welcome to the freedomfest speaker resource center

We’re excited to have you confirmed as a speaker for FreedomFest 2021 in Rapid City, South Dakota, July 21-24! If you have any questions during the onboarding process, please contact Director of Programming Matt Day.

To be properly onboarded, please  complete the following steps:

      1. Please make sure you have signed and returned your speaker agreement that Matt Day sent you.
      2. Please review your headshot and bio that is listed on the Speaker List. Please contact [email protected] with any updates.
      3. We will release the complete schedule closer to the event. At that time, please review ALL sessions you are scheduled for. If you have any conflicts, please contact [email protected] no later than 5/25.
      4. Make sure you register as a speaker, per the terms of the speaker agreement.
      5. Make sure your hotel room is booked per the terms of the speaker agreement. Please check out our room block for options.
      6. Make sure you flight is booked per the terms of the speaker agreement.
  • Prior to your arrival at FreedomFest, you will receive a FINAL DETAILS email approximately 3 weeks before the event with important arrival details.
  • All presentations should be dynamic and engaging with an emphasis on teaching through story. Visual aids, including PowerPoint, should contain maximum imagery and minimal text (eg. think TED talk vs classroom lecture).
  • While we encourage you to use the work you are doing to help tell a story, we advise you to refrain from overt sales pitches during any of your presentations. It’s our experience that the most popular sessions tie the session theme to the overall theme of the event.
  • Breakout sessions are scheduled for 50 minutes. Please leave at least 10 minutes for questions from the audience.
  • Main stage sessions vary in length. You must arrive and check in with the stage manager at least 30 mins before your session begins. Deliver any main stage presentation files on a thumb drive to the stage manager at that time.

For Our Panelists:

  • We intend our panels to be very conversational. Our moderators are there to promote engaging conversations.
  • We will connect all panelists in an email and we encourage you to discuss the panel structure and format ahead of time.
  • Matt Day, Programming Director for FreedomFest, is available to do a phone conference with any speaker who needs additional information about stylistic expectations.
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Prior to your arrival to FreedomFest, we will provide you detailed logistics information so your arrival is smooth. Please check back here two weeks before the event.

We would love for you to record a short video or write a brief message about your appearance at FreedomFest, share it as a post, and tag @TheFreedomFest and #FFest21. Below are a few best practices to follow so you look and sound your best:

  • Smart-phone videos are totally fine (and even preferred!)
  • Shoot your video in a landscape (horizontal) orientation
  • Video length: shoot for around 1 minute
  • Speak clearly and try to limit background noises like dishwashers or fans
  • Find your light! To make sure we can see you clearly, consider sitting near a window or table lamp.

If you would like additional promotional materials from us, please contact Hayley Aragona, Conference Coordinator, [email protected].

We have an active Media Row at FreedomFest and encourage our speakers to participate in interviews. We will reach out to ask if you are interested in doing interviews, and will provide that curated list to our media outlets to arrange interview opportunities directly with you.

To learn more, visit about our Media Row page or online Media kit.

1) Bring a laptop to display your breakout session presentation (aspect ration 4:3 for breakout rooms, 16:9 for Theater/Main Stage 2 and 3:1 for Barnett/Main Stage 1). VGA is preferred, but HDMI is also available. Cables for both will be provided.

All breakout sessions are 50 minutes long.  Main stage session presentations and panels vary in length – please check the agenda for your timeslot for main stage appearances.

2) Copy your presentation to a flash drive/USB in case something happens to your computer. The AV team will have a backup computer to upload your presentation from the flash drive in case of a laptop emergency. To be safe, have a back up!

3) Main stage presentation materials should be on a flash drive/USB to hand to the stage manager at least 30 mins before your main stage session begins. Be in the green room behind the main stage at least 30 mins before your main stage presentation.

4) If you have a Mac, please bring a VGA or HDMI adapter if you can. We will have 1 or 2 as back up if needed, but if you have your own to bring, please do.

5) If you plan to videotape your own session, please contact David Owen immediately (see contact information below) so that the tech crew is ready to assist you with the proper set up for your camera and tripod to their system.

6) The basic AV set up in each breakout room includes:

a) a projector with VGA and HDMI adapters/compatibility
b) screen
c) podium and table microphones
d) podium and panel table with chairs

The AV techs will be able to assist you with set-up if required.

There will be public wifi available throughout the conference meeting room space. If you need a dedicated or stronger wifi connection, contact David Owen with the information on the Exhibitor Information page of our website.

7) If you require something other than the basic set up (special lighting, audio playback, DVD player, etc) contact David Owen to arrange it right away. These special arrangements are your responsibility and at your cost.

David Owen
Production Manager
Rushmore Plaza Civic Center
Cell: 605-381-0233
Direct: 605-718-7103 ext. 7140
Email: [email protected]

contact us

Contact Matt Day, Director of Programming, at [email protected] or call 855-850-3733 ext 107 to discuss your speaking engagement at FreedomFest.