In the world of public relations, attending industry events is no longer just an option, but a strategic piece for those who want to position themselves, generate new opportunities and build a credible and recognizable presence.
If you then choose to participate as a speaker, the impact is amplified as the live intervention becomes a true communicative act, capable of affecting three key levels of public presence: relational, professional and communicative.
And, as Chiara Guerritore, Events and Communication Manager at Ciaopeople, pointed out in an interview on our podcast "Beyond the Title," the live experience allows for much stronger bond building and creates more intense memories.
Real relationships, not just contacts
The strength of the events lies, first of all, in the possibility of "getting off the screen."
Speaking at an event allows for relationships to be established from multiple perspectives, where voice, body language, and context contribute to an experience capable of sticking in the mind. Interaction with the audience thus becomes an opportunity for active listening, for true dialogue, which often continues well beyond the onstage intervention.
Getting to know other speakers, participants and organizers in person, exchanging contacts, getting "live" feedback from your listeners-all these make the relationship more alive, more concrete.
It's not just about collecting business cards, but opening conversations that can turn into collaborations, press contacts, invitations to other events, or simply valuable new professional connections.
Talking to position yourself
Being chosen as a speaker at an event means being recognized as a leading voice in a particular field. It is a way to consolidate one's position, make one's expertise visible, but also to show their vision On key issues for the relevant industry.
Participation in events also provides the opportunity to reach new audiences: people who did not know your brand, but thanks to the speech they come into direct contact with your reality and your way of communicating. Sometimes, in those very minutes of speech, an important part of corporate reputation is at stake, because that is where the audience perceives professionalism, clarity, identity.
The more "informal" dimension of the events should not be underestimated either: opportunities to travel, learn about new realities and find out what is happening in your industry.
This also contributes to strengthen the professional background And to stimulate new ideas.
The communicative impact of a speech
On a communicative level, public speaking is a valuable and transformative experience.
It allows you to test your storytelling, observe reactions in real time, and understand what is understood and what is not. Audience feedback is a powerful indicator for those who want to improve their storytelling skills.
But there is more: a well-constructed intervention not only serves to convey content, it also serves to Conveying a broader vision of one's values: is a time when the brand speaks in a human voice, showing in a direct way who it is, what it does, and why it does it. This is also why many listeners decide to continue following the speaker after the event, through social, newsletters or corporate channels.
Now more than ever, in an increasingly noisy and digital ecosystem, the live dimension retains a unique value. Speaking at an event is not just a communicative act; it is a positioning gesture.
Being present is important, but getting heard the right way can make the difference between an occasional presence and a recognized identity. For those who work in PR, or for those who want to make it a strategic tool, industry events represent an opportunity not to be underestimated.