Want to know what really happens after you hit submit on your speaker pitch? It’s easy to feel like your application disappears into a void, but today, we’re pulling back the curtain on the process that Conquer Live hosts take. I sat down with Jamie Fiscer and Heather Leicy to uncover what goes on behind the scenes when hosts choose speakers for their stages.

Want to become the kind of speaker event hosts are excited to put on stage? My Sought-After Speaker System shows you how to craft irresistible pitches, build relationships with organizers, and create signature talks that make you the obvious choice.

Mentioned in this Episode

The Sought-After Speaker System

Connect with the Guests

Jamie & Heather: instagram.com/theconquercommunity

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The post 227: The Speaker Selection Process: What Event Organizers Look for in Speaker Applications ft. Jamie Fisher & Heather Leicy appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.

What do event hosts actually look for when they book speakers? I sat down with 10 powerhouse event hosts who not only curate stages, but often speak on them too, and asked exactly that.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain to bring you their top 10 tips. These aren’t just theories; they’re what real decision-makers are looking for when they choose who gets the mic. If you’ve ever wondered how to make yourself more bookable, this episode is for you.

Listen in as Jordan Gill, Elizabeth Henson, Amber Housely, Kristina Bartold, Jamie Fischer, Heather Leicy, Amanda Smith, Tomasha Suber, Christina Oliveraz, and Frances Ledgewood tell you exactly what makes them select a speaker!

These clips are part of a larger speaker interview series inside of Sought-After Speaker System, my course for speakers. Check out the full uncut interviews inside the course.

Want to become the kind of speaker event hosts are excited to put on stage? My Sought-After Speaker System shows you how to craft irresistible pitches, build relationships with organizers, and create signature talks that make you the obvious choice.

Event hosts are getting more selective and more intentional.

With so many voices out there, the ones getting booked aren’t just the loudest. They’re the most aligned, the most prepared, and the most connected to the audience experience. If you’ve been wondering why your pitch isn’t landing, it might be because you’re skipping the human part.

These 10 tips aren’t just about strategy, they’re about showing up in a way that’s real, resonant, and ready to serve.

Hosts want to see the real you. Your energy, your delivery, the way your face lights up when you talk about your topic, all of that matters just as much as your speaker sheet. Jamie and Heather emphasized how a video helps them see the heart behind your message.

Your talk might be amazing, but if it’s not tailored to the specific needs of the event’s audience, it’s not going to land. Amanda Smith curates her speaker lineup based on what her people are actively struggling with and she chooses speakers who reflect those exact needs.

This might sound simple, but it’s huge: hosts often create events they’d want to attend. Joanna Waterfall books speakers she’s personally excited to hear from. If your story resonates with her curiosity and passion, you’re in.

Your credentials are great, but how are you making the audience feel? Kristina Bartold looks for speakers who spark possibility. The kind of people who make the audience sit up, feel seen, and imagine what’s possible for themselves.

Amber Housleymade it clear: her audience doesn’t just want to feel good, they want to leave with something they can use. Practical teaching, clear takeaways, and real action steps will always win over vague inspiration.

Creating safety is just the starting point. Christina Olivarez wants speakers who help make the room brave—a space where women of color can be seen, celebrated, and supported in real ways.

Forget polished perfection. Jordan Gill is all about speakers who are willing to go there. Vulnerability, depth, and authenticity are what make you memorable and magnetic.

Elizabeth Henson might personally invite you, but she still expects you to apply. Why? Because understanding the event’s mission and going through the same steps as everyone else shows respect and alignment.

It’s not enough to speak about a topic, you have to embody it. Tomasha Suber shared that her attendees are watching you. Your social content, your offers, your presence—it all needs to reflect what you’re teaching.

Frances curates her events based on the day-to-day challenges her audience is facing. If your talk doesn’t feel real, it won’t connect. Show you understand what they’re going through and offer real solutions.

There’s no formula to becoming a sought-after speaker, but there is a clear through-line in what event hosts value:

These 10 tips prove that getting booked isn’t about shouting the loudest. It’s about showing up with intention, clarity, and a heart to truly serve.

And if you want a step-by-step system to help you do just that—I’ve got you.

Want to become the kind of speaker event hosts are excited to put on stage? My Sought-After Speaker System shows you how to craft irresistible pitches, build relationships with organizers, and create signature talks that make you the obvious choice.

Mentioned in this Episode

The Sought-After Speaker System

Connect with the Guests

Looking for the Transcript?

The post 226: 10 Insider Tips from Event Hosts on What Makes a Speaker Stand Out appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.

It’s not just what you say on stage—it’s how you show up in the room. In this snack sized episode, Joanna Waterfall shares what really makes a speaker memorable from a host’s perspective. Spoiler: it’s not just a killer keynote. Joanna gets real about the importance of showing up authentically before, during, and after your talk.

We talk about how speakers who immerse themselves in the community, rather than just breeze in and out, are the ones that leave the biggest impact. If you’re trying to land speaking gigs or wondering how to get asked back again and again, this one’s for you.

This episode comes from a segment of my interview with Joanna as part of a series with event hosts inside my Sought-After Speaker System course.

Want to become the kind of speaker event hosts are excited to put on stage? My Sought-After Speaker System shows you how to craft irresistible pitches, build relationships with organizers, and create signature talks that make you the obvious choice.

Mentioned in this Episode

layleeemadi.com/sought-after-speaker-system-course

Connect with Joanna

instagram.com/joannawaterfall

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The post 225: How to Show Up and Stand Out as a Speaker ft. Joanna Waterfall appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.

Are unpaid speaking gigs worth it or a complete waste of your time? In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on a question that every industry educator and speaker eventually asks: “Should I take the stage if I’m not getting paid?”

You’ll hear from powerhouse speakers and event hosts like Jordan Gill, Elizabeth Henson, Amber Housely, Kristina Bartold, Jamie Fischer, Heather Leicy, Amanda Smith, and Tomasha Suber, who share the real stories and strategies behind their decisions to say yes (or no) to unpaid gigs.

These clips are part of a larger speaker interview series inside of Sought-After Speaker System, my course for speakers. Check out the full uncut interviews inside the course.

Want to become the kind of speaker event hosts are excited to put on stage? My Sought-After Speaker System shows you how to craft irresistible pitches, build relationships with organizers, and create signature talks that make you the obvious choice.

This is a question every industry educator wrestles with at some point. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your speaking career, unpaid opportunities can feel like a gamble. But after interviewing some of the smartest speakers and event hosts in the business, one thing became crystal clear: unpaid doesn’t have to mean unprofitable.

The truth is, unpaid speaking gigs can absolutely work in your favor—if you know what to look for, how to prepare, and how to measure their value strategically.

Let’s break it down.

Jordan Gill, who completed 11 speaking engagements in a single year, only accepted one completely unpaid opportunity and she’d do it again. Why? Because the audience was perfectly aligned and the event delivered real value beyond compensation.

Instead of viewing unpaid gigs as losses, she budgets for them like she would Facebook ads or other marketing efforts. Her advice: “If I’d pay for ads to reach this audience, I’ll consider paying to be in the room with them instead.”

That’s a powerful mindset shift. It reframes speaking as an investment, not a favor.

Unpaid gigs are only worthwhile if they convert. Elizabeth Henson evaluates each event through the lens of whether her funnel is likely to perform.

She’s not pitching from stage—she’s offering a quiz that seamlessly fits into her keynote. From there, she drives attendees into her ecosystem and into her higher-ticket offers.

“If I get one sale from a talk, that usually covers the cost of travel,” she explained. “And that’s all I need.”

The key takeaway here: Exposure without a sales system is just vanity. Don’t say yes to a stage if you don’t have a clear plan to turn attention into action.

Amber Housely emphasizes what many overlook: the relationships behind the scenes. From networking with other speakers to connecting with attendees and hosts, unpaid gigs often create the kind of opportunities that snowball into future collaborations, invites, and referrals.

If the event puts you in a room with aligned people, decision-makers, or potential collaborators: that’s value.

Kristina Bartold brought up something that might surprise newer speakers: attending the full event matters. She’s seen a significant drop in breakout room attendance when speakers only show up for their time slot and leave.

By sticking around, you deepen connections and maximize visibility. You don’t just show up—you become part of the experience.

If you’re considering an unpaid speaking gig, here are five questions to ask yourself before you say yes:

1. Is the audience made up of my ideal clients or buyers? You don’t need thousands in the room—just the right people.

2. Do I have a clear funnel or follow-up system in place? If you’re not pitching, how are you inviting them into your world?

3. Will I receive any valuable assets from the event? This includes high-quality video, photography, testimonials, or repurposable content.

4. Can I build meaningful relationships with speakers or hosts? Think long-term. One connection can lead to countless future opportunities.

5. Does this opportunity align with my current business goals or season? Sometimes you’re in a growth phase. Sometimes you need revenue now. Your decision should reflect that.

Tomasha’s perspective is a masterclass in professional clarity. She no longer entertains unpaid gigs that don’t clearly communicate expectations from the start. She encourages other speakers to hold their standards just as firmly.

Her take? If a gig isn’t aligned with your values, goals, or boundaries, say no with confidence. And remember: saying no can still be a way of serving—it creates space for another speaker who might benefit more from the opportunity.

There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to unpaid speaking. What matters is that your decision is intentional.

Amanda Smith shared how she and another speaker creatively structured a speaking partnership with no paycheck but tons of value: travel as a personal retreat, stage access, aligned audience, and media opportunities. The key? Clear communication and mutual benefit.

Bottom line: There are dozens of ways to create value and dozens of ways to waste your time. Knowing the difference is what sets you apart.

Unpaid speaking gigs aren’t automatically good or bad. But when you understand your goals, have systems in place, and communicate clearly, they can open doors you didn’t even know were there.

So the next time an unpaid opportunity lands in your inbox, don’t dismiss it right away. Use this framework to decide if it’s actually strategic.

And if you’re ready to take your speaking career to the next level with a clear path to pitching, speaking, and selling, I’ve got something just for you.

Want to become the kind of speaker event hosts are excited to put on stage? My Sought-After Speaker System shows you how to craft irresistible pitches, build relationships with organizers, and create signature talks that make you the obvious choice.

Mentioned in this Episode

The Sought-After Speaker System

Connect with the Guests

Looking for the Transcript?

The post 224: Are Unpaid Speaking Gigs Worth It? appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.

Ever wondered why some speakers get paid and others don’t? This episode spills the truth.

In this honest, behind-the-scenes convo with Christina Olivarez, founder of Hustle + Socialize, we dig into what it really takes to build a sustainable event—especially when it comes to speaker pay. This is a raw and real look at how Christina balances value with budget, and what she’s learned the hard way about selecting speakers, funding through sponsorship, and what she expects from those who take her stage.

This episode comes from a segment of my interview with Christina as part of a series with event hosts inside my Sought After Speaker System course.

Want to become the kind of speaker event hosts are excited to put on stage? My Sought-After Speaker System shows you how to craft irresistible pitches, build relationships with organizers, and create signature talks that make you the obvious choice.

Mentioned in this Episode

layleeemadi.com/sought-after-speaker-system-course

Connect with Christina

Christina Olivarez: thesocialbutterflygal.net

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The post 223: How Conference Budgets Impact Who Gets Paid (And Who Doesn’t) ft. Christina Olivarez appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.

Money talk is always juicy, especially when it comes to speaker fees. In this behind-the-scenes episode, I’m doing something different: I’ve interviewed multiple event hosts to get their real, unfiltered takes on how they approach speaker compensation. Whether you’ve ever wondered why some gigs are unpaid or what kind of value you can still gain without a check, this is your go-to listen.

As part of my Sought After Speaker System course, these interviews offer a glimpse into the wide range of strategies that event hosts in the creative industry use to compensate their speakers, from full speaker fees to creative bartering (think accommodations, funnels, and coupon codes).

Whether you’re trying to build a profitable speaking strategy or simply deciding which stages are worth your time, this breakdown will help you approach speaker opportunities with clarity and confidence.

Want to become the kind of speaker event hosts are excited to put on stage? My Sought-After Speaker System shows you how to craft irresistible pitches, build relationships with organizers, and create signature talks that make you the obvious choice.

First, let’s debunk a common myth: Getting paid to speak doesn’t always mean getting a paycheck.

Elizabeth Henson, a community-driven event host, shared that while she doesn’t pay speakers a fee, she provides opportunities for revenue through funnel-friendly audiences, accommodations, and media support. Her speakers often walk away with more income from post-event sales than she could have paid them outright.

This model is becoming increasingly common—especially in smaller, independently-run creative events where hosts are balancing tight budgets with a desire to deliver value.

So what does “compensation” really look like?

The big idea? Smart speakers don’t just count the check. They calculate the return.

Kristina Bartold brought up an important distinction: not all speakers are created equal—and that’s not a bad thing.

Some people are professional speakers. Their fee is their income. Others are business owners who speak—using stages to build brand visibility, grow their list, or convert ideal clients. If you’re in the latter camp (which most of my audience is), the way you approach compensation should be strategic, not emotional.

Kristina is happy to pay professional speakers for keynotes but expects business owners to leverage the stage for visibility and funnel-building. That means she may not offer a speaker fee, but she ensures there’s clear value in the opportunity.

Bottom line: If speaking is part of your marketing strategy, not your main revenue stream, you might find unpaid gigs to be surprisingly profitable when you know how to work them.

What I loved most about these interviews was how creative the compensation structures were. Gone are the days of flat-fee-only mindsets. Event hosts are finding ways to add value while staying within realistic budgets.

This kind of transparency helps both hosts and speakers feel empowered and aligned from the start: no awkward money talks required.

If you walk away with one thing from this episode, let it be this: Every speaking opportunity comes with value, but not every one is the right value for you.

Ask yourself:

And don’t be afraid to negotiate. As Joanna said, contracts are not black-and-white. They’re conversations. You can always ask for assets, coverage, or promo in place of payment—especially if the fee isn’t there.

Want to become the kind of speaker event hosts are excited to put on stage? My Sought-After Speaker System shows you how to craft irresistible pitches, build relationships with organizers, and create signature talks that make you the obvious choice.

Mentioned in this Episode

The Sought-After Speaker System

Connect with the Guests

Looking for the Transcript?

The post 222: Creative Industry Speaker Pay: The Truth Behind Compensation Models appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.

If you’ve ever thought, “I just need more followers to get booked”—this one’s for you. Followers don’t equal stages.

In this snack-size episode, I’m sharing a powerful moment from my full interview with Kristina Bartold of High Vibe Women, available exclusively inside the Sought-After Speaker System course. Kristina has reviewed countless speaker applications, and she’s pulling back the curtain on a massive misconception in the speaking industry: that audience size is the key to landing gigs.

We talk about what really moves the needle for event hosts, why relying on speakers to sell tickets is outdated, and how smaller audiences often bring the biggest impact.

Want to become the kind of speaker event hosts are excited to put on stage? My Sought-After Speaker System shows you how to craft irresistible pitches, build relationships with organizers, and create signature talks that make you the obvious choice.

Mentioned in this Episode

layleeemadi.com/sought-after-speaker-system-course

Looking for the Transcript?

The post 221: Why Audience Size Doesn’t Matter Anymore for Landing Speaking Gigs ft. Kristina Bartold appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.

If you’ve ever wondered what happens after you hit “send” on a speaker pitch, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on speaker selection with real, raw insights straight from event hosts themselves. As part of my Sought After Speaker System course, I interviewed multiple hosts about exactly what makes a pitch irresistible—and what makes them hit delete.

You’ll hear from top event producers including Elizabeth Henson, Jordan Gill, Christina Olivarez, Amber Housley, Kristina Bartold, and Joanna Waterfall, who have reviewed hundreds of pitches and applications. They share what makes them say “yes,” how they filter submissions, and why building real relationships matters more than flashy numbers.

Want to become the kind of speaker event hosts are excited to put on stage? My Sought-After Speaker System shows you how to craft irresistible pitches, build relationships with organizers, and create signature talks that make you the obvious choice.

Let’s start with one of the biggest myths in the speaking world: that event hosts are desperate to find great speakers. They’re not.

Almost every host I interviewed made it clear: “Finding great speakers isn’t a pain point.” That means your pitch isn’t solving a problem—it’s making a request. And if that request doesn’t come with clear value, alignment, and a strong sense of what’s in it for the host, it’s going straight to the “no” pile.

So what does work?

Want to know what every single host had in common? They trust their speakers—because they’ve seen them in action. That doesn’t always mean long-standing friendships. But it does mean:

“If you want to be on my stage, you need to be in my community.” – Elizabeth

Hosts are over pitches that sound like motivational TEDx knock-offs. You need to be concrete, tangible, and clear.

“If I can find it on YouTube or a podcast, I don’t want it on my stage.” – Christina

They want:

Whether you’re new or experienced, how you present yourself matters. That means:

“If your pitch says ‘If you ever need a speaker…’—just don’t.” – Amber

Here are a few red flags that came up repeatedly:

Instead, try this:

Every host I spoke with mentioned that their speaker lineup often comes from their ecosystem—clients, colleagues, podcast guests, community members. That’s not about exclusivity. It’s about trust.

“Speakers are an extension of my brand. I need to know they’ll deliver.” – Amber

Several hosts said they get turned off when speakers say they won’t attend unless they’re chosen to speak.

“If you’re not willing to attend, why would I trust you to speak?” – Kristina

Attending the event is one of the best ways to build that trust, understand the audience, and put yourself in prime position for future opportunities.

Want to become the kind of speaker event hosts are excited to put on stage? My Sought-After Speaker System shows you how to craft irresistible pitches, build relationships with organizers, and create signature talks that make you the obvious choice.

Mentioned in this Episode

The Sought-After Speaker System

Connect with the Guests

Looking for the Transcript?

The post 220: What Conference & Event Hosts are Looking for in Speaker Pitches appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.

You never know who’s watching and that’s exactly why showing up and sharing your expertise matters more than you think. In this snack-size episode pulled from my full interview with Frances Ledgewood, we explore how a casual conversation turned into booking her first speaker for her retreat.

When you’re simply generous, curious, and collaborative, it can lead to unexpected and exciting opportunities to take the stage.

Want to become the kind of speaker event hosts are excited to put on stage? My Sought-After Speaker System shows you how to craft irresistible pitches, build relationships with organizers, and create signature talks that make you the obvious choice.

Mentioned in this Episode

layleeemadi.com/sought-after-speaker-system-course

Connect with Frances

ledgewoodfinestationery.com

ledgewoodfinestationery.com/collective

instagram.com/ledgewoodfinestationery

Looking for the Transcript?

The post 219: You Never Know Who’s Watching: How Showing Up Can Lead to Speaking Gigs ft. Frances Ledgewood appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.

What if I told you that setting up your email right now could make or break your Black Friday sales? Building a solid Black Friday email strategy isn’t just about flashy sales and countdown timers—it’s about groundwork: authentication, deliverability, segmentation, warming—and planning ahead. In this episode, Dawn Richardson of Flodesk joins us to share what you can do this week to ensure your emails land where they count and generate revenue for your Black Friday promotions.

Black Friday season often catches us by surprise, but you have to ensure your email is ready for it. If you’re not warming your sending domain, segmenting smartly, and building trust in advance, those emails could vanish into spam, making all of your efforts worthless.

A proactive strategy means your emails get seen by the right people at the right time. It means fewer tech headaches and more sales when it counts. Let’s walk through how to prepare your email list for Black Friday!

Using a custom business email (like [email protected]) secured with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC gives email platforms the green light that you’re legit and not a scammer. These email authentication records verify your identity and signal to inbox providers that you’re safe to deliver.

You can use services like Google Workspace to set up a custom domain email and access helpful tutorials on how to authenticate your domain through your DNS settings.

Bigger isn’t better if your list is filled with inactive emails. Remove cold or bounced subscribers every quarter. A lean, engaged list is far more powerful than a bloated one that harms your sender reputation.

Next, consider segmenting by behavior: who opens consistently, who clicks your links, who buys. You can also segment by topic interests or customer status. Platforms like Flodesk make this simple with tools like click filters and tagged forms.

Sending targeted content gets better engagement—and better deliverability.

Email platforms don’t love surprises. If you haven’t emailed in months and suddenly blast your entire list on Black Friday, you’re likely headed straight to the spam folder.

Instead, warm your domain. Start by emailing your most engaged subscribers—those who always open and click. Send to 50 people, then 150, then 300, slowly scaling to your full list. This trains inbox providers to trust your sends again.

This step is crucial if you’ve recently authenticated your domain, changed platforms, or haven’t emailed regularly. Trust is earned slowly—not in a single send.

Consistency is key. If you ghost your list for months, your domain goes cold. Try sending at least one email per month to stay top-of-inbox and maintain your sender reputation.

Monthly content doesn’t have to be salesy. Share personal insights, behind-the-scenes content, or helpful resources. Make it feel like a coffee date in their inbox, not a pushy promotion.

Batch your Black Friday email content now. Write the copy, design the graphics, segment the list, and schedule it all inside your platform of choice.

If you’re a Flodesk user, use scheduled emails for timely sends (vs. workflows). Keep an eye on performance during the launch week, but do the heavy lifting now, not while you’re baking pies.

And once it’s done? Debrief. In early December, review your open rates, clicks, and conversions. What worked? What didn’t? Use that data (not emotions) to improve your next launch.

Mentioned in this Episode

Flodesk

Google Postmaster

Interact

Sought-After Speaker System

Looking for the Transcript?

The post 218: 5 Email Marketing Tactics to Nail Your Black Friday Promo with Dawn Richardson appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.