That said, if someone was interested in finding some folks who want help, I'd recommend contacting a local speakers bureau or your local chapter of the National Speakers Association. http://www.nsaspeaker.org/

Devon, you sound like me. I'm looking a few months out, too. 🙂

Paula, I mean that companies willing to spend money to send their employees to conferences aren't afraid to spend money, and they might value writing because they're showing a pattern of spending in order to gain knowledge and grow their businesses. No, I'm not suggesting writing up things in order to help attendees gain info – they're already there doing that. I'm saying their companies are showing signs of spending in order to gain a competitive edge.

Jake, you've just proven my point that resumes aren't dead. 🙂 How did you contact your first speaker?

The other good thing is that, once you've helped one speaker, they are a good referral source.

I really like idea #4. I deal with a lot of marketing and PR people in various associations, so I probably have a huge untapped resource.

I've done #5 (it was better back in the days when magazines paid travel expenses), but it can also work on a speculative basis if you stick with local events to save on hotel and airfare. I've attended random trade shows in Chicago, sent queries when I got home and landed several assignments for multiple publications. Sure, my feet were so sore for the next week that I couldn't bear to wear shoes, but that's a small price to pay since I'm used to constant foot pain.

My marketing has fallen by the wayside, and I need to get back on top of it. February's nicely booked, but I'll have a very lean March if I don't get my act together.

Thanks for the suggestion. It's a great idea!

I think associations are a market worthy of explanation. Many of them are laying off staff or firing their expensive agencies because of the economy. That's going to leave a nice, freelancer-sized opportunity wide open.