Are you looking for opportunities to speak? Have you ever thought about talking to associations?

The speaker at the National Speakers Association Washington DC Chapter Meeting on Saturday, 8 Jun 2024, Ed Rigsbee, CSP, CAE told us there are 100,000 associations in the United States. That’s a lot of associations.

Statista.com tells us nearly 250,000 conventions and conferences are held annually in the U.S. alone. That’s a lot of conventions and conferences.

Associations are “target rich” for speakers. Speaking to associations offers public speakers several valuable benefits.

Here are three key benefits of speaking to associations:

Targeted Audience Engagement

You may have heard the saying, “The riches are in the niches.” With 100,000 associations and 250,000 conventions and conferences in the United States every year, there are plenty of niches.

However, before you venture into “Association Land,” be sure you have done enough research and analysis to ensure you know your niche.

Once you have determined your niche, you need to figure out the “pain points” of the people in your niche. What are their frustrations? Once this is done, determine if your offer alleviates their “pain points” and frustrations.

Once you are satisfied you have the expertise to help the people in your niche, you should research the associations in that niche.

Associations typically comprise members sharing common interests, professions, or industries.

Public speakers can engage with a highly targeted and relevant audience by speaking to these groups.

This can lead to more meaningful interactions, greater audience interest, and a higher likelihood of making a significant impact. It also “lays the seeds” of future speaking work.

Engaging with a targeted audience also allows speakers to tailor their message to the group’s specific needs and challenges, enhancing the presentation’s relevance and value.

So, speaking to a targeted audience engagement is one of the benefits of talking to associations.

Networking and professional opportunities are another benefit of speaking to associations.

Networking and Professional Opportunities

Associations often include influential individuals, leaders, and professionals within a particular field.

Some influential individuals, leaders, and professionals are CEOs, CFOs, and vice presidents of companies with decision-making authority for your speaking.

Speaking at association events can provide public speakers with valuable networking opportunities, help them build relationships, gain referrals, and open doors to new speaking engagements or business ventures.

These can increase paid speaking and more revenue for your speaking business.

Being associated with reputable organizations can also enhance a speaker’s credibility and visibility within their industry.

Seek permission to put the logos of associations and companies on your website, and everywhere else you talk about your business.

People buy because of several sales triggers. One of these triggers is community. When association individuals see you have association and company logos on your website, it adds to your credibility.

So, speaking to associations will provide you with targeted audience engagement, networking, and professional opportunities.

It also provides you with a platform for thought leadership, which makes you the expert in your audience’s eyes.

Platform for Thought Leadership

Denise Brosseau of the Thought Leadership lab says, “Thought leaders are the informed opinion leaders and the go-to people in their field of expertise.”

“They become the trusted sources who move and inspire people with innovative ideas; turn ideas into reality, and know and show how to replicate their success.”

“Over time, they create a dedicated group of friends, fans, and followers to help them replicate and scale their ideas into sustainable change not just in one company but in an industry, niche, or across an entire ecosystem.”

Your goal as a speaker should be to become a thought leader in your expertise.

Associations frequently seek expert speakers to provide insights, share knowledge, and offer solutions to industry-specific problems.

Speaking at these events lets you position yourself as a thought leader and subject matter expert.

This boosts your reputation and establishes you as the go-to resource for information and guidance within your field.

Demonstrating expertise in front of a specialized audience can lead to increased demand for your speaking services and further opportunities to influence and educate others.

So, three benefits of speaking to associations are targeted audience engagement, networking and professional opportunities, and a platform for your thought leadership.

Associations are a “gold mine” of opportunities ready for you to prospect.

However, it takes action on your part to exploit these opportunities.

Remember, nothing happens until you make it happen!

So, make it happen!

Call to Action

Speak at associations to:

• Engage with a targeted audience

• Expand your network and take advantage of professional opportunities

• Provide a platform for your thought leadership

Frank DiBartolomeo is a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and award-winning speaker, presentation and interview skills coach, and Professional Member of the National Speakers Association. He was awarded Toastmasters International’s highest individual award, Distinguished Toastmaster because of his outstanding work in public speaking and leadership.

Frank formed DiBartolomeo Consulting International (DCI), LLC (www.speakleadandsucceed.com) in 2007. The mission of DCI is to help technical professionals to inspire, motivate, and influence their colleagues and other technical professionals by improving their presentation skills, communication, and personal presence. Reach Frank at frank@speakleadandsucceed.com and (703) 509-4424.

Don’t miss Frank DiBartolomeo’s latest book!

“Speak Well and Prosper: Tips, Tools, and Techniques for Better Presentations”

Available now at Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com