Speakers
Showcase the people presenting at your events.
Speaker Profiles
Each speaker has a profile that displays their information on event pages and conference speaker galleries.
Profile Fields
- Name - Full name as it should appear (required)
- Photo - Professional headshot (recommended square, min 400x400)
- Title - Current role or position
- Company - Current organization or affiliation
- Bio - Brief background and expertise
- LinkedIn URL - Professional profile link
- Twitter/X Handle - Social media presence
- Industry Tags - Areas of expertise (AI, Biotech, etc.)
Tip: Speakers with complete profiles (photo, bio, and social links) appear more professional and attract more attendees.
Speaker Roles
When adding speakers to an event, you assign them a role that describes their participation.
Keynote
Featured speaker delivering the main presentation. Usually limited to 1-2 per event.
Speaker
Presenter giving a talk, demo, or presentation. The most common role.
Panelist
Participant in a panel discussion alongside other experts.
Moderator
Facilitates discussions, asks questions, and keeps the conversation on track.
Host
MC or event host who welcomes attendees and introduces speakers.
Adding Speakers to Events
Event hosts can add speakers from their event management dashboard.
Steps to Add Speakers
- Go to your event dashboard (
/host/events/[id]) - Click "Manage Speakers" or navigate to the speakers section
- Search for existing speakers by name
- If the speaker doesn't exist, click "Create New Speaker"
- Fill in their profile information
- Select their role for this event
- Save and arrange the display order
Reordering Speakers
Speakers appear on the event page in the order you set. Usually:
- Keynotes first
- Then speakers in order of appearance
- Moderators and hosts at the end
Drag and drop to reorder, or use the position controls.
Conference Speakers
Speakers can also be added at the conference level, appearing on the main conference page.
How It Works
- Conference admins can add speakers to the conference itself
- These speakers appear in the conference speaker gallery
- A speaker can be part of multiple events within the same conference
- Conference-level speakers represent the overall lineup
Event vs Conference Speakers
Event Speakers
- Specific to one event
- Managed by event hosts
- Appear on event detail page
Conference Speakers
- Represent overall conference
- Managed by conference admins
- Appear in speaker gallery
Becoming a Speaker
There's no self-signup for speakers. Hosts add speakers to their events.
How to Get Speaking Opportunities
- Network at events - Attend DTW events and connect with organizers who might invite you to speak at future events.
- Complete your profile - A detailed profile with your expertise helps hosts find you.
- Host your own event - Organize an event and feature yourself as a speaker.
- Reach out directly - Contact event hosts if you have relevant expertise for their topic.
If You're Invited to Speak
- The host creates your speaker profile (or uses an existing one)
- You'll appear on the event page with your photo and bio
- Confirm your participation with the host directly
- Prepare your presentation or talking points
Featured Speakers
Some speakers can be marked as "featured" to highlight them on conference pages.
- Featured speakers appear more prominently in galleries
- Often used for keynotes or notable guests
- Set by conference or event admins
Speaker Photo Guidelines
Good speaker photos make your event look more professional.
Photo Requirements
- Square aspect ratio (1:1)
- Minimum 400x400 pixels
- Professional headshot preferred
- Clear, well-lit image
- Face clearly visible
Tips
- LinkedIn photos often work well
- Avoid logos or text overlays
- Consistent style across speakers looks best
- Crop to focus on face and shoulders