Every year, businesses across different industries plan for conferences for their businesses. Event organizers are spearheading the conference planning process – from booking venues and crafting event programs to writing event details. We will discuss how to write a bio for a conference, specifically for professional speakers.
The Purpose of a Speaker Bio
If your event is a conference, the unique selling point to attract your conference attendees is through your speaker lineups. People attend conferences to learn from your speakers and to pick their brains. Additionally, people also attend for personal connections with speakers.
The speaker bio or speaker’s biography is one way to communicate the credentials of your speaker and thereby also the credibility of your event. A well-written speaker bio is not only used in the event program but it can also be used in the event website and social media promotions of the event.
A speaker bio can also set your attendee’s expectations of your event. The expertise and background of the conference speaker can be a glimpse into what they will be discussing during the event. Furthermore, a speaker bio can be used for purposes even beyond the event itself like media or press releases.
If you’re wondering how to begin writing your speaker bio, let’s start with the basic elements. Later in this article, we will be giving examples and templates you can use to create your own.
Elements of a Speaker Bio
Introduction
The introduction is a powerful way to introduce yourself to your readers. Use powerful and captivating hooks to grab your reader’s attention.
Here are some writing tips on how to write a captivating introduction:
- Make them feel a connection and want to attend – It can be your humble beginnings or your experience when starting in your field of expertise.
- Share exciting news or facts – state statistics or facts that can either confirm or deny something your audience is already thinking about.
- Hype the topic you want to talk about – You can say something like the lessons you are about to share cost you thousands of dollars worth of experience
It’s important to note that you have to know the particular audience you’re speaking to so you can use their language, whether that is technical or artistic, or use uncommon slang among your audience.
Professional Background
Next is your professional background. Highlight the roles in your position that have contributed to your expertise. Describe any significant projects, research, years of study, mentors, sponsors, or contributions that make you a fit to be a professional speaker for the conference.
Areas of Expertise
Talk about your specific niche and how you became an expert in that area. Share a thing or two about your experiences in handling that expertise. Connect it to the conference you are speaking in. Having a specific area of expertise gives you leverage because of a niche topic you can contribute to.
Achievement and Impact
Your achievement and impact is what people are probably most curious about. Highlight your achievements in your field that will make your audience understand the value they can expect from your talk. Give a behind-the-scenes journey of how you attained the achievement so your audience can feel that they are part of your journey.
Fun facts or personal touch
Give them an insider look or glimpse of your personality in your speaker bio. A fun personal touch can stimulate their interest and can give you a headstart as you speak. You can also share lessons from your life journey too.
How to write a bio for a conference
Here are some helpful tips that you can use as a reference as you write your speaker bio for a conference
Use storytelling techniques
People are naturally drawn to stories especially when they are relatable. Add stories that your audience can relate to as you write your speaker bio.
Stories make information more memorable. When information is woven into a narrative, it becomes easier for readers to recall and retain details, compared to straightforward facts or data.
Speak to the importance of their topic and expertise
As you get your audience’s attention, include excerpts on your credibility in your bio. If applicable, mention quantifiable results or achievements. For instance, share statistics, successful projects, or notable milestones that demonstrate expertise and success.
To help you know what to write about, you can answer these questions and include them in your speaker bio that can be applicable generally or for each event you speak or present:
Relevance and Significance:
Why is this topic important in today’s context?
What pressing issues or challenges does this topic address?
How does this topic impact our industry/community/society?
What are the implications of ignoring or not addressing this topic?
Problem Identification:
What specific problems or gaps does this topic aim to solve or bridge?
How prevalent is the issue this topic addresses?
What are the consequences of not finding a solution to this problem?
Target Audience Impact:
Who is directly affected or impacted by this topic?
How does this topic resonate with the target audience’s needs or interests?
What potential benefits or improvements can the audience gain from understanding this topic better?
Trends and Innovation:
How does this topic align with current trends or emerging developments?
What innovative approaches or advancements does this topic bring to the field?
How might this topic shape the future landscape of the industry?
Collaboration and Engagement:
How can this topic foster collaboration or networking among conference attendees?
In what ways can attendees actively engage with this topic during and after the conference?
What are potential opportunities for cross-industry or interdisciplinary collaboration related to this topic?
Long-term Impact and Sustainability:
What are the long-term implications or sustainability aspects of addressing this topic?
How does this topic contribute to long-lasting changes or improvements?
What steps can be taken post-conference to sustain the momentum around this topic?
Call-to-Action and Application:
What actionable insights or takeaways can attendees gain from discussions about this topic?
How can attendees apply the knowledge or ideas shared about this topic in their respective roles or endeavors?
What steps or initiatives can be collectively undertaken after the conference to further explore or address this topic?
Include testimonials and recognition
Testimonials can be from past events, previous clients, or from other speakers or known leaders in your industry. Instead of just adding the quote word for word, frame your reviews on the transformation your client experienced.
Be clear and concise
Finally, always prioritize being clear rather than clever in writing your speaker bios. Clarity makes your conference bio easier to read and doesn’t leave for misunderstanding or misinterpretation. A conference attendee has a short attention span so make sure to capture their interest even with a short bio.
Speaker Bio Examples and Templates
List of Speaker Biography Templates
First-Person Voice:
[Introduction / A comment on a relevant topic in the industry] – that’s what we’ll talk about in [Name and basic details of the conference]. I am [speaker name] and I’ll tell you why [insert a common misconception about an industry topic].
Third Person Voice:
If you’re struggling with [insert a common problem your target audience is facing in the industry] then the talk by [Speaker name] is relevant for you. [speaker name] has [significant professional accomplishments related to the topic] which they will be sharing with you at the conference.
From their previous speaking experiences attendees have reported to [positive feedback or transformation] they have accomplished.
Accomplishment Focused
If you’ve heard of [a common brand], then you will hear the person behind it. [speaker name] has built their career from [relatable journey of career]. Get your notepads ready as you will leave the conference with actionable steps and lessons learned.
Personal Journey
From [background or beginnings], [Speaker’s Name] has navigated a fascinating journey in [Area of Expertise]. With [Years of Experience], [he/she] has [mention key milestones or achievements]. As a [Title/Position] at [Company/Organization], [Speaker’s Name] is passionate about [specific aspect of expertise]. At the event, [he/she] will share insights and experiences from [his/her] unique life journey.
Expected Results
As a [Position/Title] in [Industry/Field], [Speaker’s Name] brings [X years] of expertise and a passion for [specific area]. With a [Degree/Certification] in [relevant field] from [University/Institution], [Speaker’s Name] has been making an impact behind [notable achievements/projects].
Event attendees can expect to gain invaluable insights into [specific outcome/result] in their upcoming session, empowering them to [benefit/action]. With a proven track record in [relevant expertise], [Speaker’s Name] aims to deliver actionable strategies, leaving attendees equipped with practical tools to [desired outcome].
Thought Leader
[Speaker’s Name] is a recognized thought leader in [Area of Expertise], shaping industry perspectives with [Years of Experience]. As a [Title/Position] at [Company/Organization], [he/she] has led [mention influential projects or thought-provoking initiatives]. At the event, [Speaker’s Name] will share groundbreaking insights into [specific topic], challenging conventional thinking and sparking transformative discussions
Speaker Bio Examples:
1. Digital Security Expert Speaker Biography
When one gets access to our digital information, we are handing over a lifetime’s worth of information. Sarah Johnson is a seasoned cybersecurity expert with over 15 years of experience in safeguarding digital infrastructure. As the Chief Information Security Officer at CyberSafe Solutions, she has developed innovative strategies to combat evolving cyber threats. Sarah will be sharing insights into proactive cybersecurity measures and emerging trends in her session titled “Securing Tomorrow’s Data Today.”
2. Nutritionist Conference
If you believe the time of your meal has anything to do with weight loss, you’ve been misled. Learn about the healthy ways you can reduce weight without having to constantly check on your watch. Nutritionist Jane Smith has handled hundreds of cases like this in the past 5 years. Awarded by the Nutritionist Council of America, this is the only conference session you’ll ever need when it comes to reading your health goal. See you at the Plenary Hall.
3. Marketing Speaker Conference Bio
That 1 viral McChicken video has translated to a 67% increase in sales in just a month. The genius behind this creative campaign is the veteran marketer and motivational speaker Mark Smith. Join him as he walks through his creative thinking process and equips you with formulas and frameworks you can apply to your marketing agency.
4. Graphic Design Conference Speaker Bio
Leave the session with a certificate in graphic design. Join multi-awarded artist Emily Carter in a creative exploration of modern art. With a Bachelor’s in Graphic Design and a portfolio spanning over a decade, Emily has curated impactful designs for global brands, blending modern aesthetics with storytelling. Her work, featured in prestigious design publications and exhibited at renowned galleries, reflects a passion for pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling.
5. AI Expert Conference Speaker Bio
“AI won’t replace you, a person who knows how to use it will” Learning how to use artificial intelligence is a must for every business. If you’re a marketer, you need to listen to Dr. Maya Smith. With a Ph.D. in Computer Science specializing in AI, Dr. Smith has dedicated her career to unraveling the intricacies of language models and their practical applications. Her groundbreaking research on ChatGPT’s evolution and its integration into various industries has revolutionized how we interact with technology in the 21st century.
Organize a Conference with Event Smart
Conferences offer great opportunities for your business. With a successful conference, businesses can experience an increase in brand loyalty. By delivering value and importing knowledge to your attendees, it is easier to convert them to become supporters of your brand or business.
When planning for conferences, the tools you use are important. Event planners use ticket selling and event registration tools like Event Smart to ensure a smooth experience for their attendees. Event Smart has features like a secure payment collection, the ability to create your event website, customizable event sites, and unlimited ticket selling at $0 commission fees. m
Start planning for your conference now. Check out our 14-day free trial.
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