Gold by MangoMagic

CMO · Toolkit · Intermediate · Saves 35+ hours

Speaking Opportunity Pipeline

A system for identifying, pursuing, and managing speaking opportunities.

Get coached on this — free

What's included

  • Opportunity Identification
    • Event database
    • Call for speakers tracking
    • Relationship-based opportunities
    • Prioritization criteria
  • Pursuit Process
    • Abstract development
    • Bio and photo package
    • Application tracking
    • Follow-up cadence
  • Preparation
    • Presentation development
    • Practice and review
    • Logistics management
  • Maximization
    • Content repurposing
    • Social amplification
    • Lead capture
    • Relationship building

Best used when

  • Building executive visibility through speaking
  • Systematizing conference pursuit
  • Supporting sales with event presence
  • Creating thought leadership platform

Why this is Gold

Speaking opportunities often come from reactive applications. This system creates proactive pipeline development.

The template

The Template

OPPORTUNITY IDENTIFICATION

Event Database Template

Event Date Location Audience Size Audience Type Tier CFP Deadline Notes

Tier Classification

Tier Definition Investment Examples
1 - Must Attend Industry-defining, key audience High - apply, sponsor [Top industry conferences]
2 - Important Strong ROI, relevant audience Medium - apply [Mid-tier events]
3 - Opportunistic Niche or local, low effort Low - apply if invited [Webinars, local events]

Opportunity Sources

Source How to Monitor Frequency
Conference websites Check CFP pages Monthly
Industry newsletters Subscribe, flag calls Ongoing
LinkedIn posts Follow event organizers Ongoing
Peer companies See where they speak Quarterly
Podcast directories New shows in industry Monthly
Media requests HARO, journalist asks Daily

SPEAKING CALENDAR

Annual Planning

Quarter Target Events Topics to Pitch Speakers
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4

CFP Deadline Calendar

Month Event CFP Deadline Event Date Status
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

PURSUIT PROCESS

Abstract Development Template

SPEAKING ABSTRACT

TITLE:
[Action-oriented, benefit-focused, intriguing]

DESCRIPTION:
[100-150 words covering:]
• Opening hook - why this matters now
• What attendees will learn (3 specific takeaways)
• Why this speaker is qualified
• Call to action/promise

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
By the end of this session, attendees will be able to:
1. _______________
2. _______________
3. _______________

TARGET AUDIENCE:
[Role/level/interests of ideal attendee]

SESSION FORMAT:
☐ Keynote  ☐ Breakout  ☐ Panel  ☐ Workshop  ☐ Lightning
☐ 15 min  ☐ 30 min  ☐ 45 min  ☐ 60 min  ☐ Half-day

SPEAKER BIO (50 words):
_______________

SPEAKER BIO (100 words):
_______________

HEADSHOT: [Attached]

Bio & Photo Package

SPEAKER PACKAGE CHECKLIST

☐ Short bio (50 words)
☐ Medium bio (100 words)
☐ Long bio (200 words)
☐ Headshot (high-res, professional)
☐ Headshot (casual/approachable)
☐ Company logo
☐ Social handles
☐ Previous speaking samples (video links)
☐ Testimonials from past events

Application Tracking

Event Abstract Title Submitted Status Follow-up Date Notes
☐ Submitted ☐ Under Review ☐ Accepted ☐ Rejected

Follow-Up Cadence

Timing Action
Day 0 Submit application
Week 2 Follow-up email if no confirmation
Week 4 Check-in if still pending
Week 6 Final follow-up
After decision Thank regardless of outcome

PREPARATION

Presentation Development Workflow

PRESENTATION DEVELOPMENT CHECKLIST

6-8 WEEKS OUT:
☐ Confirm topic and objectives
☐ Research audience and event
☐ Create outline
☐ Gather data and examples
☐ Identify customer stories to include

4-6 WEEKS OUT:
☐ Build first draft of slides
☐ Write talk track/notes
☐ Internal review round 1

2-4 WEEKS OUT:
☐ Finalize slides
☐ Practice run-through
☐ Collect feedback, iterate
☐ Coordinate with event on logistics

1 WEEK OUT:
☐ Final practice sessions
☐ Test technology/setup
☐ Prepare backup (printed notes, USB)
☐ Confirm all logistics

DAY OF:
☐ Arrive early
☐ Test AV setup
☐ Quick warm-up
☐ Engage!

Logistics Checklist

EVENT LOGISTICS CHECKLIST

TRAVEL:
☐ Flights booked
☐ Hotel booked
☐ Ground transportation
☐ Calendar blocked

REGISTRATION:
☐ Speaker registration complete
☐ Badge name confirmed
☐ Session time/room confirmed
☐ AV requirements submitted

MATERIALS:
☐ Presentation finalized
☐ Slides submitted to event
☐ Backup copies (USB, cloud)
☐ Demo environment ready (if applicable)
☐ Handouts/giveaways (if applicable)

COORDINATION:
☐ Event organizer contact saved
☐ Co-presenters coordinated (if panel)
☐ Moderator brief complete (if panel)
☐ Social posts scheduled

MAXIMIZATION

Content Repurposing Workflow

POST-SPEAKING CONTENT PLAN

DURING EVENT:
☐ Photos taken (on stage, with attendees)
☐ Session recorded (by event or self)
☐ Attendee quotes/feedback captured
☐ Social posts live-tweeted

WITHIN 1 WEEK:
☐ Thank you posts on social
☐ Blog post summarizing key points
☐ Share slides on SlideShare/LinkedIn
☐ Send recording to marketing

WITHIN 2 WEEKS:
☐ Edit video for clips
☐ Create audiogram snippets
☐ Write expanded blog from talk
☐ Pitch byline based on topic

ONGOING:
☐ Add to speaker reel
☐ Include in company materials
☐ Reference in future abstracts
☐ Use in sales conversations

Social Amplification Template

SPEAKING SOCIAL POSTS

PRE-EVENT:
"Excited to be speaking at [Event] on [Topic].
If you're attending, find me at [session time/location]!
[Event hashtag] [Link]"

DURING:
"On stage now at [Event] talking about [Topic].
Key takeaway: [Insight] [Event hashtag]"

POST-EVENT:
"Thank you [Event] for having me!
Great conversations about [Topic].
Biggest audience question: [Question/Theme]
[Event hashtag]"

SHARE SLIDES:
"Sharing my slides from [Event] on [Topic].
TL;DR: [3 key points]
Full deck: [Link]"

Lead Capture Strategy

Method Description
Slides CTA Include URL/QR code to resource
Handout Physical takeaway with contact
Social follow Ask attendees to connect
Post-event email Follow up with attendees (via organizer if possible)
Networking Business card exchange

MEASUREMENT

Speaking ROI Tracking

Event Cost Leads Generated Pipeline Influenced Other Value
$ $

Annual Speaking Review

ANNUAL SPEAKING REVIEW

ACTIVITY:
Total events applied: _____
Total events accepted: _____
Acceptance rate: _____%
Events attended: _____

BY TYPE:
Keynotes: _____
Breakouts: _____
Panels: _____
Webinars: _____
Podcasts: _____

RESULTS:
Estimated total audience: _____
Leads generated: _____
Pipeline influenced: $_____
Content pieces created: _____

QUALITATIVE:
Best-performing topics: _____
Feedback themes: _____
New relationships made: _____

NEXT YEAR PRIORITIES:
Events to prioritize: _____
Topics to develop: _____
Process improvements: _____

Frequently asked questions

What is the Speaking Opportunity Pipeline?

A system for identifying, pursuing, and managing speaking opportunities.

Who is the Speaking Opportunity Pipeline for?

It is built for CMOs and their teams working on PR & Communications. The AI coach adapts it to your company, stage, and goals.

How long does the Speaking Opportunity Pipeline take to use?

It saves roughly 35+ hours versus building from scratch. Our AI coach can tailor the toolkit to your situation in minutes, then hand you a step-by-step plan.

Is the Speaking Opportunity Pipeline free?

Yes. You can read the full toolkit and start getting coached through it for free. Sign in to save your tailored version and track your next steps.

How does the AI coach help with the Speaking Opportunity Pipeline?

The coach teaches you the framework, asks a few questions about your business, tailors the toolkit to you, and gives you measurable next steps to execute.