7 Steps to Become a Successful Panelist

Take your career to the next level by becoming a successful panelist. Follow these 7 steps to build your brand and enhance your influence.

Leadership Topics

22 Oct 2024 — 6 min read

Unlock new career opportunities by becoming a panelist at industry events. Photo by Evangeline Shaw.

There’s a major shift happening in how professionals engage with their industries. Rather than attending conferences and events as passive observers, more leaders are stepping into the spotlight as panelists. They’re not just showing up to learn—they’re contributing, influencing, and building authority. The time has come for you to become a leading voice in your industry, and one of the most effective ways to do this is by positioning yourself as a panelist at industry events.

According to the Events Industry Council, business events generate $1.2 trillion in direct spending annually. But the benefits extend far beyond economics. Industry events offer “catalytic effects”—new business opportunities, partnerships, knowledge sharing, and networking that can transform your career. As a panelist, you’ll be at the center of these opportunities, gaining visibility, credibility, and the chance to connect with key players.

If you’re ready to make the leap from attendee to panelist, here are seven proven strategies that can help you stand out and get selected for these highly coveted roles.

1 - Identify Your Core Expertise and Message

You’ve spent years honing your expertise in your field. Now it’s time to craft a message that captures your unique perspective and showcases why you're an expert worth listening to. Don’t just recite your resume—share your passion for your work, the challenges you’ve overcome, and your personal insights on where your industry is headed.

When you speak from the heart, people listen. Planners and audiences alike are drawn to those who communicate with authenticity and confidence. Your goal is to leave a lasting impression that makes people remember you long after the event is over.

Action: Take time to reflect on what drives you. Connect with your purpose and practice speaking about it conversationally. If you need support, consider hiring a coach to help refine your message.

2 - Create a Personal Brand That Stands Out

Now that you’ve honed your message, it’s time to package it into a compelling personal brand. Your brand is more than just your job title; it’s the story of your career—where you’ve been, what you’ve achieved, and how you add value. Include your accomplishments, awards, and a clear statement of the impact you’ve made in your field.

Your personal brand is what will make event organizers take notice. To ensure you're seen as an industry thought leader, create a speaker page that showcases your background, expertise, and speaking engagements. Use it in your email signature and LinkedIn profile to enhance visibility.

Action: Create a professional speaker page that highlights your key achievements, speaking topics, and why you're an authority in your industry.

3 - Build Meaningful Industry Connections

Getting on stage starts with getting connected. Networking isn’t just about finding your next job—it’s a way to stay plugged into your industry’s future. By attending industry events regularly, you’ll stay on top of trends and develop relationships with people who can invite you to speak. Panelists are often chosen because they are visible, approachable, and known in their industries.

Attending events isn’t just about sitting in the audience—make connections with organizers, speakers, and attendees. This will ensure that you’re on their radar when it’s time to put together the next panel.

Action: Attend events in your industry and actively engage with other professionals. The more present and connected you are, the more likely you’ll be invited to speak.

4 - Communicate with Clarity and Purpose

Effective communication is about more than just talking—it’s about delivering impactful insights in a way that resonates with your audience. As a panelist, you need to be able to answer questions with clarity and brevity, offering meaningful contributions without monopolizing the conversation.

Authority doesn’t come from talking the most—it comes from talking with purpose. Learn how to “land your plane” and bring your points to a conclusion swiftly and powerfully.

Action: Practice answering questions concisely in front of a trusted colleague or advisor. Focus on delivering your message in the fewest words possible while still making an impact.

5 - Stay Informed with the Latest Industry Insights

To be a successful panelist, you need to be well-versed in the latest industry trends, data, and research. Being able to back up your points with current facts and statistics will boost your credibility and allow you to drive the conversation in new directions. Don’t rely on what you learned months ago—keep your knowledge fresh by regularly engaging with new studies, news, and innovations in your field.

The most compelling panelists are the ones who bring something new to the table, challenging the audience to think differently and inspiring further discussion.

Action: Curate your social media feed and daily reading list to include the latest industry insights. This ensures you’re constantly adding value to your professional knowledge base.

6 - Cultivate a Gracious and Collaborative Approach

Gratitude is a powerful tool in building lasting relationships. Thank the people who helped you get on stage, whether it’s the person who referred you, the event organizer, or the audience itself. Showing genuine appreciation will set you apart from other panelists who may come off as self-focused.

Focus on how you can add value to others—ask your fellow panelists and the audience how you can support them in their endeavors. Generosity builds goodwill and makes it more likely that you’ll be invited to speak again.

Action: Practice gratitude in all your interactions. Send thank-you notes, offer to help others, and build a reputation as someone who uplifts the people around them.

7 - Reflect and Improve After Each Event

Don’t rush to the next opportunity before reflecting on the one you just completed. Take time to review your performance and note what worked well and what you can improve. This will allow you to continually refine your approach and show up even stronger for future panels.

Follow up with people you met at the event. These connections are your gateway to future opportunities and ongoing collaborations.

Action: Within 48 hours after each event, write down three things you did well, one area for improvement, and follow up with those who left an impact on you.

Final Thoughts: Setting Yourself Up for Success

Being a successful panelist requires more than just expertise. It’s about showing up with generosity, gratitude, and a mindset of growth. When you follow these steps, you’ll not only stand out as a thought leader—you’ll also leave a lasting impression on event organizers and audiences alike.

By being prepared, focused, and deeply engaged in the conversation, you’ll establish yourself as a go-to expert in your field, opening doors to new opportunities and positioning yourself as an authority. Your industry events will no longer just be networking opportunities—they’ll be career-defining moments that propel you forward.

Leadership Topics