How I Worked My Way Onto the Health Tech Conference Circuit
Going to industry conferences can be great learning and networking opportunities, and sometimes they’re fun, too. But what if you want to be on the stage instead of just listening in from the audience? I just wrapped a whirlwind week at #HealthTechX, #NXGN, and #BMJFutureHealth where I met loads of junior doctors, MBA students, patient advocates, and early-career operators who feel locked out of the speaker lineup.
It often feels like the same “usual suspects” are speaking, setting the agenda, and working the best rooms. So how do you get your foot in the door? Or should I say, feet on the stage?
Stand for something
Nobody gets invited just for being clever; they get noticed for having a point of view. Conferences invite speakers who deliver clear and memorable messages. They want their audience to learn, but more importantly, to be entertained.
To prove that you have a unique viewpoint worth hearing, start by publishing, posting, or building a community that aligns with key conference themes. You don’t need lengthy essays; you need a visible trail of thinking that aligns with topics organizers care about. When they look you up, they should see what you stand for.
Make some noise. Challenge assumptions. Tag the influencers you want to engage.
Ask early and ask with purpose
If a conference is in your area of interest, *ask* early to attend. Many events have freetickets or discounts for early-career folks, especially those with lived experience, grassroots credibility, or community involvement. If an event fits your interests, introduce yourself early. Explain who you are, why the event matters to you, and what you hope to contribute or learn. Be clear about what you offer, and ask with purpose.
Volunteer with intent
Panels are full of people who once ran mics (I sure did) and managed speaker check-in. Volunteering helps you meet organisers, understand the format, and be in the right place when someone drops out last-minute. The best organisers make it worthwhile for volunteers; if not, skip it. (I'm conscious this is an inherently inequitable opportunity for most).
Invest
When all else fails, buy a ticket. But don’t just show up unprepared. Use LinkedIn and event platforms to pre-book meetings, join mentoring sessions, and connect with speakers in advance. A cold pitch becomes a warm handshake if you’ve already said hello online.
During the conference, a thoughtful question or suggestion during the Q&A session can raise your profile at the event and ensure people want to talk to you during the breaks. (Just don't make a floor speech, don't plug, and remember to say your name and affiliation!)
Becoming part of the conference community is also a good way to get to know a conference, as each one has its own personality. And, it will make it much easier in the future to reach out and say “Hi, I’ve been going to your conference for three years now, and here’s why I’d make a great speaker next year!”
Be a pro
When you *do* get your shot, it's worth investing the time to practice your key talking points, perhaps including some public speaking coaching to ensure you hit your points crisply. Engage the audience, share your energy, and show you can excite the algorithm before/during/after.
Organizers want speakers who are clear, confident, and respectful of the room. Show that you can communicate well, bring energy, and connect with the audience, and you’ll be invited to even more conferences. Sharing highlights or clips afterward also helps reinforce that you can engage people beyond the stage itself.
Final thoughts
Conferences need new voices. Every organizer I know worries about panels and topics feeling repetitive. If you build a point of view, show up with purpose, and take every opportunity seriously, you’ll eventually find your way onto a stage. It takes persistence, but it’s far more achievable than it appears from the outside. Good luck!
