To source speakers in six easy steps: define your criteria, tap your network, search online and directories, watch live video, build a shortlist, and reach out (or let an agency do all of it for you). Sourcing is the discovery phase — building a strong pool of candidates before you ever start booking. Do it well and the booking part becomes easy. Here is the six-step process.
1. Define your criteria
Start by writing down exactly what you are looking for: topic, tone, budget, audience, and the outcome you want. Clear criteria keep your search focused and make it obvious when a candidate is a fit — or not.
2. Tap your network
Ask trusted colleagues and fellow planners who they have booked and loved. Warm referrals are the highest-quality leads you can get, because they come with a real-world review attached.
3. Search online and directories
Search your topic area, browse speaker directories, and note names that keep coming up. Cast a wide net at this stage — you are building a pool, not making a decision yet.
4. Watch live video
For every promising candidate, watch real footage in front of a live audience. This quickly separates the speakers who look good on paper from the ones who actually command a room.
5. Build your shortlist
Narrow your pool to three or four candidates who fit your criteria and are likely available on your date. A focused shortlist is far easier to act on than a sprawling list of maybes.
6. Reach out — or hand it off
Contact your shortlist with your key details, or skip steps one through five entirely and let a speakers agency source for you. A good agency already knows its roster inside out and can deliver a vetted shortlist in hours instead of days.
The takeaway
Sourcing speakers is really about building a strong shortlist before you book: define what you want, gather candidates from trusted sources, watch the video, and narrow down. Nail the sourcing and the booking practically takes care of itself.
Want to skip straight to a curated shortlist? At Platinum Speakers Agency, sourcing is what we do best. Meet our speakers or get in touch and we will do the legwork for you.