Ever wonder how conference speakers actually get chosen? I’m pulling back the curtain with one of the most sought-after event hosts in the creative industry.
In this episode, I’m joined by my friend Kellie Penn, founder of The Reset Conference, for a candid conversation about how speaker applications are reviewed, what makes someone stand out, and what instantly lands an application in the “no” pile. Kellie shares her exact selection process (yes, including the color-coded spreadsheets), the role relationships play in getting booked, and how she balances fresh faces with returning favorites. We also tackle the ever-debated topic of speaker compensation for individually run events versus corporate conferences.
The Reset Conference and Its Mission
The Reset Conference started as a way to help photographers run their businesses without sacrificing their lives in the process. Kellie’s own burnout led her to rethink the “hustle harder” message she kept hearing in the industry.
While The Reset Conference primarily serves women in photography, its content balances creative inspiration with solid business strategy, making it a place where attendees don’t just learn how to take better photos, but how to run sustainable, profitable businesses.
That heart-centered mission influences everything—including how speakers are chosen.
Step-by-Step: How Speaker Selection Works
Kellie reviews every single application herself. Here’s what happens:
Applications Open: 95–100% of speakers come from open applications. Invitations happen only to fill a specific gap.Detailed Review: She scores each application on factors like topic alignment, speaker experience, and presentation detail.Multiple Topic Advantage: Applicants who pitch more than one topic get more chances to fit into the lineup.Automatic No’s: One-line descriptions, vague pitches, and topics that don’t align with the event’s goals go straight to the red pile.The Color-Coding System: Kellie literally spreads applications out on a large table, color-coding them for new vs. returning speakers and topic categories.Building the Schedule: She mock-builds the conference schedule, making sure each time block has a balanced mix of business, creative, and niche topics.For Kellie, it’s like a big puzzle. Names go on, come off, and switch around. Considerations include diversity, variety, and what the attendees most want to learn.
Relationships: Helpful, but Not Required
One of the biggest myths Kellie debunks? That you have to “know someone” to get booked.
Yes, relationships matter—but not as a gatekeeping tactic. If Kellie knows you’re an active supporter of her event, that you’ve attended before, or that you’ve spoken positively about it in other spaces, it helps. But every year she books people she’s never met.
Her tip for building genuine connection: Attend the event before you apply, introduce yourself, and join the welcome events. Being visible and engaged goes a long way for an event host.
What She’s Drawn To—and What Turns Her Off
Fresh, original takes on well-covered topicsTalks aimed at attendees with 10+ years of experiencePractical strategies for generating new revenue streamsWell-developed class descriptions with clear takeawaysVague or incomplete applicationsTopics that promote burnout or hustle cultureProposals that clearly don’t align with the conference’s valuesThe Money Question: Compensation and Value
Running an individually owned conference is a financial risk. There’s no corporate budget or membership fees—it’s one person (and their family) signing venue contracts and covering costs. This plays into the overall budget for the event and determines financially what’s an option for the event.
When it comes to speaker compensation at The Reset Conference, here’s how it’s handled:
Breakout Speakers receive a conference ticket, full attendee access, and the ability to seek sponsorships or lead paid add-on sessions.Keynote Speakers receive additional pay.All speakers are encouraged to promote their own offers—courses, coaching, products—within respectful boundaries.“It’s not just about a check,” Kellie explains. “The value comes from connections, visibility, and the ability to make the most of being in the room.”
How to Get On Reset’s Stage
If you want to one day speak at Reset, Kellie’s advice is simple:
Attend first if you can—it builds authentic connection.Pitch multiple topics to increase your fit.Study the event’s mission and audience before you apply.When you align your message with the heart of the event, you don’t just increase your chances of being booked, you also ensure that your time on stage truly serves the people in the room.
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.
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Mentioned in this Episode
Sought-After Speaker System
instagram.com/theresetconference
acrossthemilesphotography.com
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The post 216: Behind the Scenes of Conference Speaker Selection with Kellie Penn appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.