Sydney Eneremadu

In conversation with Sydney Eneremadu (Founder: The Africa Chatbot & Conversational AI Summit and The European Chatbot & Conversational AI Summit)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydney-eneremadu-5a759128/

Websites:

The main points from our conversation:

Understand Your Audience – Conference organisers prioritise speakers who align with their audience’s interests and industry trends. If you want to be selected, ensure your content is relevant and engaging for the event’s target audience.

Practical Experience Matters – Beyond theoretical knowledge, organisers look for speakers with hands-on experience, case studies, or real-world applications. Having unique insights or an innovative perspective increases your chances of being chosen.

Build an Online Presence – Many aspiring speakers lack a strong online footprint. Having a LinkedIn profile, articles, or recorded talks can help demonstrate credibility and expertise, making it easier for organisers to assess your potential.

Diversity and Representation are Key – There is a need for more African voices, particularly female speakers, in tech conferences. Organisers actively seek diverse perspectives, so underrepresented professionals should embrace speaking opportunities.

Take Initiative and Apply – Even if you lack prior speaking experience, submitting an application with a well-thought-out topic can help you get noticed. Some conferences offer support and guidance for first-time speakers to build confidence and exposure.

About our conversation:

In an era where artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are rapidly reshaping industries, it is crucial that Africa has a strong voice in shaping the future. However, much of the global conversation on technology is still dominated by voices from the Global North. The Africa Tech Authors & Speakers Forum aims to change that by empowering African professionals to share their insights through writing and public speaking. A recent discussion between Johan Steyn and Sydney Eneremadu shed light on the challenges and opportunities in this space, particularly for aspiring speakers in the technology sector.

The Role of Conferences in Shaping the Tech Landscape

Technology conferences are more than just gatherings; they are platforms for knowledge-sharing, networking, and shaping industry narratives. Sydney Eneremadu, an expert in conversational AI and the organiser of the Africa Chatbot & Conversational AI Summit, emphasised the importance of these events in Africa. He pointed out that they help bring together key stakeholders, including industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers, to discuss trends and innovations.

However, organising these conferences comes with challenges. Securing sponsorships remains a major hurdle, as many African-based companies are yet to fully recognise the importance of investing in AI and technology-focused events. Instead, support often comes from European organisations with a footprint in Africa. This highlights the need for stronger commitment from local businesses to support and nurture homegrown innovation.

The Challenge of Finding Speakers

A crucial aspect of a successful conference is selecting the right speakers. Organisers seek individuals who not only have expertise in their field but also understand the needs of the audience. According to Sydney, the selection process involves researching LinkedIn profiles, reviewing speaker applications, and ensuring a diverse mix of voices. However, one of the biggest challenges is finding new and underrepresented speakers, particularly women in tech.

Despite the presence of highly skilled African women in AI and related fields, many hesitate to take on speaking opportunities. Sydney’s team actively reaches out to female professionals, offering encouragement and support to help them step onto the stage. They also partner with organisations that advocate for women in technology, creating dedicated speaker tracks to promote diverse representation.

Advice for Aspiring Speakers

For those looking to break into the speaking circuit, Sydney shared some valuable advice. Many aspiring speakers lack an online presence, making it difficult for organisers to assess their suitability. Having a well-maintained LinkedIn profile, publishing articles, or sharing short talks online can significantly improve one’s chances of being selected.

Importantly, speakers do not need to have a wealth of prior experience. Conferences are increasingly open to giving new voices a platform, provided their topics are insightful and relevant. Sydney encourages first-time speakers to apply, assuring them that events like the Africa Chatbot & Conversational AI Summit are designed to nurture emerging talent.

Moving Forward

As AI and technology continue to evolve, it is essential that Africa’s voice is heard in global conversations. Through platforms like the Africa Tech Authors & Speakers Forum, African professionals have a unique opportunity to showcase their expertise, challenge existing narratives, and drive meaningful change. The key takeaway? Take the leap, share your knowledge, and help shape the future of technology on the continent.