SMX Next: Submit your speaker pitch now
SMX Next returns on November 18 as an online conference. The event targets search marketing professionals who want to navigate today's complex search landscape and master the tactics that will matter in 2027 and beyond. If you are up to date on SEO, PPC, and AI-powered search and enjoy sharing knowledge, you can submit a session pitch now. The deadline is August 7.
Search marketing is not just changing incrementally—it has evolved into an entirely new field. SMX Next brings together the topics that practitioners in agencies, in-house teams, and consulting roles deal with daily: from AI Overviews and paid search automation to strategic questions around data, trust, and visibility.
Why SMX Next matters for SEO and PPC teams
The conference addresses two central pillars of modern search marketing. On the SEO side, the focus is on AI Overviews, search everywhere optimization, and autonomous AI agents that browse the web on behalf of users. Trustworthiness, digital authority, and precise alignment with search intent carry even more weight than in classic ranking strategies.
In PPC, generative AI and deep automation are driving unprecedented personalization. At the same time, marketers face new challenges: How do you maintain strategic control, protect data privacy, and prevent budget waste? SMX Next aims to deliver answers—not as theory, but as actionable tactics for 2027.
Call for speakers: Who can apply?
Organizers are looking for subject matter experts who can share insights, strategies, and concrete approaches that help SEO and PPC marketers succeed in the years ahead. Experienced speakers are welcome—as are practitioners who have developed something new and want to present on a major stage for the first time.
New voices with diverse perspectives and proven real-world experience are actively sought. SMX thrives on exchange between agency, in-house, publisher, and tool-side professionals. If you have a fresh perspective on automation, AI search, or measurable campaign optimization, consider submitting a pitch.
Deadline and submission process
Session proposals must be submitted by August 7. Details on the application process are available on the official SMX speaking page from Marketing Land Events. Alternatively, profiles can be created directly in the Third Door Events dashboard and pitches uploaded there. For questions, Kathy Bushman is available at kathy.bushman@semrush.com.
Five tips for compelling session pitches
A strong proposal convinces through clarity, depth, and actionability—not buzzwords. Organizers offer the following guidelines for successful submissions:
- Present an original idea: Focus on advanced, forward-thinking topics or unique frameworks not commonly covered at other search events.
- Emphasize actionability: Explicitly describe what attendees will be able to do better, faster, or differently after your session.
- Bring the data: Back up your theories with case studies or specific examples and show scalable learnings for different organization sizes.
- Keep it focused: Be realistic about what you can cover in 30 minutes. Depth on a narrow topic beats a broad overview.
- Provide tangible takeaways: Ensure attendees leave with a clear action plan or framework they can implement immediately.
Topic areas that fit SMX Next well
Sessions that explore the intersection of organic and paid search are especially in demand. That includes strategies for visibility in AI Overviews, technical SEO adjustments for AI crawlers, measurement concepts for generative search surfaces, and paid search automation with clear governance rules.
Privacy-first marketing, consent management in conversion tracking, and responsible use of AI in content and campaign production also fit the program. If you can show how teams achieve significant efficiency gains despite less data, you have a strong chance of securing a slot.
| Area | Example topics | Expected benefit |
|---|---|---|
| SEO & AI search | AI Overviews, search everywhere, AI agents | Strengthen visibility and trust signals |
| PPC & automation | Generative ads, smart bidding, waste prevention | Control and efficiency in campaigns |
| Strategy & data | Privacy, attribution, cross-channel measurement | Informed decisions despite data gaps |
How to prepare your pitch
Start with a clear problem statement: What specific challenge does your session solve? Then formulate three to five learning objectives that should be achieved after 30 minutes. Add examples from practice—ideally with before-and-after metrics or a step-by-step framework.
Avoid pure product demos without strategic value. SMX seeks independent expertise that helps the industry. If you have tested similar content at smaller events or in internal training, reference that and show the format works.
Online format on November 18
SMX Next takes place entirely online. That makes participation easier for international speakers and attendees, but sets high expectations for presentation quality, pacing, and interaction. Pitches should briefly outline how you will structure a remote session and engage participants—for example through live polls, Q&A blocks, or practical checklists.
For SEO and PPC professionals who want to showcase their expertise while staying at the pulse of the industry, the SMX Next speaker pitch is a key opportunity. The August 7 deadline marks the last day for submissions—if you have compelling, data-backed, and focused session ideas, now is the time to act.
