In today’s competitive speaking landscape, securing a spot on a major conference stage requires more than a C-level title or being a part of a well-known organization. In today’s conference landscape it’s all about having a unique message- a point of view that stands out from the crowd.

Event organizers prioritize compelling, unique perspectives over credentials alone. If your pitch isn’t landing, the good news is most rejections can be easily modified. Here are a few tips:

 

Common Pitch Mistakes & How to Fix Them

 Lack of a Distinct Point of View (POV) – Generic topics like “Leadership in 2025” or “Unlocking AI’s Potential” lack a clear stance. If multiple executives could give the same talk, it’s not unique enough.

Instead: Articulate a bold, differentiated POV- one that challenges assumptions or offers surprising insights. Ask:

• What contrarian view can we offer?
• What unique industry insight does our executive bring?

Remember: Specificity wins. Make it memorable.

 

Pitching a Bio Instead of an Idea – Many pitches overemphasize an executive’s accolades rather than content. Organizers prioritize:

• Fresh, unique ideas
• Actionable insights
• Compelling narratives and stories

Instead: Lead with the big idea, not the resume. Ask:

• What’s the unique insight our executive brings?
• How does this align with key industry trends?

Remember: Think like an editor and craft a “headline” that immediately hooks conference organizers.

 

Being Too Self-Promotional – Pitches that feel like a sales or product pitch will fail. Organizers seek thought leadership, not marketing.

Instead: Position the executive as an industry expert, not a company spokesperson. Frame the pitch around:

• Industry challenges
• Emerging trends
• Lessons learned (even from failures)
  Example: Instead of “How Our Software is Disrupting Healthcare,” try “The Future of Healthcare Tech: Lessons from the Frontlines.”
• Focus on industry-wide insights rather than company achievements
• Incorporate third-party research to support claims
• Engage in storytelling that emphasizes challenges and solutions rather than products or services.

 

Poorly Structured Pitches – Too long, too short, or lacking clarity and focus.

Instead: Keep it concise yet compelling. A strong pitch includes:

• Hook/Headline: The big idea
• Session Summary: What’s covered, why it matters, and why its timely to today’s issues
• Clear Audience Takeaways: What attendees will learn and apply. Include a line like, “For an audience of [X], this session will deliver [Y].”

Remember: Make it easy for organizers- craft a summary they could copy-paste into the agenda.

 

Final Thought: It’s About the Audience, Not the Executive

Successful pitches focus on audience value, not personal prestige or company products. What unique perspective can this executive offer? What will attendees gain? Executives who frame their message this way will rise above the noise.

Struggling to craft your unique POV or refine your conference pitch? Our team at S3 specializes in executive positioning—let’s connect and get your voice on the right stage, in front of the right audience.