When Did We Get So Lazy

There isn't a month that goes by that I don't get a request to submit my pitch for a session at an industry conference. When did content selection at industry conferences get so lazy?

Here's how it should go. A committee made up of veterans and padawans should get together a month or so after the last event, review what worked and what didn't...and map out the topics they most want to explore at the next event. Since we all go to a boatload of events, we should all be able to suggest speakers we've loved that we haven't yet had at our event and fill up the majority of the agenda with them. What's left on the checkerboard? Yeah, let the vendors fill those spots. 

But, let's not let vendors dictate the agenda, eh?

You want me to share my take at your event? Don't expect me to submit a session idea or proposal...because it simply isn't going to happen. Because I'm not selling.

And (here's a pro tip), your attendees don't want to be sold to either.