It is frustrating. Often by the time you hear about a show or
event you would like to speak at, the speakers have already been
selected. That is because most event organizers do not want to
promote an event until their line-up is locked down.

However, according to consultant Bob Simee, there is a way around
this. "Speakers often drop out at the last minute, especially if
there's travel involved. All the bigger shows have drop-out
slots they have to fill. If you're on the spot and they know
you, you can walk into that slot."

Make a list of the top shows you would like to speak at, find out
who the speaker coordinator is, and start pitching them as a
replacement speaker. They will need your short bio, plus a list of
specific topics you can speak on. Pitch them now, and then call
again with a reminder about a week before the event.