the speaker or rewrite an existing session topic to fit their needs. Our process leads to speakers talking from their expertise and passion about topics that are currently hot in the community and market place – it leads to speakers bringing their A game and enjoying it. Attendees win.

Attendees First

Speakers First is not foolproof or perfect, but I think it is good system that puts attendees and speakers first.
We have a great deal of pride in our speakers and session proposal process. Our best advice is to propose a session that speaks directly from and to your expertise. Propose the type of presentation where you will find it enjoyable to create the Power Point and practice your presentation.

FAQ

Q: Has my proposal been looked at?
A: All proposals will be looked at in due course.

Q: If I pitch 20 times will that help my odds?
A: No. Hurt them. Put your best foot forward one time.

Q: I can speak on SEO, SEM, or anything about Marketing.
A: You will probably not get chosen. We want specific topics for specific subjects. The more general proposal, the more likely not to be selected.

Q: I have spoken at Pubcon 10 years in a row – why was I not picked?
A: You might not have filled out a speaker/session proposal. Also, topic needs change yearly so things get changed from time-to-time.

Q: Why was I was not invited to speak at Pubcon?
A: We get 400-600 proposals for every Las Vegas conference – we don’t need to “invite” people. Speakers are selected based off their proposal pitch, experience in the niche, and his/her familiarity with speaking in front of large crowds.

Q: I am going to send you my pitch direct in email, ok?
A: We only review those that come in via the online proposal system. Emails related to proposals are generally not read.

Q: I have spoken at Pubcon 10 years in a row – why was I not picked?
A: We do rotate speakers. Fresh faces – fresh ideas – you know the drill – don’t take it personally.

Q: Why don’t you tell me if I have been rejected?
A: We work on sessions a very long time. We often pick out a speaker late in the game.

Q: I had a conflict last year and had to cancel speaking a day before the show. May I speak this year?
A: A speaker that cancels within 45 days of a conference, will not speak at a Pubcon for a period of one year.

Q: I have registered and paid for Pubcon, do I get a refund now that I am selected for speaking?
A: Yes.

Q: Since I am speaking – can I attend the Masters Group Workshop and Training?
A: A speaker’s badge is a GOLD badge. So you may attend only if you purchase a training workshop pass. Register through the normal conference registration page.

Q: Can I get the email of my other speakers on my panel?
A: They are listed on the Session Prep Memo email.

Q: As a speaker, do I have to purchase a badge?
A: No. A speaker’s badge is the same as a Gold Pass.

Q: Where do I register?
A: After you are a confirmed speaker, you may register from your speaker’s panel.

Q: May I use my own laptop to present?
A: No.

Q: I know Jeff who works at Pubcon, may I ask him to get me a speaking slot?
A: We ignore direct pitches via employees.

Q: When is the call for proposals?
A: Subscribe to the Pubcon blog updates. We put out a request about 6-7 months before the event. (example)

Q: How can I pitch if I don’t know the sessions.
A: We don’t go the session shopping route. That system leads to inappropriate speakers molding themselves to be on a panel. Instead, we want speakers to pitch from their area of expertise – not ours. We want speakers to be passionate about the topics they want to talk about.

Q: How are speakers selected?
A: It is an in depth and time consuming process. We start by finding great speakers with great ideas for sessions. Then we build a session around them – filling with additional speakers where required.

Q: I spoke once in high school at the rotary club. Can I have a keynote?
A: No.

Q: How many speaking slots are available?
A: We will have more than 400 speaking slots for 200 speakers.

Q: Do I have to use the Pubcon Template?
A: Yes.

Q: If I ask about a speaking slot on Google+ will that help?
A: No.

Q: Is it ok if I put my slides up on SlideShare before the conference?
A:If your slides are ‘stand alone’, then why would people attend your session? What unique value do you bring to the conference?

Q: What are the main reasons I don’t get selected to speak?
A: #1 reason is people not going through the speaker proposal form. #2 being too general with their pitch.

Q: If I accidentally dropped my company name 15 times in my presentations last year, does that hurt my chances this year?
A: Yes. Anyone found to be self promoting are quickly weeded out.

Q: Besides being a great presenter with great content, what helps my chances of being selected?
A: There are outside channels of support like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Google+ that can help set you apart.

-Team Pubcon

“Work like you don’t need money, love like you’ve never been hurt, and dance like no one is watching!” -annon

More information on the Pubcon Policies Page

Speaker Selection Process