From Interior Pro to Industry Speaker: How to Get on an Industry Panel

Before we got really good at landing design panel spots for our clients, we were doing it all wrong. We used to think an impressive bio and a list of accolades were enough to get designers invited to speak. We’d fire off emails and wait for the offers to roll in... and they didn’t.

But over time, we figured it out. And now we help clients land meaningful, high-visibility speaking opportunities that position them as true industry thought leaders.

Here’s what we’ve learned (the hard way):

1) Timing is everything

Want to speak at High Point Market, or any major trade event? You need to start planning as soon as the last one wraps. Programming happens months in advance.
Yes, there are sometimes last-minute spots—someone drops out, a moderator scrambles to round out a panel—but don’t count on it. If you want to be strategic, early is everything.

2) Make it easy for people

Here’s the secret no one tells you: event organizers don’t want to come up with your panel idea.
They’re swamped. They’re often relying on you to bring them something that’s basically plug-and-play. That means:

• A clear, timely topic

• Suggested panelists

• A moderator who can actually steer a conversation

Show up with that—and you’re already ahead of 90% of the people pitching.

3) Fill a gap

The best way to stand out? Identify what’s missing.
Look at previous years’ schedules. What topics keep getting repeated? What’s not being talked about enough?

Go to events, pay attention to which conversations resonate (and which fall flat), then pitch something fresh that builds on what’s working while filling the holes in programming. To get selected, your pitch needs a hook. What’s timely about your topic? Is it connected to a new trend, a shift in the industry, or a larger cultural conversation? The “why now” matters just as much as the “why you.”

4) Programming opportunities

While most events have a main programming director or team, many brands also host their own panels and educational sessions. For example, Universal Furniture has an entire education room (shown in the video above) and offers programming throughout each day of Market.

5) Less about you; more about what you offer

Here’s the truth: people don’t connect with accolades. They connect with stories. You don’t need a fancy resume to be an effective speaker. You need a clear takeaway and a relatable narrative. My friend Jess gave a great TEDx talk on this very idea: it’s not about proving you’re impressive, it’s about being generous with your insight. Lead with a lesson, not a list of credentials.