INETA Regional Speakers Program

The INETA Regional Speakers Program facilitates connecting those who want to speak at user groups and community gatherings such as code camps with user groups and event organizers looking for speakers.

For those who want to speak, all you have to do is register yourself. Your registration record will tell others a little about you including topics you can speak on and where you are interested in speaking.

For user group leadership, you can search for potential speakers and launch a peer-to-peer conversation to make appropriate arrangements. The program is designed such that a user group could potentially schedule all of its speakers here.

Coming shortly will be the opportunity to request funding support for speaker travel for a limited number of engagements.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Regional Speakers Program

Q: What is the goal of this program?
A: To help get more speakers doing presentations at a regional level by facilitating the connection between user groups leaders and speakers, both by helping showcase speakers and their areas of expertise and helping groups get the speakers and topics they want. Through this program, we also want to work to increase the presentation skills of speakers and help provide resources and future speaking opportunities for them.

Q:  What is the advantage of the INETA regional speaker program over what I've been doing for years?
A: The goal of the program is to help connect user group leaders with speakers. Some speakers are very well connected already as are many user group leaders, and may not need as much assistance in making the connections. For them the program becomes a way to showcase their speaking activities as we add event history and group reviews to speaker profiles. This may help individuals gain exposure and establish a track record for conference speaking events and program such as the Microsoft MVP awards. For those already well connected, well established with conferences and MVP programs, the benefit goes back to the overall community and user group leaders that may not have direct contact with the speaker, this makes it easy for new group leaders get plugged in. In general, participating helps the overall community and is not just about what's in it for me.

Q: Who can participate?
A: This is open to any speakers wishing to present to INETA groups.

Q: How does this compare with other speaker lists?
A: Our goal is to make this much more than just a list. Additional steps such as funding, peer/group event ratings, speaker training opportunities, and additional speaking opportunities are all things we're working towards.

Q: Why this instead of the National Speakers Bureau?
A: Not everyone is ready for the National Speakers Bureau. People who do well in the Regional Speaker Program will certainly be considered for the National Speakers Bureau. Think of it as a farm team for the National Speakers Bureau.

Q: Who benefits?
A: INETA member user groups benefit by being able to find speakers in their "region" that they might not be aware of. Speakers benefit from increased exposure with the community and a way to share their willingness to speak on specific topics. At the end of the day, we hope that the overall developer community benefits.

Q: What criteria are considered "regional"? Is it “drivable” or is it up to the speaker's convenience?
A: It is mostly up to the speaker. Some may be willing to drive longer distances or may have the opportunity to combine speaking opportunities with business or personal travel.

Q: Can National Speakers Bureau members participate in this program as well?
A: Yes, but they fall under the same rules and guidelines as everyone else for the Regional Speakers Program.

Q: Can Microsoft employees participate in this program as well?
A: Yes, we want to make sure the groups are aware of the resources available through Microsoft. This includes Developer Evangelists in the field, but also individuals from product groups and other areas that may be willing and able to speak in different regions. There will likely be some restrictions with funding requests.

Q:Why is the Regional Speaker's Program separate from the INETA Speakers Bureau?
A: The INETA Speaker Bureau is a nomination based group of speakers selected by the INETA. The regional speaker program allows anybody to  participate and this list is not restricted by INETA. User groups leaders are given the ability to reach out and contact speakers on topics that are of interest to them. There are a lot of great speakers that are willing to give up an evening and present at a user group.

Q: Is there funding?
A: As we move forward with the program we plan to be offering the ability for speakers to request limited funding to help subsidize travel expenses. We're currently looking at ~$50 for events, but are also considering a limited number of higher amounts for more remote locations. We want to find a balance between helping cover costs and making it something many can benefit from. And, what we will be able to provide depends on the funding INETA receives from its sponsors.

Q: How do I add to the list of topics?
A: Just send an email request to support@ineta.org.

Q: Why isn’t there a limit to the number of "regions" a regional speaker can select?
A: We don’t want to create artificial restrictions. A speaker may travel frequently as part of their job and be willing and available to speak in a broad number of locations.

>As with all INETA programs, we strive to deliver the maximum amount of value for our sponsorship money.  As such,programs are subject to periodic review and may increase, decrease, or potentially be discontinued.  Your continued feedback is appreciated.