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[petethebody]

I am interested in how one gets invited to speak at a technical conference about patent law issues. 

Background: young associate at big firm looking to speak at a technical conference about issues in patent law.  How does one go about this?  Usually by the time a conference is announced, the speakers are already set.  An email to the board w/ a pitch?  Or is this one where you really do have to know somebody?   

[petethebody]

bump for the new week

[bleedingpen]

I am interested in how one gets invited to speak at a technical conference about patent law issues. 

Background: young associate at big firm looking to speak at a technical conference about issues in patent law.  How does one go about this?  Usually by the time a conference is announced, the speakers are already set.  An email to the board w/ a pitch?  Or is this one where you really do have to know somebody?   

It helps to know somebody, but an email might get you somewhere.

I think you have to start small so that you can have something on your resume.  Go speak at the IP section of your state bar on an IP related topic.  Then you can slowly fill up your resume to make it to bigger events.   

This isn't something that can be done overnight. 

[klaviernista]

Contacts are the key to speaking engagements.  Pick up the phone and start introducing your self to folks associated with a conference you want to speak at.  Mention your interest, but don't push it. 

Publications can also produce speaking engagements, because they help you become recognized as an expert in that particular area.

Teaching courses is another avenue, but you need a good deal of experience first.

Getting involved with your state bar organization is yet another avenue.

If you are in a smaller market, an easy way to get a speaking engagement is to generate one yourself.  I.e., talk to your local chamber of commerce and tell that that you want to hold a free seminar on basic IP law for local businesses.  That is also a good way to generate new business.

Best,

-Klav