The Hidden Costs of Speaking at eLearning Conferences (And Why Adobe Gets It Right)

If you're an eLearning professional, you've probably considered speaking at an industry conference. The benefits are clear—networking, visibility, and the opportunity to share your expertise with a wider audience. But what often goes unspoken is the financial burden that speakers shoulder just to be part of these events.

The Reality of Speaking at eLearning Conferences

Many conferences issue a call for proposals, inviting experts to submit session ideas. If selected, speakers receive the opportunity to present at the event—but with no financial compensation. Here’s what the process typically looks like:

Step 1: Submitting a Proposal

You spend time crafting a compelling session, ensuring it aligns with the conference’s theme. This takes effort, strategy, and usually at least an hour or more of writing and refining. Once submitted, it’s a waiting game to see if your session is accepted.

Step 2: Traveling to the Conference

Unlike corporate-sponsored attendees, speakers usually have to pay their own way to the conference. And these events aren’t held in budget-friendly locations—they’re in major cities like Orlando, Las Vegas, or New Orleans, where flights and accommodations come at a premium. A round-trip flight often starts at $400 or more.

Step 3: Staying at the Conference

To make the most of the experience, speakers often stay at the official conference hotel, which ensures easy access to sessions, networking events, and keynotes. Even with a modest rate of $100 per night (which is rare), a three-night stay adds up to at least $300.

Meals add to the cost, too. While conferences may provide breakfast and lunch, dinners are typically an out-of-pocket expense—easily totaling $150+ over three days.

The “Compensation” Many Conferences Offer

In return for their expertise, speakers are often given a complimentary conference pass. But let’s be honest—this costs the event organizers nothing. They’re profiting from the ticket sales of paying attendees, and the content that speakers provide is a major draw for those attendees. Yet, speakers still end up investing hundreds (or thousands) of dollars to be there.

This raises a fair question: Is it worth it?

Why Adobe Stands Out

Unlike many eLearning conferences, Adobe values its speakers in a way that acknowledges their contributions. When you speak at an Adobe-hosted event—like the Adobe Learning Summit—you’re not just given a free pass. Adobe compensates speakers for their time and effort. This means that presenters aren’t left footing the bill for travel and accommodations just to share their expertise.

This approach sets Adobe apart. By offering compensation, they’re demonstrating that they respect the value that speakers bring and recognize the importance of supporting the professionals who contribute to the success of their events.

Should Speakers Push Back?

There’s a growing conversation in the eLearning community about whether we should stop accepting unpaid speaking engagements that require out-of-pocket expenses. After all, professionals in other industries (marketing, tech, etc.) often receive speaker stipends or travel reimbursement.

If more speakers held conferences accountable and demanded better compensation, we might see a shift in how these events operate. Until then, it’s worth considering:

• Seeking sponsorships from vendors to offset costs

• Prioritizing events that offer real benefits beyond visibility

• Negotiating with organizers—you never know if they have an unspoken budget for speaker expenses

• Focusing on conferences that truly invest in their speakers, like Adobe’s events

Final Thoughts

Speaking at conferences is a privilege, but it shouldn’t come at a personal financial loss. If we want the industry to thrive, we need to advocate for fair compensation—and Adobe’s model proves that it’s possible.

If you’re an eLearning professional considering a conference speaking gig, take a close look at what you’re getting in return. Visibility is great, but financial sustainability matters, too.

What do you think? Should eLearning conferences start compensating speakers more fairly? Let’s start the conversation.

Why You Should Speak at the Adobe Learning Summit 2025

I've had the privilege of presenting at numerous eLearning conferences, but the Adobe Learning Summit (ALS) is my favourite. If you want to expand your expertise in learning and development, I strongly encourage you to step onto the stage and share your knowledge at ALS 2025.

Public speaking enhances credibility and opens doors to career growth, new opportunities, and invaluable networking, but the Adobe Learning Summit has other benefits you should consider.

Get Paid to Share Your Expertise

Many conferences offer speakers a complimentary pass—an incredible benefit, considering some events charge up to $1,600 for admission. However, Adobe goes a step further. When your proposal is accepted, you will get free access to the Adobe Learning Summit and be paid to present. Even better? Unlike other conferences where you're responsible for your accommodation, Adobe covers your hotel stay during the event. I travel round-trip from Toronto, and between the speaking compensation and hotel coverage, Adobe made the event profitable for me—the only conference where that's been the case.

Connect with Like-Minded eLearning Professionals

ALS isn't just about sessions and workshops and building relationships. You'll meet fellow Captivate users, instructional designers, and learning professionals who share your passion here. My first Adobe conference was a game-changer—I met my eLearning heroes, and now they're friends and trusted colleagues. The compensation is excellent, but what about the networking and friendships you gain? That's priceless.

Exclusive Speaker Perks

As a speaker, you get access to exclusive events like private cocktail receptions and speaker dinners—where you can connect with Adobe's key staff and other industry leaders in a relaxed setting. I'm now on a first-name basis with many members of the Adobe eLearning team, and when I need guidance, they're just a message away. Plus, Adobe ensures that all conference attendees are well taken care of during the conference. Expect hot buffet meals, not the standard boxed lunches at other events.

Gain Knowledge and Inspiration

Beyond presenting your session, you'll have full access to the summit, where you can attend hands-on workshops, discover new technologies, and learn from industry experts. ALS also gives you a front-row seat to exclusive sneak peeks at what's next for Adobe Captivate, letting you stay ahead of the curve.

Experience the Best of Las Vegas

After a day of learning and connecting, you can explore Las Vegas. Whether you're looking for world-class entertainment, fine dining, or iconic attractions, ALS is more than just a conference—it's an experience. It's common to go out to dinner with your new friends and colleagues and enjoy a fun and exciting evening in Las Vegas.

How to Submit a Proposal

The speaker application is now live! Apply here:

https://adobe-learning-summit.elearning.adobeevents.com/speaker-application

When crafting your proposal, consider the following:

What unique insights can you share about Adobe Captivate? Passion drives engagement, and sharing something you've personally discovered or mastered makes for a compelling session.

What's trending in 2025? In past years, hot topics included responsive design, gamification, and video learning. In 2025, AI is at the forefront. If you can tie AI into your session, you'll capture the selection committee's attention and fill your session with eager attendees looking to learn from you.

This is your chance to elevate your career, get paid to speak and connect with the best minds in eLearning. Submit your proposal today! I hope to see you there.

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