For speakers looking to move beyond small stages and into larger rooms, SpeakFest 2026 is positioning itself as a rare opportunity. The national conference, taking place May 11–14, 2026, at the Savannah Convention Center in Savannah, Georgia, is designed to connect speakers directly to large-scale touring and institutional opportunities.
SpeakFest will bring together speakers, educators, scholars, program directors, wellness experts, and leaders from across the United States and internationally. These are individuals whose work relies on visibility, influence, and the ability to reach audiences at scale.
What sets SpeakFest apart is its direct connection to touring and booking pathways. In addition to mainstage programming and professional development sessions, select participants will have the opportunity to audition live and be evaluated in person for placement on national and regional speaker tours, as well as institutional stages. This creates a tangible pathway for speakers who are ready to expand their reach beyond local or independent bookings.
Rather than functioning solely as a learning environment, SpeakFest is structured as a gateway. Speakers are not only attending sessions, but positioning themselves in front of decision-makers and tour-connected professionals who influence future bookings. The conference is intentionally designed to blur the line between education and opportunity.
Programming at SpeakFest focuses on the real mechanics of influence and scale. Sessions explore leadership, professional positioning, certifications, grants, wellness, institutional engagement, and the infrastructure required to build a sustainable and visible speaking platform. The goal is to equip speakers with both the clarity and access needed to move into larger opportunities.
The conference also creates space for connection among speakers and those responsible for booking, programming, and talent selection across schools, universities, conferences, and organizations. This environment allows attendees to build relationships that extend beyond the event itself and into future stages and tours.
As the speaking industry becomes more dynamic and competitive, the barriers to visibility and opportunities for emerging and seasoned speakers alike are growing. With a crowded market, it can be increasingly difficult to stand out, be evaluated, and gain the recognition necessary to take the next step in a speaking career. Traditional avenues for exposure, such as conferences or events, may not always provide the broader platform or the right audience for speakers to truly shine. As a result, opportunities to connect with key decision-makers and organizations that could provide greater visibility and more impactful engagements are becoming limited.
This is where SpeakFest enters the landscape, offering a strategic solution to this problem. Recognizing the increasing need for a direct, live, in-person platform for speakers to showcase their talents, SpeakFest steps forward with an intentional and focused mission: to fill the gap left by the industry’s growing limitations. SpeakFest aims to create an environment where speakers can not only showcase their expertise and charisma but also be considered for significant opportunities that could advance their careers.
SpeakFest 2026 goes beyond the conventional conference model. It serves as a crucial meeting point, a convergence space where speakers can connect with organizations, decision-makers, and audiences on a larger scale. It is a space designed for individuals ready to elevate their careers and reach a broader national stage. This is an event crafted for speakers who want to go beyond local or regional engagements, seeking a platform where their voices can be heard and considered on a national level. It’s about empowering speakers to step into the visibility they deserve and providing them with the exposure that can lead to life-changing opportunities.
For organizations, SpeakFest offers a rare chance to connect with fresh voices that can captivate, engage, and inspire audiences. In an era when demand for diverse, authentic, and impactful voices is higher than ever, SpeakFest offers a curated selection of speakers ready to engage new audiences and drive meaningful change. It’s a unique opportunity for organizations to identify and partner with individuals who can speak to a national audience, helping them fulfill their need for impactful, relevant messaging.
SpeakFest is more than just a platform; it’s an experience designed to foster growth, expand networks, and create lasting partnerships between speakers and the organizations that need their expertise. Whether you’re a speaker looking to take the next step in your journey or an organization seeking the next great voice, SpeakFest 2026 promises to be the event that bridges the gap between talent and opportunity.
In the coming months, additional details will be shared, including exciting announcements about featured speakers, audition opportunities, and the official registration process. Stay tuned as SpeakFest 2026 prepares to unveil an experience that promises to be a turning point for anyone ready to elevate their presence in the speaking industry. This is an event you won’t want to miss if you’re looking to expand your reach, connect with like-minded professionals, and step into a future where your voice matters on a grander scale.
