When planning events, landing influential speakers can drive attendance and deliver valuable content. Follow these detailed steps to identify and attract top speakers:

1. Define your target audience and desired outcomes. 
    Tools: Create audience persona profiles and list goals and key takeaways.
    Tip: Having clear objectives will guide your ideal speaker criteria.

2. Research speakers aligned with your topic/industry.
    Tools: Speaker databases (SpeakerHub, eSpeakers), industry publications, social media (Twitter/#SpeakerSearch, LinkedIn), and speaker videos.
    Tip: Assess credentials, presence, audience reviews/social proof. 

3. Leverage your networks at events.
    Tools: Networking events, industry conferences, meetups, and professional associations.
    Tip: Attend in person to connect and ask for speaker recommendations from your circle.

4. Invite potential speakers to your community events.
    Tip: Hosting speakers at micro-events builds relationships and lets you evaluate their fit before bigger commitments.

5. Create a compelling speaker opportunity overview.
    Tips: Highlight event mission, anticipated attendance, audience demographics, and speaking perks like recording/promotion.

6. Manage speaker pipeline and communications by implementing a system.
    Tools: Speaker management CRM (SpeakerHub, StreamGo, Google Forms/Sheets, Airtable), email marketing integration. 
    Tips: Track submissions, vet speakers, and centralize communications. Automate personalized email sequences. If rejected, turn it positive by asking for referrals or future consideration.

Attracting top-tier speakers requires a strategic mix of research, networking, relationship-building, and seamless operational management. Leverage the tools and tips outlined above to curate a speaker lineup that excites your audience and delivers immense value.