When attending an industry event, you expect to meet industry leaders and learn from their experiences and expert opinions, but lately I’m seeing fewer and fewer speaking slots given to those who participate in unpaid, outside submissions. As Program Manager at blast! PR, it’s becoming very clear that the majority of relevant industry events are handing over speaking gigs to anyone whose got the money, instead of those speakers who provide the most qualified content. Event directors are losing the battle against their company sales teams, leaving them with little to no programming freedom and an agenda full of sponsored speaking sessions.

I understand the fact that the economy is putting all of us in a tough position and companies have to do whatever keeps them afloat, but you have to wonder — if everything is heading toward pay-for-play, who’s going to even care what the speakers have to say anymore? One of our clients programs a huge industry event and has given us tons of valuable insight over the years we’ve had the pleasure of working with him. He has told us numerous times that the few paid speaking slots they have on the agendas are labeled as such, and are often the windows attendees use as their personal intermissions. Knowing they are paid gigs, attendees are just expecting the CEO to get up on stage and boast about his/her company’s product or service. For this reason, they will often use the opportunity as a restroom break or go into the halls to converse with other attendees. Can you really blame them?

When did the main objective of industry events change from putting butts in the seats by gathering the brightest minds in the business together to share tips and personal experiences with newcomers and trade hopefuls? Value isn’t always monetary.

Crystal Archbell, Program Manager