What Is an Emerging Speaker?

What Does “Emerging Speaker” Mean at SpeakerMatch?

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SpeakerMatch Serves Both Speakers and Event Organizers

SpeakerMatch exists to make it easier for event organizers to find speakers and for speakers to be found. To do that effectively, we focus on a specific segment of the speaking industry: emerging professional speakers.

Understanding what “emerging speaker” means helps set clear expectations for both sides of the marketplace.

What Is an Emerging Speaker?

At SpeakerMatch, we define an emerging professional speaker as someone who:

  • Is not earning a full-time living from speaking, and

  • Is not consistently earning at least $5,000 per speaking engagement

This definition is based on where a speaker is in their professional journey—not on talent, credibility, or the value of their message.

Many emerging speakers are experts, business owners, professionals, or leaders who speak part-time, occasionally, or as part of a broader career.

Why SpeakerMatch Focuses on Emerging Speakers

Most traditional speaker bureaus focus on high-fee, well-known speakers. That leaves a large gap in the market—both for speakers who want opportunities and for event organizers who need strong, affordable, and relevant speakers.

SpeakerMatch fills that gap by:

  • Giving event organizers access to a wide range of qualified speakers

  • Helping emerging speakers gain visibility and experience

  • Supporting matches that make sense for both budget and audience

What This Means for Event Organizers

If you’re an event organizer, working with emerging speakers often means:

  • More flexibility on fees, formats, and availability

  • Speakers who are highly engaged and motivated

  • Fresh perspectives and real-world experience

Emerging does not mean inexperienced—it simply means the speaker is still building reach and consistency.

What This Means for Speakers

If you’re a speaker who isn’t yet earning a full-time income or commanding $5,000+ speaking fees, SpeakerMatch is built for you.

Our platform helps you get discovered, build momentum, and create opportunities to grow—while meeting the needs of organizers who are actively looking for speakers like you.

SpeakerMatch works best when both sides understand the definition and expectations.