How to Get a Speaking Gig
So, you've done a study or become an expert in automation at your lab. You feel you want to share your knowledge at your next association meeting or trade show. How do you go about getting your name into that meeting brochure?
This blog post details what you should do. Some highlights include writing a great session proposal, suggesting how you fit into the meeting and creating a Web site.
ADVANCE talked to some association meeting planners for additional tips.
Sonya R. Griffin, MS, SCT(ASCP)CMIAC, chair of the ASCT Annual Scientific Program Committee, said to make sure you are a member of the professional organization holding the meeting. It's also helpful to volunteer for the organization's committees. "This way, you are making yourself available and showing interest in your field," she said. Then, speak with the program planning committee chair or a member and show your interest in presenting at the next meeting.
Aubrey Wanner, meeting manager for NSH, suggests to keep your topic fresh. "In an event like our symposium/convention that offers 100 workshops, we will always have a certain number of repeated sessions or sessions teaching the fundamentals, but we try to make sure our program isn't full of workshops that are being taught at every industry event and state meeting," Wanner explained.
Also, make sure you are qualified to present on the subject. "This might seem like a 'duh,' but we routinely receive proposals making claims in the objectives/abstract description for content that doesn't match the presenter's experience or exposure," Wanner said. "If you are overselling your topic, it comes through pretty quickly."
Have you presented at a meeting? Got some tips to share? Please add them below!