While I think Michelle is awesome.

If organizers can’t find talent in their cities/regions then the issue is with the organizers.
I remember the time when WordCamps were about the local community. Not having WordCamp Miami having speakers from California, Washington or Alaska. THIS IS JUST AN EXAMPLE. WordCamp Miami should look at the Miami area for speakers.

Certain speakers that go from WordCamp to WordCamp speaking are really promoting themselves. Taking the spot of local talent.

It could also help to PAY speakers. Oh em gee, I just committed the biggest sin by suggesting it. People come from different financial backgrounds. Even an honorarium. Many conferences pay the speakers. Having to fly/drive/take bus/train/etc…costs money then hotel accommodations, meals? That could easily cost $1,000 depending on where you go.

So much talent can’t come speak. It shouldn’t cost speakers money to speak.

Same for local meetup groups, renting a room can cost money.

I am not the first nor the last to suggest this. Though the whole travel and hotel costs can be saved by having local talent I guess. Instead of someone from NYC speaking in LA or Tucson speaking at Buffalo. Etc…

Some of the more “popular” people speak at events. I volunteered at WCTO years ago, had a wonderful time. I never applied to speak at WCTO or other WCs. I honestly have no idea.

Anyways, maybe it would encourage if not the same rotating people speak at WordCamps all the time?

I can’t remember the year but I saw Michelle speak at WCTO and I think I did the zoom thing for her local meetup groups. I was going around trying different communities.

I am not saying this about Michelle but I hope in any of these kind of projects, the “populars” are not given preference.

Give others a chance. I can’t remember the last time I saw an Eastern European or Latino speak at WordCamps (both my ancestries).