A Masterclass In Outbound For Events with Amelia Ibarra

Session Overview

‍

Crafting and curating high-quality content starts first and foremost with your speaker training and speaker outbound.  

‍

Thoughtful speaker engagement not only enhances session quality but also drives the effectiveness of syndicated and distributed content, creating a ripple effect of value for your audience and your brand.

‍

Tune in for this exclusive masterclass with Amelia Ibarra, SVP and GM at SaaStr, as we delve into the transformative power of outbound for events. Amelia will share her proven strategies for elevating event quality through targeted speaker training and outbound efforts, and how SaaStr has mastered revving up the content flywheel through best-in-class content distribution. This session will equip you with actionable insights to harness the full potential of your speaker lineup and deliver unparalleled event experiences.

‍

In this session you’ll:

1. Understand how to craft a successful speaker outbound strategy that aligns with event goals and enhances session quality.

2. Learn best practices for training speakers to create engaging, impactful content that resonates across channels.

3. Explore strategies to maximize the value of session content through effective omni-channel distribution and syndication.

‍

Session Transcript

‍

Bryan Funk [00:00:00]

Welcome. I can't wait to dig into this session, a masterclass in outbound for events. Amelia has spent the last seven years at SaaStr and thrives at the intersection of events and content. To kick us off, I’d love to know your ethos and perspective on the connection between great outbound for events, from initial speaker outreach to post-event content syndication.

‍

Amelia Ibarra [00:01:00]

Thanks, Bryan. Great question. Everything is interconnected—speakers, content, marketing, and sales. It’s like a flywheel that’s constantly iterating. SaaStr was built as a community for SaaS founders. We’re not pitching a product; we’re vendor-neutral. That authenticity makes people choose SaaStr year after year. When it comes to outbound, it’s about adopting a sales mentality. The goal is to connect with the right person, at the right time, with the right message.

‍

Bryan Funk [00:03:00]

Your community-first approach is inspiring. Can you elaborate on how you adopt a sales mentality for speaker outbound?

‍

Amelia Ibarra [00:03:30]

Good outbound is good outbound, regardless of the audience. The key is being programmatic and strategic. Develop a target list and focus on quality outreach. For example, at SaaStr, we categorize our outreach: how many CEOs, founders, or AI experts do we want? We prioritize inclusivity and balance industry representation, ensuring diverse voices on our stages.

‍

Bryan Funk [00:06:00]

How do you balance your call for sessions (CFS) with outbound efforts?

‍

Amelia Ibarra [00:06:30]

We have a year-round submission process. People can submit on our website anytime, and it becomes a content feeder for future events. Outbound, however, is our way of targeting wish-list speakers—those who might not submit but would add significant value. It’s a mix of nurturing inbound interest while strategically pursuing key targets.

‍

Bryan Funk [00:08:00]

Do you track metrics for speaker outbound?

‍

Amelia Ibarra [00:08:30]

Absolutely. We measure outreach touchpoints and conversion rates. Metrics depend on the audience. For example, we analyze opens, clicks, and replies to emails. It’s important to research your target thoroughly. Spend time understanding what they’re promoting and align your pitch to their interests.

‍

Bryan Funk [00:10:00]

How do you craft an effective outbound email?

‍

Amelia Ibarra [00:10:30]

Be concise and make it about them. Start with flattery or context, like referencing a talk they gave. Include key event details like dates and location upfront. Provide clear benefits for them—audience size, promotional reach, and opportunities to showcase expertise. Personalize your outreach, and always link to relevant resources, like speaker briefs or event highlights.

‍

Bryan Funk [00:12:00]

Once a speaker is confirmed, how do you manage engagement and content planning?

‍

Amelia Ibarra [00:12:30]

Treat it as an ongoing process. From confirmation to stage, we engage speakers through prep calls, flexible scheduling, and tailored support. We accommodate their preferences, whether they want multiple rehearsals or minimal interaction. For high-profile speakers, we also coordinate logistics like security and transportation. It’s all about creating a seamless experience.

‍

Bryan Funk [00:16:00]

How does SaaStr excel in post-event content syndication?

‍

Amelia Ibarra [00:16:30]

The foundation is high-quality recordings. Be explicit with AV vendors about your deliverables. Record multiple angles and ensure audio clarity. Post-event, we rank sessions based on relevance, timeliness, and quality. Content is released strategically to maintain audience engagement and extend the event’s impact.

‍

Bryan Funk [00:20:00]

Do you have any final tips for event teams?

‍

Amelia Ibarra [00:20:30]

Iterate constantly and prioritize relationships. Whether it’s outbound or post-event syndication, focus on adding value for speakers and attendees. Collaboration, personalization, and adaptability make all the difference.

‍

Bryan Funk [00:23:00]

Thank you, Amelia, for sharing your insights. This has been a fantastic session. Thanks to everyone for joining, and we’ll see you at the next event!