Innovation Women and Public Speaking Career FAQ

Getting paid to speak 

How do people actually make money from public speaking?

Most professional speakers do not rely solely on keynote fees. Speaking is often used as a visibility and lead-generation channel that supports consulting, coaching, book sales, courses, board roles or executive opportunities. Some speakers do make a living primarily from paid engagements, while others use speaking to open doors to higher-value work off stage. 

Speaking becomes more sustainable when it’s treated as part of a broader business or career strategy rather than a series of one-off talks. 

Is public speaking a real business or just a side income?

Public speaking businesses depend on the speaker’s goals. For some, it’s a full-time business. For others, it’s a growth channel that accelerates credibility, visibility and access. Speaking can support career advancement, consulting pipelines or thought leadership without being the primary revenue source. 

It’s most important to stay clear on how speaking fits into long-term professional goals. 

Should speakers ever speak for free?

Yes, but strategically. Free speaking can make sense when it provides access to the right audience, decision-makers or communities aligned with long-term goals. It can be a problem when speakers agree to speak for free without understanding what they gain in return. 

Evaluating free opportunities requires looking beyond the stage to audience quality, visibility, follow-up potential and future impact. 

How can speakers tell the difference between exposure and exploitation in speaking gigs? 

Exposure is valuable when it is intentional and aligned with clear outcomes. Exploitation happens when speakers are asked to provide unpaid labor without meaningful access, visibility or opportunity. 

Understanding how events select speakers, what organizers value and how audiences convert into future opportunities helps speakers make informed decisions rather than defaulting to unpaid work. 

How do speakers turn talks into leads or business opportunities?

Speakers often use talks to start conversations, demonstrate expertise, and build trust. Clear positioning, intentional follow-up, and audience connection matter more than hard selling. Hard selling can be counterproductive. 

When aligned with a broader strategy, a single talk can lead to consulting work, partnerships, media opportunities or referrals. 

Getting started as a speaker 

How do I become a paid speaker?

To become a paid speaker, you need to build a strong personal brand, create a compelling speaker profile and actively seek out speaking opportunities. Innovation Women can help you with educational resources, as well as personalized coaching and advanced training programs to achieve this goal. 

I’m a subject matter expert. How do I get started as a professional speaker?

Many speakers begin as subject matter experts rather than performers. Public speaking does not require theatrics. It requires clarity, relevance and the ability to translate expertise into ideas audiences care about. 

Experts, consultants, executives,and founders can become effective speakers by focusing on practical insights and problem-solving rather than presentation flair. Innovation Women specializes in training and supporting speakers, which you can read more about here. 

How do I choose my signature topic or keynote?

Choosing your signature topic or keynote involves identifying your areas of expertise, understanding your audience’s needs and crafting a unique and engaging message. Innovation Women offers resources like our Green Room and coaching to help you develop your signature topic. 

What’s the biggest mistake new speakers make?

The biggest mistake is treating speaking opportunities as isolated events instead of a system. Agreeing to speak without evaluating alignment, failing to follow up and focusing only on the on-stage performance can limit long-term impact and growth. 

Successful speakers think in terms of pipelines, relationships and cumulative visibility. 

What credentials or experience do I need to get booked?  

To get booked, you need to have relevant experience, a strong personal brand and a compelling speaker profile. Innovation Women can help you build your credentials and showcase your expertise to event managers. 

Do speakers really need a community? 

A strong speaker community provides more than encouragement. It offers insight into how the speaking industry works, how events book speakers and what opportunities are worth pursuing. 

Sharing experiences within a community helps speakers recognize patterns, avoid common mistakes, and make smarter decisions faster. Speaking can be lonely, that’s why Innovation Women created Speaker Friend Fridays and the Innovation Women online community.

How do consultants or executives get invited to speak?

Speaking invitations usually come from consistent visibility, clear positioning and being discoverable by event organizers. Conferences and organizations actively seek credible experts, not just well-known names. 

Being part of ecosystems where event managers look for speakers increases the likelihood of invitations, even for those early in their speaking journey. 

How do I build a speaker reel if I’m just getting started?  

To build a speaker reel, start by recording your speaking engagements, even if they are small or unpaid. Focus on showcasing your best moments and creating a professional and engaging video. Innovation Women can provide tips and resources to help you create a compelling speaker reel. In addition, Innovation Women partners with AnswerStage to give members the ability to record an introductory video that can serve as a sizzle reel until you have a professional one. 

What should speakers do after an event?

The work does not end when the talk is done. Following up with organizers, connecting with attendees, sharing content and staying visible are critical steps. Speaking is most effective when it is part of an ongoing visibility strategy.

Momentum builds when each appearance strengthens relationships and leads naturally to future opportunities.

Finding speaking opportunities 

Where can women find legitimate speaking opportunities?

Women are often underrepresented on stages, not because of lack of expertise or interest, but because of barriers to opportunity. Speaker platforms and communities focused on equity help connect women experts with conferences, podcasts, and events actively seeking diverse voices. 

Finding legitimate opportunities is easier when speakers are visible in the databases and resources where event organizers are already searching. Read on for advice on how to find speaking opportunities from Innovation Women.

Where can I find speaking opportunities that pay?  

You can find paid speaking opportunities through platforms like Innovation Women, networking events, industry conferences and by reaching out to event managers directly. Innovation Women connects you with event managers looking for speakers, increasing your chances of finding paid opportunities. 

How do I pitch myself effectively to conferences or event planners?  

To pitch yourself effectively, create a compelling speaker profile, tailor your pitch to the event’s theme and audience and highlight your unique value proposition. Innovation Women offers resources and coaching to help you craft an effective pitch. 

Do I need a speaker website or speaker one-sheet?  

Having a speaker website or one-sheet can enhance your professional image and make it easier for event organizers to learn about you. Innovation Women can help you create these materials to showcase your expertise and attract more speaking opportunities. 

What do event organizers look for when choosing speakers?

When choosing a speaker, event organizers look for those who have relevant expertise, engaging presentation skills and a strong personal brand. They also consider the speaker’s ability to connect with the audience and deliver valuable insights. Innovation Women helps you build a compelling speaker profile that attracts event organizers.

How can I stand out in a competitive speaking market?  

To stand out, focus on building a strong personal brand, delivering engaging and valuable presentations and continuously improving your skills. Innovation Women offers resources and coaching to help you differentiate yourself in the speaking market. 

How long does it take to build a speaking career? 

Some speakers gain traction in their careers quickly through niche expertise or strong networks. Others build demand and momentum over time. A speaking career doesn’t have an ideal timeline.

Consistency, strategic decision-making and clarity about goals matter more than the speed of a career.

Speaking skills and development

How do I overcome stage fright or imposter syndrome?  

To overcome stage fright or imposter syndrome, practice your talks regularly, focus on your strengths, and seek out supportive networks for speakers. Innovation Women offers resources and coaching to help you build confidence and overcome these challenges. 

How can I make my talks more engaging and memorable?  

To make your talks more engaging and memorable, focus on storytelling, use visuals effectively and interact with your audience. Innovation Women offers resources and coaching to help you improve your presentation skills. 

How do I structure a keynote or presentation that flows well?  

To structure a keynote or presentation that flows well, start with a strong opening, organize your content logically and end with a memorable conclusion. Innovation Women offers resources and coaching to help you create well-structured presentations. 

What are the best ways to improve my speaking skills quickly?

To improve your speaking skills quickly, practice regularly, seek feedback and learn from experienced speakers. Innovation Women offers resources and coaching to help you enhance your skills. 

Monetization and professional growth 

How much should I charge for a keynote or workshop?

The amount you should charge for a keynote or workshop depends on your experience, the event’s budget and the value you bring to the audience. Innovation Women offers guidance on pricing and negotiation to help you get paid fairly for your speaking engagements.

How do I turn a speaking engagement into clients, leads or revenue?  

To turn a speaking engagement into clients, leads or revenue, focus on delivering value, showcasing your expertise and providing clear calls to action. Innovation Women offers resources and coaching to help you leverage speaking engagements for business growth. 

How do I speak without sounding “salesy” but still drive conversions?  

To speak without sounding “salesy,” focus on delivering value, building trust with your audience and providing clear and relevant calls to action. Innovation Women offers resources and coaching to help you balance delivering value and driving conversions.

Challenges and advocacy 

Why are there fewer women on conference stages, and how can that change?

There are fewer women onstage at conferences and events for many reasons. Women are often found in fewer numbers in the board room and the C-suite where event organizers tend to focus. Women are more likely to work for smaller companies that may not be able to support travel expenses. Women are also more likely to be responsible for households and caretaking, making it harder to take time to travel. There can be bias at play when event managers overlook qualified women speakers, too. Innovation Women aims to change this by connecting event managers with women speakers and advocating for diversity and inclusion in events. 

How can women advocate for themselves and get paid fairly for speaking?

Women can advocate for themselves by building a strong personal brand, confidently negotiating their fees and seeking out opportunities that value their expertise. Innovation Women offers resources and coaching to help women advocate for themselves and get paid fairly for their speaking engagements. 

What unique challenges do women face in public speaking, and how do they overcome them?  

Women face public speaking challenges such as bias, credibility gaps and being underestimated by audiences and event managers. To overcome these challenges, women can focus on building their confidence, showcasing their expertise and seeking out supportive networks. Innovation Women provides resources and a community to help women overcome these challenges.

General information 

What is Innovation Women?

Innovation Women is a platform dedicated to increasing the visibility and representation of women on stage at conferences and events. We connect event managers with smart, skilled women speakers and subject matter experts to ensure diverse and inclusive events. 

Who is Innovation Women for?

Innovation Women is disrupting the traditional (and somewhat exclusive) world of events and conferences. We are helping event managers and conference organizers find speakers, subject matter experts, thought leaders,and visionaries. We want to hear new voices and uplift diverse perspectives. 

We support women and other historically marginalized groups, including speakers of color, LGBTQ+ speakers and gender-nonconforming people, to join us and share their thoughts and perspectives. We also welcome male allies to our platform. 

We are committed to achieving the full and equal participation of all. 

What is the mission of Innovation Women?

The mission of Innovation Women is to increase the visibility and representation of women on stage at conferences and events. It aims to create diverse and inclusive events by connecting event managers with talented women speakers. See more on our Mission page. 

How does Innovation Women help speakers?

Innovation Women provides infrastructure for women who want to use speaking to build careers, businesses and long-term visibility. It connects speakers and experts with opportunities, helps them understand how the speaking ecosystem works and supports strategic decision-making beyond simply getting on stage. 

How does Innovation Women work?

Women speakers looking for more visibility purchase a profile on the Innovation Women website. Event managers (podcasters, journalists, etc.) get a free account and can sign in to seek speakers for their events and conferences. The event managers search for the right speaker for their event and invite speakers through the website. In addition, speakers get access to our platform with hundreds of speaking opportunities that they can apply for.

How is Innovation Women different from traditional speaker bureaus?

Traditional speaker bureaus only manage speakers who collect speaker fees and ignore the speakers who speak for the visibility. We offer opportunity for all kinds of speakers, at all levels. (Some of our members are just getting started and are looking to learn.) We also offer more than just speaking engagements – it’s not unusual for our members to be invited to judge pitch contests, guest on podcasts or speak to the media, etc. We also share your successes in our newsletters, on our blog and on social media. We have an online community and host weekly Zoom calls – one part education and accountability, one part support system. We own Lioness Magazine, a digital magazine for female entrepreneurs and frequently feature our members, their books and podcasts there too.

How is Innovation Women different from a Google Docs list of speakers?

There are some great lists out there of women who should be speaking more often, but they get quickly out of date.  Also, the list approach requires event managers to find contact information and track down the speakers. They also require the event managers to remember the list is there. Innovation Women shows our speakers directly to event managers. Our weekly newsletters help remind event managers about issues of gender-equity, diversity and inclusion. We’ve been in business for more than a decade – this is a sustainable business, focused on the long term. 

When was Innovation Women founded?

Innovation Women’s platform launched in 2015 as an Innovation Nights project. The company was officially organized as an LLC in 2017. 

Where is Innovation Women based?

Innovation Women is based in Lexington, Massachusetts. 

At our launch, we rapidly gained evangelists, ambassadors and partner organizations all over the world. We have speakers, event managers and opportunities from all 50 states and outside the US. Our speakers get invitations from all over. We recognize that the majority of invitations are local-to-local, which is why we support location-based proximity searches. 

Is Innovation Women the same company as Lioness Magazine?

No. Innovation Women is owned by Bobbie Carlton, who also owns the marketing agency Carlton PR & Marketing, digital outlet Lioness Magazine and speaker lead subscription service My Speaker Leads.  

There’s a lot of talk about the small number of women at technical conferences. It sounds like this website is focused on that problem. Can women from other professions join?

Innovation Women started by focusing on technical and entrepreneurial women, but we soon realized that event managers, even ones running very technical conferences, were looking for many different kinds of speakers, on varied topics. Today we have speakers in 190 industries covering more than 10,000 topics. Speakers range from professionals who make tens of thousands of dollars for each speech to just-getting-started speakers. The event managers need women at all stages of their career and across all industries and functions. 

Membership details 

How much does an Innovation Women membership cost?  

The cost of membership varies based on the membership tier. A Classic speaker membership costs $159 per year, a Creator membership (for authors and podcasters), costs $199 per year and an Entrepreneur membership (which includes Lioness Premium) costs $249 per year (as of 2026). Learn more about Innovation Women’s membership tiers.  

Why do you charge speakers and not event managers? 

We know that people and companies seeking visibility currently pay PR and marketing firms thousands to identify opportunities and speaking engagements. Meanwhile, a lot of high-value events (in terms of audience size and target audiences) like Meetups, don’t have budgets for speakers or speaker bureaus. These event managers may have never worked with a traditional bureau, but still have great audiences for our speakers. Note: we do not allow events that charge speakers to solicit speakers on our platform. 

But why are you charging women when you are a mission-based company? Yup, we hear you. We offer a tremendous amount of value…in the words of some members? A “ridiculous amount of value” in the community, the coaching and education, the curated database of opportunities, the marketing and promotional support. The small annual fee supports our team, the platform and more. 

What do members receive with their speaker profile?

Members receive a comprehensive speaker profile where they can list their bio, desired speaking topics, videos of past talks and testimonials about their talk topics. This public profile is online and visible to event managers looking for speakers, increasing the chances of getting booked.
In addition, speakers get access to a database of open opportunities, educational materials and access to our online community of public speakers. 

How many speaking engagements can I expect if I sign up for your site?

Like almost everything — it depends. It depends on factors like how complete your profile is, what your area of expertise is and how good a job you do tagging your profile to match the words event managers are using. Are you charging? (Some organizations just aren’t set up to pay speaker fees.) Did you connect all your social media accounts? Did you share a video that shows you speaking? 

We have heard from some speakers that they received multiple offers in just a few weeks, while others have yet to receive their first invitation. We should also point out that there is the opportunity for you to do more than just fill in a profile and wait. Our platform also offers hundreds of calls for speakers. The most successful speakers are those who are proactive and apply for opportunities. 

Are all the speaking opportunities on Innovation Women paid?

Many speakers speak “for visibility” or they have a different business model other than getting paid by the event organizers. They speak and get clients. They speak and gather leads for their business. They speak to “audition” for paid gigs. Or they speak and sell books or classes. This means that many event organizers know they can usually find speakers who speak without being paid. But speaking well requires preparation and a huge effort. Speakers might have to travel, buy airplane tickets, and pay for hotels. Speaking for free is frustrating if you feel like you have grown beyond this phase. We understand. We know you are the foundation for every event you speak at. Without you, there is no event. 

Based on our research, we know that half of all events have no budget for speakers. Forty-two percent just pay some speakers, usually the keynotes and the workshop leaders. Frequently, detailed payment information is only available directly from event organizers. 

Our database of speaking opportunities shares with you whatever payment information we can glean or that the event organizers share. Resources found in our Green Room can help educate you on certain signals we know to look for. We also share information on speaker business models and how to negotiate your pay. 

Can members also get podcast or media opportunities?  

Yes, members can also get podcast or media opportunities through Innovation Women. We connect our speakers with a variety of booking resources to help them gain more visibility and recognition.

Does Innovation Women offer community or training resources?  

Yes, Innovation Women offers a range of community and training resources, including an online community, webinars, workshops and networking events, to help speakers improve their skills and connect with other professionals. Innovation Women’s virtual Green Room is stocked with hundreds of hours of educational videos and resource sheets. Go to the Community section for more information.

Why would someone choose a profile on Innovation Women over just adding “speaker” to their LinkedIn profile?

LinkedIn is a great platform for chronicling your career and we encourage our members to link their Innovation Women profiles to all their social media. Innovation Women is singularly focused on bringing our members speaking engagements and the opportunities that visibility drives. Having a database with a variety of great women speakers is what attracts panel managers to our site.

How do you avoid your speakers getting spammed or recruited? 

Innovation Women’s database of speakers is behind a log-in so we can keep an eye on things. But we do urge our speakers to be wary of outrageous offers – trips abroad with you and your immediate family if you simply give the “event manager” access to your bank account, for example. If anyone asks you to pay to speak, please report it. There is a red flag on each event page. We do not allow events that require speakers to pay. If you have doubts, ask us. Please report any issues to us.

Can I purchase a profile for someone else?

Yes! You can buy an Innovation Women gift card in our shop. 

Will my employer pay for my membership?

You will need to ask your employer, but many companies offer employees reimbursement for career-supporting and enhancing services like ours.

Are there rules I should be aware of?

Women sign up for Innovation Women in order to increase their visibility through speaking engagements. Invites to judge start up pitch contests, be quoted in the press, be a guest on a podcast and other “visibility opportunities” are OK – solicitations, sales pitches and invites to attend events as a member of the audience or out for coffee are not. This is not what IW was designed for. We take reports of abuse of privileges seriously. Any issues between members should be reported to our team. We also have Community Standards to help people understand our mission and how we make decisions. 

How can I renew, cancel, or refund my Innovation Women membership?

Between access to our list of speaking opportunities, speaker profiles, speaker videos, promotional efforts, education and marketing to attract event managers to the site, Innovation Women provides a tremendous amount of value. 

But maybe it’s not a fit for you. It’s OK. Just unsubscribe and your subscription won’t renew on your anniversary. To unsubscribe, sign into the platform and go to My Account (lower left), then and click on the red My Subscription button (upper left). 

Your account includes information on your renewal date; we remind everyone weekly in our speaker newsletters about how to manage your subscription and we send a system email a week prior to the renewal. If you need a refund, contact us and we’ll help you. (In addition to taking time and attention away from our mission, each refund exacts a small fee, so we try to keep these to a minimum! Thanks for your help and support. We reserve the right to pass on that fee.) 

If you purchased a class, a webinar series, a program, etc. and it doesn’t fit your needs, exceed your expectations or otherwise “bring you joy”, talk to us. If we can’t make it right, we’ll refund your money. 

Note: Some speakers are members of organizations which provide Innovation Women memberships or discounts. In order to receive these discounts, you must apply your coupon code in the system before you make your payment. Add your code (case sensitive) and click the Apply button. Look for the payment notice to reflect your discount before proceeding. Even partial refunds exact a fee.

Using the platform 

How does Innovation Women work for event managers?  

Event managers can search for and book talented women speakers through Innovation Women. The platform provides a diverse pool of subject matter experts, making it easy for event managers to find the right speaker for their event. We do not charge any fees to event managers to connect with speakers on the platform. 

Do event managers pay anything to use the platform?  

No, event manager memberships are always free! The Innovation Women speaker visibility platform is designed to make it easy for event managers, booking agents, production teams and podcast hosts to find talented women speakers without any cost.

What kinds of speaking engagements does Innovation Women support?

Innovation Women supports a wide range of speaking engagements, including conferences, workshops, webinars, podcasts and panel discussions. The platform provides a diverse pool of speakers with various expertise and experience to meet the needs of different events. 

Finding and booking speakers

How does an event manager get the best speakers?

The short answer is plan and book ahead. Watch speakers’ videos on Innovation Women.  Check out their example topics to see what they have previously spoken on. Search on topics and don’t immediately use location to rule out speakers. Check out our Event Manager Best Practices blog post for other ideas. 

How can Innovation Women help me find speakers for my event or conference?

Innovation Women helps you find speakers by giving event managers free access to a searchable database of female speakers and subject matter experts. You can search by topic or industry, browse speaker profiles and negotiate directly with the speaker. 

I’m a conference organizer – am I allowed to post my event to the Innovation Women speaking opportunities database?

Yes! The speaking opportunities database is the perfect place to post your event listing, call for speakers, submission links or other calls for speaking talent. It’s free to post.

Trainings and groups

Does Innovation Women offer corporate or executive training? 

Yes. Innovation Women Founder Bobbie Carlton is available to deliver private and corporate speaker training engagements. Whether on-site at your location, off-site at a third-party or online, Innovation Women is a skilled resource for training professionals and corporate leaders on public speaking skills.  

Are there any group discounts available? 

For groups of five or more, contact us for more information. We can collaborate to create a customized training plan that fits your budget. 

Do you offer group training opportunities?

We have held a number of custom-built trainings for organizations and other professional associations. Visit our Associations page for more about our work or get in touch to discuss your custom speaker training program.  

Partnership opportunities

How does Innovation Women work for corporate partners?

Innovation Women works with corporate partners to provide a diverse pool of talented women speakers for their events. By partnering with us, corporations can ensure that their events are inclusive and representative of all perspectives. Innovation Women also provides training and education programs on the importance of public speaking for career growth or provide public speaking training for our corporate partners. 

What kinds of speaking engagements does Innovation Women support?  

Innovation Women supports a wide range of speaking engagements, including conferences, workshops, webinars podcasts and panel discussions. The platform provides a diverse pool of subject matter experts to meet the needs of different events. 

How can corporate partners benefit from working with Innovation Women?

Corporate partners can benefit from working with Innovation Women by gaining access to a diverse pool of talented women speakers, enhancing the inclusivity and representation of their events and supporting the professional growth of women in their industry.

Does Innovation Women offer community or training resources? 

Yes, Innovation Women offers a range of community and training resources, including webinars, workshops and networking events to help speakers improve their skills and connect with other professionals. See the Event Calendar for upcoming events or visit the Shop for open training and workshop opportunities. 

Is your training facilitated by instructors or self-paced?

Our library of resources has something for everyone. Innovation Women offers a range of training modalities and programs. For those who want a self-paced model, training is hosted in our Green Room and in our online community. For those who prefer a live or group model, our Kickstart Cohort, the Speaker Marketing Club, and Speaker Friend Fridays offer a more social learning environment. 

Does Innovation Women offer an affiliate program?

Innovation Women offers an affiliate program for Innovation Women members who are community leaders or have an active sales and social media process. The Affiliate Program enables followers to share an affiliate link to Innovation Women and earn commissions. 

Do you have programs to help speakers who are just starting out?

Yes! Along with an email sequence for all new members, we also offer an orientation meeting upon registration to show you around the platform, demonstrate all available resources, explain our add-ons and additional training opportunities and generally get all new members acquainted with Innovation Women’s offerings.

What can you offer experienced speakers? 

Speakers of all experience levels will find value in the Innovation Women speaker visibility bureau, including professional speakers. Along with our platform of speaking opportunities, which is consistently updated by our event manager members and a team of researchers, we also have a deep training curriculum, one-on-one and group training offerings and individual coaching.  

What kind of training sessions are available?

Several forms of trainings are available from Innovation Women, including clubs, coaching, small groups, and private group sessions. The Kickstart cohort, the Speaker Coaching Cohort and Speaker Marketing Club are all various modalities of speaker training available via Innovation Women.

Can Innovation Women help me win awards? 

Since 2024, we have partnered with the Energage and Lioness Magazine to present the Woman-Led Top Workplaces awards. To see the 2025 Winners, visit this page. 

Do you host live events?

Along with our weekly Friday webinar, Speaker Friend Fridays, Innovation Women also hosts a monthly informational webinar and a Featured Speaker webinar (hosted on BrightTalk). In January 2026, we hosted the first Speaker Friends Live in Boston, MA, with more planned for the remainder of 2026. All events can be viewed in the Event Calendar.