Events & Speaking
Event Speaker Request Cold Email Example
Cold email to request a speaker for your event. Shows how to demonstrate value for the speaker, be specific about the opportunity, and get a yes.
The Scenario
A conference organizer reaches out to a VP of Engineering at a well-known tech company to speak at their annual developer conference.
The Email
SUBJECT LINE
Speaking opportunity: DevCon 2024 - engineering leadership track
Hi Amanda, I organize DevCon, an annual developer conference in San Francisco (2,500 attendees, 80% senior engineers and engineering leaders). Your blog post series on scaling engineering teams from 50 to 500 has been shared extensively in our community. I'd love to invite you to share those lessons at DevCon 2024. What I'm envisioning: - 30-minute keynote on the engineering leadership track - Topic: "Scaling Engineering Culture" (or we can adjust to what you're most excited about) - Date: March 15, 2024 - Audience: 400+ engineering leaders, directors, and VPs What's in it for you: - $5,000 honorarium - Travel and hotel covered - Video recording for your portfolio - Direct access to 400+ potential hires and partners Past speakers include Camille Fournier, Will Larson, and Charity Majors. Would you be interested? Happy to share more details or adjust the format to fit what works for you. Tom Program Director, DevCon
Why It Works
- 1References specific content they've created (blog series)
- 2Clear about what they're asking for (format, topic, date)
- 3Explicit value proposition for the speaker
- 4Social proof from impressive past speakers
- 5Flexibility - willing to adjust
- 6Specific numbers (2,500 attendees, 400+ on track)
Key Elements Breakdown
OPENING
Who you are and why their content resonated
VALUE PROPOSITION
Platform to reach 400+ engineering leaders
SOCIAL PROOF
Past speakers, conference size and audience quality
CALL TO ACTION
Express interest, details negotiable
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not explaining what's in it for the speaker
- Vague about the opportunity details
- No mention of compensation or logistics
- Generic - could be sent to anyone
- Making the speaker do work to learn more
Variations to Try
- Reference a specific talk they've given before
- Lead with the audience benefit they'd provide
- Suggest a panel instead of solo keynote
Related Templates
More Examples
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