SpeakerMatch Job Board Filters (Lead Types) Explained
When you browse the SpeakerMatch job board, each opportunity is filtered with a lead type. These filters help you understand where an opportunity came from, how far along an organizer may be in the planning process, and how you should approach the lead.
Some opportunities are ready for speaker applications immediately. Others provide early visibility into events before organizers officially begin speaker selection. Understanding these differences can help you prioritize opportunities and build a stronger speaking pipeline.
Quick Comparison of Lead Types
| Lead Type | What It Means | Best Speaker Action |
|---|---|---|
| Open Call | A public call for speakers posted online | Review instructions and apply directly |
| Insider Lead / Research Tip | An early-stage opportunity identified by SpeakerMatch research | Monitor the organizer and consider early outreach |
| Exclusive Post | A lead posted directly by an organizer to SpeakerMatch | Prioritize and respond promptly |
Lead Type #1: Open Call
What it means
An Open Call is a speaking opportunity that has been posted publicly on the web. These listings almost always include instructions for speakers to apply, submit proposals, or contact the organizer.
What to expect
- Publicly available opportunity
- Application instructions are usually included
- May have firm submission deadlines
- Competition can be higher because the listing is visible beyond SpeakerMatch
Because Open Calls are public, they often attract larger applicant pools. That doesn't mean they aren't worth pursuing—it simply means preparation matters.
How to use this lead type
Open Calls are best for speakers who are ready to apply now. Because the competition is high, earlier applications may have a higher acceptance rate. Read the organizer’s requirements carefully, customize your topic or signature talk for the audience, and submit all requested materials as soon as possible before the deadline. Make sure you link to a polished profile, relevant experience, and a clear topic description on SpeakerMatch to help your application stand out.
Strategic Tip:
We post the organization's website link and any contact information we have for these opportunities. That information can be useful beyond simply submitting an application.
An Open Call can be a signal that the organizer is not only casting a wide net for speaker applications, but is also actively planning additional parts of the event. While many Open Calls focus on breakout sessions, workshops, or smaller speaking opportunities with modest speaking fees, organizers often do not publicly post their search for spotlight speakers or headliner keynotes.
That creates an opportunity beyond the listed application itself. If you have a keynote, topic, or expertise that strongly aligns with the audience, consider doing additional research and reaching out directly. Investigate the event, understand its goals, and think beyond the sessions currently listed.
A public call for speakers may provide an opening into larger conversations happening behind the scenes. In many cases organizers are actively planning their event, and searching for speakers, but not publicly advertising their opportunities for speakers.
Lead Type #2: Insider Lead / Research Tip
What it means
An Insider Lead or Research Tip is an opportunity identified by the SpeakerMatch research team before a formal Open Call exists. These leads generally indicate that an organizer appears to be in the early planning stages of an event.
What to expect
- Organizers may not be accepting applications yet
- Public calls for speakers may not exist
- Event details could still be developing
- Early visibility can create relationship-building opportunities
Why these leads are valuable
Insider Leads and Research Tips give you a chance to get ahead of other speakers. Since organizers may still be planning, you can begin researching the event, understanding the audience, and preparing a stronger pitch before applications open.
This can also be a great opportunity to get on an organizer’s radar before formal speaker selection begins.
About the deadline shown
Deadlines on Insider Leads and Research Tips are estimates. They represent our best guess as to the latest point an organizer could reasonably receive speaker interest in time for the event.
Because these opportunities are early-stage, the date should be viewed as guidance—not a confirmed application cutoff.
How to use this lead type
- Monitor the event or organizer website
- Watch for speaker announcements
- Research previous speakers and event themes
- Prepare relevant topics early
- Consider a thoughtful introduction to the organizer
Lead Type #3: Exclusive Posts
What it means
An Exclusive Post is a speaking opportunity posted directly to the SpeakerMatch job board by an event organizer.
What to expect
- Shared directly through SpeakerMatch
- Typically less competition than Open Calls
- May provide earlier access to opportunities
- Organizers may be actively searching for speakers
Why these leads are valuable
Exclusive Posts are often among the strongest opportunities on the job board because they generally attract fewer applicants than public Open Calls.
Since organizers chose to post directly through SpeakerMatch, speakers may have a better chance of being seen by someone actively reviewing speaker options.
How to use this lead type
Review Exclusive Posts promptly. If the opportunity aligns with your expertise, audience, or topic area, apply as soon as possible with a focused and relevant submission.
These opportunities are often worth prioritizing because they combine direct organizer engagement with lower competition.
How to Pursue Each Lead Type
Each lead type requires a slightly different approach:
- Use Open Calls for publicly posted calls for speakers
- Use Insider Leads and Research Tips to identify opportunities early and build awareness
- Use Exclusive Posts for direct organizer opportunities with typically lower competition
Open Calls help create immediate opportunities with a larger competition pool, Insider Leads help you plan ahead, and Exclusive Posts provide more targeted access to organizers who want a more select applicant pool. Your SpeakerMatch profile is automatically shared with organizers who use Exclusive Posts.
Best Practices for Responding to Any Lead
- Read all opportunity details carefully
- Match your topic to the event audience
- Keep messages clear and relevant
- Update your SpeakerMatch profile regularly
- Pay attention to deadlines, even estimated ones
Understanding SpeakerMatch lead types helps you decide whether to apply now, monitor an opportunity, or begin early outreach. The more intentionally you use each type, the easier it becomes to create a consistent flow of speaking opportunities.