Fintech Speaker Masterclass: From Application to Stage

As many of you know, I spent three years of my career working as the head of content for Money20/20 Europe. One of the biggest privileges in that role, and something I always relished, was being able to tell people that their content applications had been accepted. For some, a speaking slot was the crucial next step for publicising their company or latest project. For others, it was an important personal milestone that rewarded years of hard work or a creative and thoughtful application.

On Friday 13 November, I’d like to help more people to get that feeling again.

Accordingly, I’ve partnered with Daniel Lowther, SVP and Head of Fintech at The Hoffman Agency, for a free webinar where we’ll explain how you can make an application that truly stands out, and how to make the most of the opportunity if you get selected for major industry shows like Money20/20, Stablecon and SXSW.

Daniel is one of the industry’s best for finding a company’s key talking points and narratives, and I would know, having sifted through thousands of applications for three years. He’ll share the lessons he’s learned from trying to appeal to various Money20/20 content teams over the years, including the ones I was part of.

For my part, I’ll explain what it’s like to analyse a loaded virtual mailbag of applications, and what was needed for me and my colleagues to really sit up and pay attention to a panel or keynote suggestion. I’ve read a real variety of submissions; everything from the breathtakingly ambitious, to the charmingly pragmatic, all the way through to the implausible or even dull. I can help you get it right, and I can share insight from conversations I was fortunate enough to have with other content professionals.

But that’s just half of it.

Once you’re selected, the next big challenge is to say something that will actually attract a crowd and keep it hanging on your every word. Events content is truly a misunderstood medium, so to help you navigate it I’ll share my experiences of working with some of the biggest names in fintech, as well as some stories about moderating, MCing, and presenting.

I’ll walk through the biggest mistakes I’ve seen, including the reasonable logic paths that can lead to a tedious session. I’ll also give you pointers on how to get it right, and help you reframe your approach to public speaking and debates in a way that will help your session be the one that people remember.

And yes, there will be live Q&A. I’ll do my best to answer your questions, even if they’re tricky.

What we’ll cover

• What organisers look for: How they assess speakers, topics and the value a session brings to their audience.
• Building your application: Choosing a relevant angle, demonstrating credibility and explaining what attendees will learn.
• Common pitfalls: Why proposals miss the mark, from broad topics to an overly commercial pitch and the wrong profile of speaker.
• Preparing for the stage: Structuring your contribution, delivering clear messages and contributing effectively.
• Live Q&A: Bring your questions about applications, preparation and delivery.

What you’ll learn

You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how to:

• Turn your expertise into a focused session idea.
• Write a proposal that gives organisers a clear reason to consider you.
• Prepare a contribution that offers practical value to the audience.

Who should attend?

Fintech marketing, PR and communications professionals responsible for speaker programmes, alongside founders, executives and subject matter experts looking to secure speaking opportunities.