Apply to Speak

The Proving Stage gives professional speakers something increasingly difficult to find: a live, in-person opportunity to prove what you can do in front of people who actually hire speakers.

Nine speakers across AI, Leadership and Mental Health will each have 20 uninterrupted minutes to deliver a polished Showcase Presentation, while industry panelists and the audience experience their ability to engage, inspire and transform an audience in real time.

This is your opportunity to move beyond the speaker reel and prove you’re worth hiring.

How to Apply to Speak on the Proving Stage

The Proving Stage is not a pay-to-speak event, but there is a one-time application fee to be considered for a speaking slot. Every speaker must apply, be reviewed, and earn one of the nine available positions on the stage. Here’s the process to go from applicant to potentially proving what you can do live and in person on Friday, October 2, 2026...

Step 1: Decide that You Will Attend the Entire Event on Friday, October 2, 2026

Whether you are selected to speak on our stage or not, make sure your schedule is clear for the entire day so that you can be present for this event. You'll see a checkbox in the registration form that you are committing to do so. We are also requiring each main stage speaker (once selected) to bring five or more attendees. This shouldn't be difficult. This is a major speaking event for your career! Invite your family, friends, co-workers, mentors, coaches, and clients to come see you speak. Their paid attendance will contribute to both charities we are supporting with this event: Food of the Rockies (also supported by Meetings Industry Council) and the venue's charity Pack the Future.

Food Bank of the Rockies Charity Logo
Pack the Future Charity Logo

Step 2: Pay the Application Review Fee by No Later than Midnight, September 6, 2026

Submit the $50 one-time (non-refundable) application review fee to begin the selection process. Your fee covers your admission to the even if you are not selected to present on the main stage. Half of your payment is your contribution to having an in person venue for the day. $15 will be donated to Food Bank of the Rockies from our umbrella company, Here Next Year, LLC, in collaboration with MIC (Meetings Industry Council).


Lunch services are offered by the venue in their cafe so we'll give you a $10 coupon when you arrive to use for food and beverage. You're welcome (and encouraged) to purchase more as proceeds from all cafe purchases will be donated to Pack the Future, which provides funds to school teachers who spend an average of $200/month out of their own pocket to educate children.

Applicants may also be eligible for additional recognition from the stage, on screen and prizes offered by our strategic partners. There may be additional spontaneous opportunities throughout the day for brief stage time. The first to get those opportunities will be speakers who applied to present and submitted video samples.

Step 3: Submit the Written Speaker Details form by Midnight, September 11, 2026

After you register, you'll immediately be brought to a Google Drive form where we'll ask you about which topic category you want to speak within (AI, Leadership or Mental Health). Plan to just knock this part out right after sign-up so that it's done. So, login to your Google account before checkout so you're ready to roll.

Step 4: Send a 5-Minute Sample Video of What You Would Speak About for 20 Minutes by No Later than Sunday, September 13.

Login to your Zoom account, "stand" in front of your computer or phone and record an "uncut" 5-minute sample video of what you would speak about if selected for our main stage for a 20-minute Showcase.

Sure, we're looking for expertise, but we also want to see your charisma, humor and storytelling capability and MOST importantly your "premise" to describe the problem you solve and your "promise," which is a description of your solution. Include a case study overview of a person you've helped to fulfill your promise. These are the exact components people who hire speakers are looking for.

Step 5: Complete a Selection Interview

Potential finalists will be invited to a short Zoom conversation with The Proving Stage team.
This gives us an opportunity to learn more about you, your presentation intention and your readiness to perform at a professional showcase level.

Step 6: Receive Selection Notice

Nine speakers will be selected: three in AI, three in Leadership and three in Mental Health.
Selection is based on the speaker, presentation, audience value, stage readiness and overall fit for the event.

Step 7: Determine Desired Add-ons

Would you like a speaker coach to help you make this the best 20-minute speech you've ever given?
Would you like raw footage video of your speech?
Would you like still shots from the photographer of you on stage speaking?
Would you like video testimonials from the audience?

These are all options available to you after you are given a spot on the main stage. We're really trying to make this a true "showcase event" and not a pay-to-speak opportunity like everyone else tries to do.

Step 8: Prepare Your 20-Minute Showcase

Selected speakers prepare, rehearse and polish a presentation designed to demonstrate what they could deliver for a paying client. This isn't a practice speech. Your goal is to make the people who hire speakers think: "I need to hire this speaker for my next event!"

Step 9: Deliver Your 1st Cut Speech on Zoom

Two September dates will be provided for you choose between for delivering your entire 20-minute speech to a small group of advisors. You'll gain confidence that your speech will rock the house! And, we'll give you some final tweaks to consider before show day.

Step 10: PROVE IT! LIVE and In Person!

Take The Proving Stage for 20 minutes, in real time, with no second take. Judges who hire speakers and the live audience experience exactly what you can do onstage.

FAQS

Is it Really Only $50 to Speak?

Yes! We wouldn't charge anything if we could, but this is really the only way to weed out fake applications.

Can I Get a Refund if I Submit a Sample Video but Do Not Get Selected as One of the 9 to Speak on the Main Stage?

No, but don't worry. We will find other ways throughout the program to help you get visibility for a full ROI. Make sure you can be fully present at the event for the entire day, Friday, October 2, 2026, before paying the application fee.

Is Coaching Provided?

YES! We want your 20-minute Showcase to be the most impactful as possible! Once you are selected, you will be paired with a coach at no additional charge. If you're already employing a speaker coach, that's fine too.

What is the Sample Video Submission Process?

After you apply, you will be brought to a Google Drive form to complete a short questionnaire where you'll choose the speaker category you are applying for. Then, you will have until September 13, 2026, to submit your 5-minute Sample Video. We prefer you upload the video to your own YouTube channel and send us the link. But, sending a Zoom links is fine too.

Will There Be a Dress Rehearsal if I am Selected for a 20-Minute Speaking Slot?

Yes. There will be an in person opportunity for you to present your entire 20-minute speech in person the Saturday before the show at a location you'll be made aware of if selected (not the show venue, but nearby). We will also offer a speech review session by Zoom if you're not able to make the Saturday in person run through. On show day, there will be a brief sound and slides check.

Will I Get Video and Pictures of Me Speaking?

We will be recording and photographing the entire show for our own legal purposes and for promotions of future shows. You will be offered options later for how you may obtain video and still photos of you presenting on stage. Note: There will be no cell phone recording or still photography or personal video crews allowed from anyone in the audience.

Can I Use Slides in My Presentation?

The choice is yours.