Is speaking on a stage on your 2025 bucket list? Not sure where to start or how to progress to the big leagues? Let’s talk about it…
First of all, move away from the thought that events are still existing in a pay-to-play arena. Sure, sales teams exist, but so do content teams and in larger events the two work on very different goals. With a view to longevity and repeat ticket sales, a good event director will never let money get in the way of great content. It’s what the marketing team will be using for the next 12 months!
So how do you get to speak on stage if your sponsor level isn’t a factor? Events are now ran by industry-insiders who use these relationships to book the strongest of speakers, or they rely on an ideas submission-based format where both strong viewpoints and even stronger LinkedIn profiles are required. These are often mixed in around the more typical formats of case study presentations and demos.
But no matter if you follow the rules, submit on time or highlight your best ideas, the hard truth is that it’s much more likely you’ll receive a ‘no thank you’ than a ‘yes please’ and that’s because ultimately, your suggestion might not be as relevant as you think for that specific show.
As an event organiser myself, in this article, I’ll walk through how to pitch yourself effectively depending on experience level and what you’re looking to achieve. Whether you’re new to the game or an established expert, there’s a strategy that works for each stage of your journey.
Why speaking at events matters
First off, why should you care about speaking at fintech events? Well it’s mainly about influence, networking and growth. Speakers are often seen as the thought leaders and change-makers in their field. Speaking at the right event can elevate your reputation, expand your network, and even bring new business opportunities.
But securing a speaking spot is no easy task and so appearing on a highly-curated content programme can be an achievement in itself. To pass that first hurdle, organisers are looking for content that resonates with their audience, packaged up in a speaker who engages and inspires. That’s why understanding what type of event suits your expertise and goals is crucial to increasing your chances of getting selected.
New to speaking? Start with smaller events
If you’re new to speaking, my top tip is not to aim for the biggest stage right away. About 99 per cent of my LinkedIn DMs are people telling me about an amazing person who would be super knowledgeable on a high-profile stage but have no supporting events background. Even if your title is CEO it doesn’t automatically translate to a speaking spot.
Instead, global event giants like the World Economic Forum, WebSummit or Singapore Fintech Festival tend to focus on high-profile speakers with a lot of experience. So, start small and focus on events that are more welcoming to newcomers in your locality. These events are often looking for fresh perspectives and new voices to provide actionable insights that help solve current problems.
Where to start:
Depending on your area of expertise look for smaller, regional or niche events like Fintech Connect, Fintech Week London, or even member organisations and subject-orientated summits without exhibitions like State of Open Con that has a specific finance track. Think about the types of topics that are relatable, actionable, and relevant to early-stage fintech businesses or companies just starting their journey in the financial tech ecosystem.
These events are perfect for first-time speakers because they allow you to share your expertise on emerging trends or local challenges with an audience that’s eager to learn. At these events, you’ll have the chance to experiment, hone your speaking skills, and build your confidence.
Stuck for a topic? Try this:
- Fintech adoption in emerging markets: How local companies are overcoming barriers to entry in the fintech space
- What’s next in digital payments? What businesses should know when adopting new payment technologies
- Navigating regulations: A guide for startups on how to handle regulatory challenges when entering new markets.
Expert speaker? Aim for larger, well-established events
If you’ve already built up a reputation and experience in fintech, it’s time to step up and pitch for the larger, well-established events. As an expert speaker, you’ve likely got the credentials, the expertise, and the confidence to tackle bigger platforms like Money20/20 or Finovate.
At these events, organisers are looking for speakers who bring innovative solutions, share industry insights and can contribute to high-level conversations on-stage as well as at private events that run alongside the main show floor. Remember that a high-profile partnership can upgrade a good application to a great application, so don’t be afraid to share.
Where to aim:
International events like these attract global decision-makers, investors, and regulators, who alongside their own bi-lateral initiatives will be most interested topics that are forward-looking and impactful, addressing major shifts in the industry.
Stuck for a topic? Try this:
- AI in risk management: How artificial intelligence is transforming financial risk assessments
- Blockchain adoption by numbers: The future of distributed ledger technology and its impact on cross-border payments
- Regulatory tech: Innovations in technology that help financial institutions stay compliant in an increasingly complex regulatory landscape
Looking to influence? Speak at cutting-edge, visionary events
Now, if your goal is to become a thought leader i.e. someone who is shaping the future of fintech, then you need to pitch at showcases where the industry is looking ahead. Delegates are often focused on disruptive technologies or future scenarios, and they’re wanting to create conversations around what could be rather than what already is.
At these types of events, you’re not just talking to a crowd, you’re influencing the direction of the industry. Here it’s important to seek out an event that priorities post-show footage so your thoughts and ideas can be references or challenged in the future. These events are great for speakers who want to be seen as visionaries, futurists, or change agents in the fintech space.
Where to aim:
Look at events like SIBOS or Abu Dhabi Finance Week. These events are not only high-profile but also intimate – designed to foster in-depth conversations between top-tier executives, innovators and policymakers. It’s here that you’ll be talking to regulators, CEOs, and entrepreneurs who want to understand where we are in the intersection of finance and technology and how they can prepare for the changes to come. The key is to juxtapose what’s happening now with upcoming regulation and future trends. Stats are the sweet point!
Stuck for a topic? Try this:
- The future of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs): Exploring how CBDCs will reshape the global financial system and what’s been done so far
- AI and ethics: How we ensure ethical implementation of AI in financial services, with a focus on fairness, transparency, and accountability
- Green fintech or greenwashing? When it comes to finance and sustainability how is financial technology supporting the transition to a greener economy?
In marketing? This one’s for you…
When it comes to securing a speaking slot, a vast majority now come through an agency or permanent marketing team who are tasked with securing speaking opportunities for company executives. If this is you, my top advice is that you’ll need to take a strategic, well-thought-out approach.
This isn’t just about picking any event and pitching your CEO or C-suite executive, it’s about making sure your speaker is placed in the right context at the right event.
- First, have a clear events strategy. It’s essential to have a long-term strategy in place for speaking engagements. Don’t just aim for events that are popular or easy to get into. Instead, map out which events align with your company’s brand goals, industry positioning, and future direction. This will ensure that your speaker’s participation at the event adds real value to your company’s thought leadership.
- Second, avoid overexposure. Don’t pitch the same CEO or executive to speak at every event – if you can’t avoid it, at least make sure they’re not rehashing the same speech. What you need to make clear to those above is if your C-suite executive has already spoken at an event hosted by a competitor, the impact on the next event will be diminished. Instead, identify fresh opportunities where your speaker will stand out and add unique value.
- Consider other key figures in your company – subject matter experts, R&D leaders, or potential futurists who can provide specialised insights. Just stay away from those business development and other pseudo sales titles.
- Finally, it’s crucial to understand the value your CEO or C-suite can bring to different events. They should speak only where they can help shape the future of the industry or where their vision can influence key stakeholders. For more tactical, industry-specific events, a subject matter expert or VP of technology might be the better choice. Align each executive’s speaking engagements to their strengths, expertise and goals.
And for anyone looking to build out their events plan either this year or long term, don’t just rely on one or two yearly events. Build relationships with a variety of events, from regional to global and maintain transparency with event organisers. By doing so, you can secure better opportunities for key players, and protect your own reputation as someone who is great to work with.
The one thing to take away with you
No matter where you are on your speaking journey, it’s all about positioning yourself as the right fit for the event. Remember…
New to speaking: Focus on smaller, regional events that give you a chance to build confidence and showcase your local expertise. Choose topics that are actionable and relevant to startups or emerging markets.
Expert speaker: Aim for global platforms like the World Economic Forum or Money 20/20, where you can speak about high-level trends, industry shifts, and cutting-edge technologies. Your pitch should focus on providing innovative solutions for global challenges.
Looking to influence: If you want to position yourself as a futurist or thought leader, pitch to events like Abu Dhabi Finance Week or SIBOS, where disruptive technologies and bold predictions take centre stage.
By understanding the type of event and aligning your pitch accordingly, you’re more likely to get the ‘yes’ you’re hoping for. So, start small, build your credibility, and aim for those high-impact events that will get you recognised as a leader in the fintech space.
Last but not least, it goes without saying – if you’re not that keen on the event or know that something else in your timeline might clash, don’t offer to speak and then pull out. You will scorch your chances for many years to come. Or at least until the content team goes through a restructure…
Happy eventing!
