Take the Stage at Demand & Expand: Session Speaker Applications Are Now Open
Demand & Expand is gathering the most forward-thinking B2B marketers in San Francisco this May 18-20, and we’re thrilled to open the call for session speaker pitches.
If you’re the go-to person in your network for demand generation strategy, GTM Ops insights, or lifecycle marketing breakthroughs, this is your chance to bring those ideas to the big stage. Maybe you’ve been sharing your expertise on podcasts, at meetups, or through blog posts and are ready to step in front of 600+ fellow practitioners. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment, this is it.
Not sure what a Demand & Expand session speaker is?
Each year, our committee hand-selects industry leaders to deliver keynote talks. These slots are invite-only, but we know the B2B marketing community is full of sharp, creative, and battle-tested practitioners with insights worth sharing.
Enter our session speaker program.
We’ve set aside ten 20-minute presentation spots for emerging voices and bold ideas. These talks are consistently among the highest-rated sessions at D&E and a great way to build credibility on the speaking circuit. If you have a standout concept, a powerful lesson, or a tactical playbook to share, we want to hear it.
Ready to pitch? Here’s everything you need to know.
How to submit
Submit your pitch through the session speaker form. Please send only one talk—the one you’re most passionate about. Your topic should fit within one of our four tracks (Demand, PLGTM, Expand, or GTM Ops) and be something you can effectively cover in 20 minutes. Sales pitches will not be considered.
Pro tip: Keep your proposal actionable and highlight the specific learning outcomes attendees will gain from your session.
Deadline: Submissions close Friday, January 16, 2026, at 5 p.m. PT. No exceptions.
If selected, you must present in person on May 19 or 20, 2026, at Demand & Expand in San Francisco. (Speakers will be responsible for their own travel and accommodation.) Incomplete submissions cannot be considered, and all decisions are final. All speakers must adhere to the Demand & Expand Code of Conduct.
Our internal team reviews every submission and will contact you if your pitch is accepted. While we will work as quickly as we can to make our decisions, the volume of applications means we cannot provide individualized feedback.
What do speakers receive?
As a session speaker, you’ll receive:
- A 20-minute slot on the Demand & Expand stage
- A complimentary conference ticket (refund or transfer available if you already purchased one)
- Support and feedback during your presentation development to help you deliver an unforgettable talk
- A few extra surprises we’ll reveal along the way
How we select our speakers
Our committee of experienced operators, speakers, and subject matter experts, together with the team from MarketingOps.com, evaluates every pitch. We review topics for originality, relevance, and fit with our audience and programming needs.
We also look at the full picture of your proposal. Links to past decks, videos, or written content help us better understand your presentation style, though they aren’t required.
How to make your pitch stand out:
- Keep your content tightly aligned to B2B marketing and our four tracks. Actionable is always better than theoretical.
- Be clear about audience value. Spell out the specific takeaways attendees will leave with and why they matter.
- Review past agendas from PLGTM Summits, MarketingOps SpringFling or track descriptions on the D&E website to ensure your topic is fresh and relevant.
- Invest in your pitch instead of campaigning for votes on social media. The content itself is what counts.
- Include links to past speaking or content examples if you have them.
Leading up to Demand & Expand
If your pitch is selected, our team will guide you through every step leading up to your presentation. Whether you’re stepping on stage for the first time or you’re a seasoned speaker, we’re committed to helping you deliver your strongest talk yet.
Here’s how we support you:
- Topic refinement
- Help shaping your title and description
- Feedback on outlines and drafts
- Presentation best practices tailored specifically to the D&E stage
- A comprehensive show guide
- Opportunities to practice with our team
- Full deck review
- A backstage and stage tour the day before the event to meet the A/V crew and preview your content on the big screen
- An expert A/V team supporting you throughout your presentation
We’re excited to see what you propose. Good luck.