| Admit it. You've been to an industry conference and | | | | people to the conference and they will surely like |
| you look at the people on the panel and you wonder, | | | | that. You can offer to promote the event using:o A |
| "How in the heck did 'that' guy get on the panel? I | | | | PR campaign to industry and consumer media.o A |
| could do that." | | | | direct mail piece to YOUR clients and customers.o A |
| Well, you're not alone. Like getting asked to the | | | | series of emails to YOUR clients and customers with |
| Junior High Dance you can wait to get an invitation or | | | | a link back to the conference's web site. |
| get aggressive and make it happen. As a publicist I | | | | 5. Bring something to give away. Tell conference |
| am often asked to get a client on the convention | | | | planners you'll be giving away 'something of value' to |
| dais and as a result I've got couple of tried and true | | | | audience members if you get the engagement. Items |
| tactics that really work. | | | | such as a free video, autographed book, new |
| Here are seven tips to help you land that panel gig. | | | | software etc. are often welcomed by conference |
| 1. Bring a big name to the party. If you have little | | | | planners as they make them look good. |
| name recognition organize a panel around a topic and | | | | 6. Make yourself the logical choice to speak on a |
| call in a favor from Bill Gates or other notable friend, | | | | particular topic. Demonstrate expertise by showing |
| client, customer or vendor by creating your own | | | | conference planners your articles on the subject. |
| panel. Pitch the "ready made" panel, which includes | | | | Nobody wants to take a chance on an unknown |
| yourself of course, to the conference organization. | | | | person with shaky credentials. But, if the conference |
| They have less work, and you get more editorial | | | | planner can "Google" you and find your web site and |
| control over the discussion. Big names draw big | | | | numerous articles you've written or your quotes in |
| crowds. All conferences like big names. | | | | news, that takes the uncertainty out of the equation |
| 2. Create a catchy title: Even if you have a big name | | | | and they're more apt to book you. |
| on your panel, an unexciting panel title and no | | | | 7. Plan way in advance. Most conferences are booked |
| mention of the big name will not be as interesting to | | | | into convention halls years in advance and most |
| the conference planner. Take a page out of the | | | | programs are decided upon many months in advance. |
| entertainment industry. Would people rather watch | | | | If you really want to get on a panel, make your pitch |
| "Desperate Housewives" or the same program titled | | | | before your competitor does several months in |
| "Five Bored Housewives on Wisteria Lane?" | | | | advance. Now, there's always a chance of a last |
| 3. Make a promise. Tell conference planners what | | | | minute booking but more than likely it's best to plan |
| prospective audience members will learn and what | | | | way ahead. |
| they will take away from the presentation in the | | | | These are just a few ways to get on a panel or to |
| copy describing the program. For example: Tell them | | | | deliver a presentation. If you'd like to share more |
| they will learn to do X, Y & Z and will be able to | | | | ideas please email them to me and I'll use them in |
| implement something tangible in their own business or | | | | future articles on the topic. Remember: Just like the |
| practice. | | | | Junior High Dance, you can wait around until they ask |
| 4. Offer to promote the conference. Tell conference | | | | you or you can do the asking and make it happen. |
| planners you'll promote the convention to the | | | | The bottom line: You've got to market yourself. Get |
| prospective conference goers. This helps drive more | | | | aggressive and initiate the opportunity. |