Free SME Guidelines Resources

Representation isn’t optional, it’s strategic.
This quick-start guide outlines key strategies for assembling expert panels that reflect true diversity: across identity, experience, and perspective. Whether you're planning a CEU, conference, market, or leadership event, this tool helps ensure your speaker lineup reflects your values.

What You'll Learn:

- What “diverse” actually means (beyond optics)
- How to proactively source and invite a wider range of voices
- Questions to ask when evaluating panel balance
- Mistakes to avoid when engaging speakers from marginalized communities
- Ethical considerations for inclusion and compensation

Use it to:

• Design CEUs or events that reflect real-world experiences

• Build inclusive conference panels or discussion groups

• Embed equity into the speaker planning process

• Share with teams who book or curate public-facing experts