International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration of women’s achievements and a call to action for gender equity. If you're planning a conference, company event, or team workshop, then selecting the right public speaker is key. They can elevate your event, inspiring and engaging audiences with stories, insights, and expertise that align with the day’s mission. Thoughtful speaker selection is therefore essential to ensure the event resonates with diverse attendees, sparks meaningful conversations, and supports the theme of empowerment.
So, whether you’re organising a corporate event, community gathering, or online panel, this checklist provides practical tips to help you book impactful speakers and deliver an unforgettable IWD experience...
Define your event’s theme and goals
Identify the specific focus of your IWD event (e.g., #EmbraceEquity, women in leadership, allyship, breaking gender biases...)
This year's official IWD theme is #AccelerateAction. (At the current rate of progress, it will take until the year 2158 to achieve full gender parity. The theme encourages people to step forward in solidarity to help speed up women's equality).
Once set, this gives you a clearer direction for speaker selection as you can align the theme with their expertise or experience.
Need some inspiration? Try this AI prompt.
Plan a dedicated event budget
Public speakers should always get paid for sharing their expertise with your audiences, especially women on International Women's Day! Exposure or pro-bono deals don't cut it here.
Allocate a dedicated budget to your entire event, and how much of that can go towards the speaker (including fees, travel, accommodation, and any other related expenses).
Consider high-profile speakers to help attract a wider audience, or emerging voices like Stephanie Melodia who might be more budget-friendly but equally impactful.
Research relevant IWD speakers
Now your theme and budget is set, look for speakers who are known for their work in women’s empowerment, gender equality, or relevant industries. Use keywords on LinkedIn to find talent directly. Also consider searching via Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for video content so you see them in action, too.
Consider authors, activists, corporate leaders, educators, and influencers with compelling stories to tell. For example:
Daniele Fiandaca is the Founder of Token Man Consulting who talks about male allyship.
Cynthia Davis, MBE is a multi award-winning tech entrepreneur and Diversity & Inclusion Specialist.
Cait Donovan is the (anti) burnout queen!
Joanna Montgomery is the Founder of Little Riot behind the viral 'Pillow Talk' product and TEDx speaker on tech entrepreneurship for humanity.
Lottie Whyte is the Co-Founder & CEO of MyoMaster and talks about entrepreneurship.
Caitlin Rozario is the go-to voice on sustainable productivity.
Maya Raichoora is the visualisation guru, championing mental fitness for high-powered organisations.
Lara Sheldrake is the authority on community-building.
Danielle Wallington is a tech entrepreneur who breaks down fundraising for female founders.
And international keynote speaker, Stephanie Melodia delivers talks on the subjects of personal branding, male allyship, and funding more female founders.
Want more? Head to this open access directory of IWD speakers for your event.
Review speaker portfolios and content
Watch previous talks or presentations to assess the speaker's style and impact.
Request references or testimonials from past events.
Vibe check.
Ensure diversity in representation
Aim for a lineup of speakers that reflects diverse backgrounds, industries, and perspectives (e.g., intersectionality of race, gender, ability, and more).
Just like a puppy is not just for Christmas, female public speakers are not just for IWD! Avoid performative action by ensuring your efforts are reflected in meaningful ways at the organisation.
Prepare the speaker brief
Provide a comprehensive brief with event details, talk format, audience information, desired outcomes, and any specific topics to cover.
On a practical note, remember to also include logistical details such as venue location, parking, or virtual event platform links.
Check availability early
Contact potential speakers well in advance of IWD (8th March) to secure their availability.
Be mindful of their schedule during a period where demand for women-focused speakers is high.
Align expectations and deliverables
Clearly communicate the event’s format (e.g., keynote, panel discussion, Q&A session).
Share your expectations regarding the talk’s length, tone, and key takeaways.
Negotiate and confirm details
Agree on fees, deadlines for materials (e.g., bio, photo, or presentation slides), and logistical needs (e.g., AV equipment).
Have a written agreement or contract in place.
Plan for Q&A or Interaction
Ensure there’s time for the audience to engage with the speaker, whether through Q&A sessions or meet-and-greet opportunities.
Provide questions in advance if the speaker prefers pre-prepared interactions.
Promote the speaker effectively
Use your speaker’s bio, photos, and credentials in promotional materials to build excitement and credibility.
Coordinate with the speaker to amplify their participation on social media or through their network.
Follow up and express gratitude
Send a thank-you note or gift after the event to acknowledge their contribution.
Gather feedback from attendees on the speaker’s impact and share it with them.
Ranked as one of the UK's Top 20 Most Influential Female Founders, Stephanie Melodia is a keynote speaker whose areas of expertise cover entrepreneurship, branding & marketing. She has spoken at Web Summit, WeTransfer, LinkedIn, Collision, Harvey Nash Group, Elite Business Live, General Assembly, Small Business Britain, Enterprise Nation, and more. As an energetic and insightful speaker, both client & audience feedback is overwhelmingly positive from her sessions. Ex-CEO of the award-winning marketing consultancy, Bloom, Stephanie now hosts the UK Top 20 Business Show, Strategy & Tragedy; lectures MBA students in Entrepreneurship; consults a select few clients 1:1, and; continues to serve as VC scout for early-stage venture capital firm, Ada Ventures. She has a combined social media following of over 17,000.
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