Call for speakers · Open and rolling · In person
Call for speakers
One flagship event for the speaking industry. Speakers who teach, and the event organisers, direct bookers and sponsors who make stages happen, in one room. No coaching for sale, and no selling from the stage.
Who we want to hear from
Speakers at every stage, coaches, the companies that serve this industry, and the people who book speakers.
Emerging speakers
A strong talk and a shorter track record. A clear takeaway matters more than a long résumé.
Established speakers
Experienced speakers who want to be seen by the organisers and direct bookers in the room.
Speaking coaches
Coaches are encouraged to apply. Teach the room something useful, and don’t sell your program from the stage.
Draw-card speakers
If your name draws an audience, tell us. We’ll consider paying you. No fee is promised.
Software and tech
Booking, event tech, CRM, AV and other tools. Show organisers how you help, or take a sponsor slot and teach something useful.
Organisers and direct bookers
Not here to speak? Come on an organiser ticket, with one of our team looking after you on the day.
This is a non-pitch event
Every talk gives value only. No one sells from the stage: no offers, no “book a call”, no back-of-room pitch. The rule applies to every speaker, sponsors and coaches included.
Built for connection, not a sales funnel
- An open call, not a client showcaseAny speaker can apply. You don’t have to be in anyone’s program to get on stage.
- Organisers in the roomEvent organisers and direct bookers are a core audience. Speakers meet the people who book them, directly or through private representation that adds a layer of professionalism.
- Value only, from everyoneNo selling from the stage, sponsors included. Sponsor talks have to teach something useful.
- Nothing to upsellWe have no coaching program, back-of-room offer or “next level” package to sell you.
- Clear terms up frontTicket types, sponsorship options and how selection works are on these pages. Pricing is announced soon.
- Ongoing, not a one-offThe event is one part of a year-round connection to the industry through The Future of Speaking.
What you get
- Seen live by organisers and direct bookers who are there to find speakers.
- Time to meet them properly, before and after the sessions.
- Photos and video of your talk to use in your own marketing.
- A room of other speakers to learn from and refer work to.
Most slots are unpaid. If you’re a draw-card speaker, or your talk brings exceptional value to the room, we’ll consider paying you. We can’t promise a fee, and paid slots follow the same no-pitch rule.
Selection
How we choose
- ApplyTell us your talk and what the audience will be able to do afterwards.
- Members firstApplications from TFOS members are reviewed first, and members get first pick of slots.
- Review on meritA clear takeaway, a fit with a room of speakers and organisers, and a talk that works without a pitch.
- A short callShortlisted speakers have a short call with the team.
- ConfirmationConfirmed speakers get the brief, timings and no-pitch guidelines once the date and venue are set.
Come and find your next speakers
- See speakers deliver live, in front of a real audience, before you book.
- Meet them in person, without a sales pitch in sight.
- A member of our team looking after you on the day, making introductions.
- A look at technology that helps you run and structure your events, from our software and tech sponsors.
- A paid organiser ticket. Pricing announced soon.
Looking for a speaker who isn’t on the program? The Future of Speaking is part of Brimbravo, which privately represents speakers and can help you find the right fit.
The shape of the day
- Arrival networkingSpeakers, organisers, direct bookers and sponsors meet before the first session.
- Value-only talksSelected speakers each teach something the room can use.
- Organiser and speaker conversationsSet time for organisers and direct bookers to meet the speakers they want to talk to.
- Technology showcaseSponsors show organisers tools for running and structuring events. Value-led, not a pitch.
- Networking drinksWhere most of the real conversations happen.
The planned shape of the day. The final program is announced with the date.
Apply to speak, or register your interest
The call is open and rolling, with no closing date. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis across the series: Sydney first, then the pending events in London, Las Vegas and Dubai. It takes a few minutes, and we reply to every application by email.
“I created The Future of Speaking to help speakers generate demand and to improve the industry. These events put speakers in the same room as the people who book them, with no pitches from the stage.”
Daniel Brimblecombe, Founder
Call for speakers: common questions
When does the call close?
It's rolling. Apply any time. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis across the series: Sydney first, then the pending events in London, Las Vegas and Dubai.
Is this a coaching event?
No. We don't sell coaching or training, and no speaker sells a program from the stage. The event exists to connect speakers, event organisers, direct bookers and sponsors.
I'm a speaking coach. Can I apply?
Yes, coaches are encouraged to apply. Your talk teaches the room something useful, under the same no-pitch rule as everyone else: no selling your program from the stage.
I'm an up-and-coming speaker. Is it worth applying?
Yes. Emerging speakers are as welcome as established ones. A clear, useful talk matters more than a long track record.
Can I sell from the stage?
No. Every talk gives value only, including sponsor talks. No offers, no calls to book and no back-of-room sales.
Do I have to be a member to apply?
No. Any speaker can apply. Applications from members of The Future of Speaking are reviewed first, and members get first pick of slots.
Do I pay to speak?
No. Applicants never pay to be selected. The only paid stage time is the sponsor speaking slot, and it follows the same value-only rule.
Are speakers paid?
Most slots are unpaid. If you're a draw-card speaker, or your talk brings exceptional value to the room, we'll consider paying you. We can't promise a fee.
When and where is it?
Sydney is the proposed flagship. The date and venue will be announced soon. Apply or register your interest and you'll hear first.
How much are tickets?
Pricing is announced soon. Members of The Future of Speaking get a member price.
I book speakers for my organisation's events. Why should I come?
To see speakers deliver live before you book them and meet them in person, with a member of our team looking after you on the day. You'll also get a look at technology that helps you run and structure your events.
We're a software company. Can we sponsor?
Yes. Software and tech companies that serve speakers and events, such as booking, event tech, CRM and AV, are encouraged to sponsor. Sponsor talks follow the same value-only rule.