Speaker Profile Categories

Profile Information Submissions

• Profile Updates Guide & Tool

  Please follow the profile updates guide and tool recommendations accessed through: speakerscanada.com/roster/profile-updates/. Review each category below to identify the information required before submitting.

• Word Documents & Forms

  If you have not already received them, we can provide Word documents or forms for each category. Forms are sent individually per category with your current content so you can update through the form for our review.

• One Email Thread Required

  All updates must be submitted and confirmed in one email thread with a cloud link to access the information. If submitting by Word document, ensure it is shared in one continuous email thread. Do not send multiple emails or change the subject line to avoid missed updates.

• Edit, Replace, or Addition

  When updating your profile it is essential that we know whether your update is an edit, a replacement, or an addition to what is currently on your profile. Please clearly indicate this for every item you submit.

• Review and Accept Process

  Once submitted, our team will review your update and either edit or accept the content. Accepted updates are submitted and auto-update across the full system including your speaker media kit and profile.

• Submit Information To

  profiles@speakerscanada.com. This applies to all categories including AV, speaker introduction, photos, videos, and all content to ensure your speaker media kit and profile stay updated correctly to standard at all times.

Content Strategy: When to Review & Update Your Profile

• 1

  Topics — Review & Update Annually in December

  Update topics in December to align with current trends and keywords saved from discovery calls and research. Maintain 2–6 general themes and 1–2 audience or industry specific topics that connect expertise to audience needs with industry demand and relevance.

• 2

  Videos — Review & Update Every 6–12 Months

  Assess your video library twice per year. Replace older clips with more recent, high-quality footage that reflects your current delivery, topics, and audience engagement. Pursue new recorded engagements and TEDx-equivalent talks as campaign priority.

• 3

  Testimonials — Review & Update Every 6 Months

  Rotate testimonials to reflect recent engagements and a mix of corporate, association, and government organizations. Target recognizable organizations and replace older testimonials as stronger, more current ones become available.

• 4

  Blogs & Media — Review Quarterly and Contribute Twice a Year

  Update written articles, podcast features, and media appearances quarterly. Prioritize the most viewed and most recent content. Remove outdated links and replace with current, relevant published material that reinforces your expertise.

• 5

  Photos — Review Annually & Update Every 1–3 Years

  Invest in a professional photographer every 2–3 years to refresh headshots and standing images. Ensure all photos meet platform standards for format, resolution, and professional presentation before submission.

• 6

  Biographies — Review & Update Annually in December

  Review all three biography versions each year to reflect new achievements, recent engagements, updated credentials, and current positioning. Ensure language remains relevant and aligned with the topics you are actively pitching.

• 7

  AV, Introduction & On-Site Requirements — Review & Update Before Each Season

  Confirm your A/V requirements, speaker introduction, and on-site logistics at the start of each event season. Update your SBC representative with any changes to dietary needs, travel preferences, or technical requirements.

• 8

  Fees & Value Adds — Review & Update Annually

  Be careful not to out price yourself, as speaking is a long term game. Please speak with your agent before major changes. Submit updated speaker fee schedule, local and virtual fees, travel standards, and value add inclusions once per year when fees change.

Image Standards

• Professional Photo Investment

  • Invest in a professional photographer every 2–3 years to update headshots
  • We have 1 main image uses on website and our marketing
  • We prefer to have 4 image options for the site and to include in your promotional materials
  • Submit multiple photo options within standards
  • Use different angles, attire, in different settings
  • Showcase your character and vibe in different shots
  • Professional headshots are required and most commonly used
  • Request photographer to provide portrait images in different file size versions and file type versions for different platforms

• File & Format Specifications

  • File Size: Under 500KB (max 1MB if smaller not available)
  • Image Ratio: 2:3
  • Minimum Width: 600px
  • Minimum Height: 900px
  • Format: PNG or JPG
  • At least 80px of space above the head
  • Color only — no black and white or filters
  • Main image should be a straight-on headshot
  • Above torso
  • Both shoulders in upper frame

• Main Image Standards

  • Portrait Headshot Image
  • Clear, High Definition
  • Looking at Camera
  • Standing or Sitting
  • Facing Forward
  • No Side Poses
  • Face in Upper Half Frame
  • Torso or Above in Lower Frame
  • Shoulders Visible on Both Sides
  • Equal Padding Space Left and Right Side of Arms
  • Hands Should Not Be Visible
  • Business or Business Casual Attire
  • No Accessories
  • No Hats
  • No Sunglasses
  • No Hands
  • No Mic or Other Items

• 3 Additional Images Standards

  • Portrait Images
  • Second Headshot Version
  • Headshots & Action Shots
  • Accessories Permitted
  • Business or Business Casual Attire

  Variation Elements

  • Attire & Background
  • Side Angles or Head On
  • Standing or Seated
  • Facing Forward or Natural Side Angle
  • On Stage or Business Setting
  • Indoors & Outdoors
  • Venue Setting & Interacting Audience

Biographies

• Highlight Bio

  Intro bio for website or social media post Pitch to clients in lists Include full name in first sentence 1 paragraph 4–5 sentences 100–110 words, 500–650 characters

• Short Bio

  Event program bio for bookings Individual pitch to clients Highlight Bio is used as paragraph 1 2–3 paragraphs 8–12 sentences per paragraph 200–400 words, 1,200–2,400 characters

• Website Bio

  Longer version for website Include full name in first sentence Use full name 9–12 times total 12–18 paragraphs 2 sentences per paragraph 400–750 words, 2,400–4,200 characters

• Content Strategy for Bio

  Update bio annually in December Align with current trends and keywords from client discovery calls Maintain balance of identity, background, credibility, and recognition Each version should reflect your current positioning and expertise

• Bio Writing Guidelines

  Written in third person throughout Use full name in the opening sentence of each version Short Bio: Paragraph 1 must be the Highlight Bio verbatim Keep language professional, outcome-driven, and audience-focused Avoid bullet points — write in full narrative paragraphs

Topic Descriptions

• Structure

  Create a clear, engaging title and subtitle that signal both expertise and relevance. Write in third person, use your name when you are solving the problem or at least once. Write 1–3 paragraphs with 3–4 full sentences per paragraph.

• Framing & Hook

  Open with a strong hook that frames the challenge, why it matters to audiences, and what they will take away. Keep sentences outcome-driven and engaging, leaving interest for conversation with event planners rather than listing deliverables.

• Style

  Avoid learning outcomes, outlines, or bullet points to maintain flow and narrative style. Do not specify presentation format. Use “In this session” or “In this presentation” instead of “In this keynote” or “In this workshop”. Use gender-neutral and inclusive language across all topics.

• Content Strategy for Topics

  Update topics annually in December to align with current trends and keywords drawn from client discovery calls. Maintain a balance of 2–6 general themes and 1–2 audience-specific or industry-tailored topics. Design each topic as a standalone pitch that can be read without additional context and still drive interest from decision makers.

• Audience Connection

  Ensure all topics connect expertise to audience needs by emphasizing relevance, application, and impact. Review and select categories for how you will appear in the Topics & Types search. Each topic should be able to be read independently and still demonstrate clear value.