How to Attract the Best Speakers for Your Virtual Summit (Without Begging or Bribing)

Ever wonder how some summits seem to effortlessly land big-name speakers while others struggle to fill their lineup? Spoiler alert: It’s not luck. It’s not a secret club. And no, it’s not because they have some magical “in” with industry leaders.

It’s strategy.

And trust me, getting incredible speakers isn’t as hard as you think—if you go about it the right way. So, let’s break down exactly how you can build a dream speaker lineup that wows your audience, boosts your summit’s credibility, and makes promoting a breeze.

Why Your Speaker Lineup Matters More Than You Think

Let’s be real: Your speakers can make or break your summit. They bring the expertise, the energy, and—if you choose wisely—the audience that helps you grow your email list and authority.

A solid lineup does more than just fill your schedule. It:

✔ Boosts credibility – People take your summit more seriously when they recognize the names on your speaker list.
✔ Increases registrations – Your audience is way more likely to sign up when they see speakers they admire.
✔ Helps with promotion – Speakers who are excited about the summit will naturally spread the word.

So, how do you find and attract the best speakers? Here’s my playbook.

1. Pick Speakers Who Align With Your Theme (Yes, You Need a Strong Theme!)

This is where so many people go wrong—they pick speakers first, then try to build a theme around them. No, no, no.

Your summit theme should come first because it dictates everything: your content, your audience, and yes, your speakers.

Here’s the secret sauce:
1. Be selfish (in a smart way). Pick a theme that naturally leads to what you want to sell. No more summits that grow your list but don’t grow your revenue.
2. Make it laser-focused. “How to Build a Business” is too broad. “Booked Out & Scaling: The Service Provider’s Guide to CEO Growth”? Now we’re talking.
3. Solve a real problem. If your audience isn’t practically running to register, it’s not the right theme.

If you need help with this, check out my Complete Dream Virtual Summit Planner—it walks you through picking the perfect theme that sets your summit (and your offers) up for success.

2. Choose Experts Who Light Up Your Audience

Not every industry leader is a good fit for your summit. You want people who:
– Know their stuff and teach it well.
– Have an engaged audience that overlaps with yours.
– Will actually show up and deliver value.

Pro tip: Check out past summits, podcasts, or events they’ve spoken at. Are they engaging? Do they align with your theme? If yes, add them to your dream list.

3. Look for Speakers Who Will Actually Promote the Summit

Here’s a tough truth: Some speakers just show up, do their presentation, and dip. And that’s fine… if you already have a massive audience.

But if you’re still growing? You need speakers who are excited to share your summit with their people.

• Prioritize speakers who are active on social media and email.
• Look for people who love collaboration and support their fellow entrepreneurs.
• Set clear expectations about promotional commitments upfront.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Shoot Your Shot

Think someone is too “big” to say yes? You’d be surprised. Some of my best speakers were people I assumed would say no—but they said YES because they loved the vision of the summit.

– Be clear about why they’re a great fit.
– Show them how the summit benefits them (visibility, new leads, networking, etc.).
– Make it easy for them to say yes (have details ready, keep your pitch short and to the point).

5. Build Relationships Before You Need Them

This is a game-changer. Instead of cold pitching people only when you need speakers, start engaging with them NOW.

– Comment on their posts.
– Share their content.
– Support their work before you ever ask them to support yours.

By the time you reach out, you’re not just a random person in their inbox—you’re someone they recognize.

Ready to Land Your Dream Speakers?

A well-crafted speaker lineup doesn’t just elevate your summit; it transforms the experience for your audience and your business.

Want to plan a summit that attracts top-tier speakers and converts like crazy?

Grab my Complete Dream Virtual Summit Planner—it’s only $9 and walks you through the entire process, from choosing your theme to filling your speaker lineup.

Your summit deserves an epic lineup. Let’s make it happen!

Stay Beautiful,

Julie, Your Summit Queen

xo