introduction speech for conference

Event Website Publish a modern and mobile friendly event website.
Registration & Payments Collect registrations & online payments for your event.
Abstract Management Collect and manage all your abstract submissions.
Peer Reviews Easily distribute and manage your peer reviews.
Conference Program Effortlessly build & publish your event program.
Virtual Poster Sessions Host engaging virtual poster sessions.
Customer Success Stories
Wall of Love ❤️

Welcome Speech for a Scientific Conference: Examples & Tips

Published on 15 Feb 2022

Having a well written welcome speech that you’re confident about goes a long way in overcoming public speaking nervousness.

A great welcome speech sets the tone for the conference. It makes everyone feel welcome and creates the appropriate environment for the exchange of knowledge. The speech should broadly outline the contents of the event and, most importantly, make everyone feel excited for what’s to come.

In this article, you will find our best tips to create a successful welcome speech and some examples with analysis for inspiration.

Quick Tips for a successful welcome speech

Formal vs. informal language.

The first thing you should decide is whether you want to use formal or informal language. For larger events that include scientists of various fields where everybody might not know each other, you may want to use formal language. For smaller yearly conferences for researchers in your field where most people know each other, it’s common to use informal language.

I find that, in general, a rather informal or casual speech is more successful. That way you set the tone and bring everyone to the same level, promoting questions, comments, and socialization during the event.

Greet and welcome everyone

Start with a warm welcome. As alluded before, this can range from very formal (“Good morning to all attendees”) to informal (“Hello and welcome, everyone!”). These will be your first words, so you need to grab everyone’s attention—use a clear, strong voice.

A smile goes a long way to make everyone feel welcome and in a good mood. Make eye contact as you start addressing the room.

It can be great to inject a bit of humor, if appropriate. It could be something as simple as, “We are lucky to be in such a beautiful location with so many beaches close by. I hope that is not the main reason you’re here!”.

Talk about the event’s history and purpose

Is it a first-time event, a yearly conference put on by a scientific organization? In any case, you’ll want to mention the motivation behind the conference, what brings you together. If the event is related to a specific organization, you can mention its history and purpose.

Mention any distinguished guests

It is common for scientific conferences to have one or more distinguished guests or speakers. Mention them and thank them for accepting the invitation to participate. Make sure you have their names, credentials and affiliations correct.

Thank creators and/or organizers

If the event is being held for the first time, thank the creators by name. Give some words of appreciation to the organizing committee. You don’t need to mention every single person involved, but rather the essential ones.

State the main topic(s)

Mention the main topic(s) of the conference, the common interests for all attendees. For annual conferences of scientific organizations, a specific subject within the field is usually chosen for each year. For example, for an annual meeting of an immunology organization, the year's topic could be “Infectious Diseases” or “Immunotherapies.”

Touch on the agenda

Briefly outline the event’s agenda. You can mention whether there will be sessions with specific (sub)topics, poster presentations, spaces for exchange and networking. Don’t get into too many details. You can direct people to the conference brochure, if there is one, for specifics on the schedule.

Motivate everybody

End your speech on a high note by getting everyone excited about the talks to come. Highlight all the strengths of the conference: any high-impact research that will be shown, the variety of topics that will be covered, the great number of attendees, the different countries represented.

Introduce the first speaker

If the first speaker follows your welcome speech, don’t forget to introduce him or her. Introduce them with their full name and credentials and give a brief description of their career achievements.

Rehearse a few times

Practice with colleagues and friends to get some feedback and familiarize yourself with your speech. You want to be familiar enough that you don’t need to look down at your notes constantly. However, don’t over rehearse. You don’t want to sound robotic, but rather natural and conversational.

Be sure you know how to pronounce all the names in your speech. Make eye contact with the audience and with specific attendees as you mention their names.

Keep it brief

In general, you should keep your speech short, usually around 5 minutes. Consult with the organizing committee so you know how long they expect you to talk.

In-person vs. virtual event

Virtual events are very common right now and likely will be for a while. This creates some challenges when giving a welcome speech. Making eye contact with the attendees is not possible when you’re on a video call. That being said, you can still give a great speech and get people excited virtually. Just make sure that people can clearly see and hear you before you start.

Welcome speech examples

1. welcome and opening remarks - 2015 coast/ssew symposium.

In the above example of opening remarks for a scientific symposium , the speaker starts by welcoming everyone with a smile and lots of eye contact. It seems the attendees are in the same field of research and among familiar faces. Accordingly, her language is informal. She adds a bit of humor when she talks about collecting money in a bowl.

She follows by explaining the origin of the organization that the symposium is for, along with the main topics that will be covered. In the middle, she asks the audience some questions to keep them engaged. Finally, she creates positive expectations by presenting a “sneak peek” of brand-new research and mentioning “leaders” in the field of microbiome.

2. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering Welcome Speech

Read this welcome speech for an annual international conference.

This seems to be a scientific conference with attendees from various countries and from a broad range of fields. The formal language used is therefore appropriate. The speaker welcomes the attendees and introduces the distinguished keynote speakers.

The origins and goals of the conference are outlined. He broadly describes the topics that will be discussed. Then, he thanks the organizing committee, companies and volunteers involved. Finally, he mentions “internationally notorious speakers,” a great way to spark people’s interest.

3. Welcoming Address | Dale Mullennix

In this welcoming address, the speaker starts by warmly welcoming the audience. He uses rather informal language since it seems this is a regularly held event where most people know each other. He throws in some humor, directly addresses the audience, and asks them questions to grab their attention at the beginning.

By conveying the value that the attendees will find in the lectures to come, he creates anticipation. He makes lots of eye contact throughout and doesn’t even have notes! By the end, he tells a personal story and connects it to the theme of the event.

With these tips and examples, we hope that you are inspired to write a great welcome speech. Remember to keep it brief, conversational, and not overly formal, unless necessary. Eye contact and a smile go a long way.

If you’re looking for more general conference presenting tips, you should read our 15 Best Tips for Presenting at a Conference .

The Importance of Blind Review and Multiple Review Processes in Association Abstract Management

In the world of academic conferences and scholarly associations, the peer review process is a critic...

Mastering the Art of Writing an Effective Conference Abstract

Conference abstracts are crucial in the world of academic research and professional health associati...

Speeches HQ

6 Opening Ceremony Speech Samples

You’re standing at the podium, about to deliver an opening ceremony speech. The air buzzes with anticipation as all eyes focus on you. Your words will set the tone for the entire event, leaving a lasting impression on your audience. But how do you craft a speech that captivates, inspires, and energizes?

Whether you’re starting a corporate conference, launching a new product, or welcoming guests to a grand opening, the right speech can make all the difference. This article presents six diverse opening ceremony speech samples to help you nail your next big moment. Ready to learn about creating a memorable opening address? Let’s begin!

Opening Ceremony Speech Samples

These sample speeches cover various events and styles, giving you a range of ideas to draw from for your next opening ceremony.

1. Short and Sweet: Tech Startup Launch

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the launch of TechNova!

Today marks the beginning of a journey that will change the way we interact with technology. Our team has poured their hearts and souls into creating a platform that will make your digital life smoother, faster, and more intuitive than ever before.

We’re not another tech company. We’re your partners in handling the digital landscape. With TechNova, you’ll discover new ways to connect, create, and thrive in our increasingly online world.

As we unveil our groundbreaking software today, I invite you to join us in shaping the future of technology. Together, we’ll push boundaries, overcome challenges, and unlock possibilities you never thought existed.

So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for an exhilarating ride. The future starts now, and it starts with TechNova. Thank you all for being here to witness the dawn of a new era in tech!

— END OF SPEECH —

Commentary: This energetic speech sets an exciting tone for a tech startup launch. It’s ideal for events where you want to generate buzz and enthusiasm about a new product or company.

2. Medium Length: Community Center Grand Opening

Good morning, neighbors and friends!

It’s my absolute pleasure to welcome you to the grand opening of the Riverdale Community Center. This day has been years in the making, and seeing all of your smiling faces here makes every moment of hard work worthwhile.

This center is more than just a building. It’s a home away from home, a place where strangers become friends, and where our community grows stronger. Within these walls, children will learn, seniors will stay active, and families will come together. It’s a place where we’ll celebrate our victories, support each other through challenges, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

From the state-of-the-art gymnasium to the cozy library nooks, every inch of this center has been designed with you in mind. We’ve got programs for every age group and interest, ensuring that there’s something here for everyone.

But what truly makes this place special isn’t the bricks and mortar – it’s you, the people of Riverdale. Your input, your support, and your enthusiasm have shaped this center from the ground up. This is your space, and I can’t wait to see how you’ll bring it to life.

As we cut the ribbon today, we’re not just opening a building. We’re opening doors to new opportunities, new friendships, and a brighter future for our community. So let’s make the most of this wonderful gift we’ve given ourselves.

I invite each of you to explore the center, sign up for a class, volunteer for a program, or simply sit and chat with a neighbor. This is your community center – let’s make it a true home for Riverdale.

Thank you all for being here today, and for your unwavering support throughout this journey. Here’s to many years of learning, growing, and coming together in our new Riverdale Community Center!

Commentary: This warm and inclusive speech is perfect for a community event like a center opening. It emphasizes the collective effort behind the project and encourages active participation from community members.

3. Longer Format: International Business Conference

Distinguished guests, esteemed colleagues, and friends from across the globe, welcome to the 25th Annual Global Business Summit!

As the sun rose this morning over our beautiful host city, I couldn’t help but feel amazed at the gathering that was about to take place. In this room, we have some of the brightest minds and most innovative thinkers from every corner of the globe. Each of you brings a unique viewpoint, a wealth of experience, and a passion for progress that never fails to inspire me.

This year’s theme, “Bridging Borders, Building Futures,” couldn’t be more fitting for the times we live in. In an era where technology has made our planet smaller yet more intricate, where challenges and opportunities know no boundaries, our ability to come together like this is more important than ever.

Over the next three days, we’ll explore the cutting-edge trends shaping our industries. We’ll debate the tough questions facing our global economy. We’ll share successes, learn from setbacks, and forge connections that will last long after this conference ends.

But let’s keep in mind that our purpose here goes beyond networking and knowledge-sharing. We have a responsibility – to our businesses, to our communities, and to the generations that will follow us. The decisions we make and the ideas we generate in these halls have the power to shape economies, influence policies, and improve lives around the planet.

As business leaders, we’re uniquely positioned to drive positive change. We have the resources, the influence, and the innovation needed to tackle some of the planet’s most pressing issues. From climate change to economic inequality, from technological disruption to geopolitical tensions – our collective efforts can make a real difference.

So I challenge each of you to approach this summit not just as attendees, but as active participants in shaping our shared future. Engage in those difficult conversations. Seek out viewpoints different from your own. Be bold in your ideas and generous with your insights.

To our panelists and speakers, thank you for sharing your expertise with us. Your insights will undoubtedly spark new ideas and collaborations.

To our sponsors and organizers, your support has made this incredible event possible. You’ve created a platform for global dialogue that will ripple out far beyond these walls.

And to all attendees, thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to be here. Your presence and participation are what make this summit truly special.

As we kick off this conference, I’m reminded of a quote by the anthropologist Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the planet; it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Look around you. We are that group. We have the power to shape industries, influence economies, and change lives. Let’s make the most of this opportunity.

So, let’s roll up our sleeves, open our minds, and get ready for three days of learning, sharing, and collaborating. The global business landscape is waiting for the innovations and partnerships that will emerge from this summit.

Once again, welcome to the 25th Annual Global Business Summit. Let’s make it one for the history books!

Commentary: This comprehensive speech sets an inspiring and motivational tone for a large international business conference. It emphasizes global cooperation, innovation, and the potential for business leaders to create positive change.

4. Short and Impactful: Charity Gala Opening

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

Tonight, we gather for more than just a celebration. We’re here to make a difference. The children’s hospital we support isn’t just a building – it’s hope for families facing their darkest hours. It’s laughter echoing through corridors that have seen too many tears. It’s cutting-edge research that turns “incurable” into “treatable.”

Your presence here isn’t just appreciated – it’s vital. Every conversation you have, every donation you make, every moment you spend with us tonight directly impacts a child’s life. So let’s make this evening count. Let’s turn our compassion into action, our privilege into purpose.

Thank you for being here. Now, let’s create some miracles together.

Commentary: This concise yet powerful speech is ideal for a charity event. It quickly establishes the importance of the cause and motivates attendees to actively participate in the fundraising efforts.

5. Medium Length: Film Festival Opening

Film lovers, creators, dreamers – welcome to the 10th annual Starlight Film Festival!

For the next week, our city becomes a canvas for the planet’s most captivating stories. From heart-pounding blockbusters to thought-provoking indies, from seasoned directors to fresh new voices – we’ve got it all.

But this festival is about more than just watching movies. It’s about the magic that happens when the lights dim and the screen flickers to life. It’s about those moments when a character’s journey becomes our own, when a plot twist leaves us breathless, when the credits roll and we find ourselves forever changed.

This year, we’re showcasing over 200 films from 50 countries. Each one is a window into a different place, a different viewpoint. They’ll make you laugh, cry, think, and feel. They’ll challenge your assumptions and expand your horizons.

To our filmmakers – thank you for your courage in sharing your visions with us. Your artistry and dedication inspire us all.

To our volunteers and staff – your tireless efforts behind the scenes make this celebration of cinema possible. You are the unsung heroes of this festival.

And to our audience – your passion for film is what brings this all to life. Your reactions, your discussions, your enthusiasm – that’s the true heart of Starlight.

So, grab your popcorn, find your seat, and get ready for a week of cinematic magic. Let the films transport you, move you, and maybe even transform you.

Without further ado, let the 10th annual Starlight Film Festival begin! Lights, camera, action!

Commentary: This enthusiastic speech captures the excitement of a film festival opening. It’s suitable for cultural events where you want to celebrate creativity and encourage audience engagement.

6. Longer Format: University Commencement Ceremony

Esteemed faculty, proud parents, honored guests, and most importantly, the graduating class of 2024 – welcome to this momentous occasion!

Today, we celebrate not just the culmination of your academic journey, but the beginning of a new chapter in your lives. As I look out at this sea of caps and gowns, I’m filled with an overwhelming sense of pride and optimism for the future you will shape.

You’ve handled late-night study sessions, grueling exams, and the ups and downs of campus life. You’ve formed friendships that will last a lifetime and acquired knowledge that will serve as the foundation for your future endeavors. But beyond the facts and figures you’ve memorized, the true value of your education lies in the person you’ve become.

During your time here, you’ve learned to think critically, to question assumptions, and to approach problems from multiple angles. You’ve discovered passions you never knew you had and strengths you never knew you possessed. You’ve grown not just as students, but as individuals ready to take on the planet.

To the parents, family members, and friends in the audience – thank you. Your support, encouragement, and occasional care packages have played an invaluable role in getting these graduates to where they are today. This achievement is as much yours as it is theirs.

To our faculty and staff – your dedication to nurturing these bright minds deserves our deepest gratitude. You’ve done more than teach; you’ve inspired, mentored, and believed in these students, often seeing potential they hadn’t yet recognized in themselves.

And to you, the class of 2024 – you’re graduating at a time of unprecedented change and challenge on our planet. You’re stepping into a future that’s both exciting and uncertain. But I have no doubt that you’re ready for whatever comes your way.

You see, the diploma you’ll receive today is more than just a piece of paper. It’s a testament to your resilience, your curiosity, and your commitment to growth. It’s proof that you have the tools to adapt, to innovate, and to lead in a rapidly evolving planet.

As you leave this campus, keep in mind that your education doesn’t end here. In fact, it’s only beginning. Stay curious. Keep asking questions. Never stop learning. The skills you’ve developed here – critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication – these are your superpowers. Use them wisely and often.

But also keep in mind that knowledge without compassion is hollow. As you pursue your dreams and build your careers, don’t forget to lift others along with you. Use your education not just for personal gain, but for the betterment of your communities and our planet.

You’re entering a planet that needs your energy, your ideas, and your idealism. We face big challenges – from climate change to social inequality, from technological disruption to global health crises. But in every challenge lies an opportunity for positive change. And you, the class of 2024, are uniquely positioned to be that change.

So dream big. Take risks. Fail forward. Learn from your mistakes and celebrate your successes. Keep in mind that your path doesn’t have to be linear – some of the most interesting journeys have unexpected twists and turns.

And as you go out into the planet, carry with you the spirit of this university. Carry with you the friendships you’ve made, the lessons you’ve learned, and the memories you’ve created. But also carry with you a sense of responsibility – to use your education for good, to make a positive impact, no matter how big or small.

Class of 2024, you stand on the threshold of a new beginning. The future is not something that happens to you – it’s something you create. So go out there and create a future you’re proud of. A future that’s kinder, more innovative, more sustainable, and more just.

As you turn your tassels today, you’re not just marking the end of your time here. You’re signaling to the planet that you’re ready – ready to lead, ready to serve, ready to make your mark.

Congratulations, graduates. We can’t wait to see what you’ll achieve. The planet is waiting for you. Now go out there and make us proud!

Commentary: This inspiring and motivational speech is perfect for a university commencement ceremony. It acknowledges the graduates’ achievements, thanks those who supported them, and encourages them to use their education to make a positive impact on the planet.

Wrapping Up: Crafting Opening Speeches

There you have it – six diverse opening ceremony speeches to inspire your next address. Keep in mind, the key to a great opening speech is to connect with your audience, set the right tone for your event, and leave everyone feeling energized and excited for what’s to come.

With these samples as your guide, you’re well-equipped to craft an opening speech that will kick off your event in style. So take a deep breath, step up to that podium, and get ready to wow your audience!

Welcome Speech for Conference

Welcome speech generator for conference.

Speech . This word can either give you the creeps or a sense of excitement. It can also give you that sense of nostalgia, remembering your college days when you were told to make any type of speech and present it in class. Speech is a part of every person’s daily life. Even when you are already a professional, you would still encounter some if not most types of speeches. For some events like a graduation, a wedding or a conference, welcome speeches are the most common type to use. Sometimes we often find it difficult to write a good welcome speech but that issue can be solved. This article right here will help you make a good welcome speech. So check it out.

9+ Welcome Speech for Conference Examples

1. welcome speech for consumer conference.

Size: 21 KB

2. Welcome Speech for International Conference

Size: 29 KB

3. Printable Welcome Speech for Conference

Size: 361 KB

4. Welcome Speech for Conference in PDF

Size: 81 KB

5. Welcome Speech for Opening Conference

Welcome Speech for Vienna Energy Conference

Size: 85 KB

6. Welcome Speech for Conference Template

Size: 370 KB

7. Example of Welcome Speech for Conference

8. Welcome Speech for Annual Conference

Size: 192 KB

9. Opening and Welcome Speech for Conference

Size: 101 KB

10. Welcome Speech for Inaugural Conference

Size: 170 KB

Defining Speech

Speech is a way of expressing or communicating your ideas and thoughts through spoken words. A dialect that individuals speak. A public discourse between people who communicate their opinions to each other or to an audience.

Defining Conference

A conference is an important meeting between members of a company or an organization. In addition to that, it is also a meeting between two companies that merge together to discuss important matters that may concern both parties.

Definition of Welcome Speech

A welcome speech is a kind of speech given during a special or any type of event. Whether it may be a wedding, a conference, a graduation, or a simple college event. This type of speech is given to show gratitude towards the people who made an effort to go to the event.

Importance of Welcome Speech

The importance of making a welcome speech is to draw attention to your listeners. Your welcome speech is important because it addresses everyone, it addresses the reason why you are also attending the event. Your welcome speech must not be too short to bore your audience nor too long that it may drag. Rather, let it be enough to address everyone important in the room like distinguished guests, managers and the people who will be talking.

Tips for Writing Welcome Speeches

When it comes to writing welcome speeches, the things that you need to consider are:

Length of speech : When you are making your welcome speech, one thing to reconsider is the length . How long is too long and how short is too short. By understanding the correct length of writing a welcome speech, you are able to formulate a good one. One thing to remember is that your welcome speech must not be too short that you miss out on the important details. Nor should it be too long that it may drag and bore your audience.
Information: Your welcome speech must include the information it needs . Just like the names of the chairpersons, the CEO, the vice president, distinguished guests and the topic to be discussed. Without these types of information, your welcome speech is lacking.
End the speech nicely: End it on a positive note. Make sure what you need to say has all been said .
Watch your grammar and spelling: Once you have made your speech, you should also be weary of your spelling and grammar. Check once in a while.
Revision: Revise your work before you present it. There is nothing wrong with revising what you have written. It is surely better to revise knowing you have written a well deserved masterpiece to perfection than to ignore the revision and there were a lot of mistakes made.

What is a welcome speech?

A welcome speech is a type of speech that you use to welcome people to an event.

Can I wing a welcome speech?

If you wish to “wing” a welcome speech, chances are you are going to miss the important information that is needed when making this speech.

How many paragraphs are there to make a welcome speech?

The estimated number of paragraphs are three full paragraphs. But you may go over more than three paragraphs. As long as the information you need is present.

How long should a welcome speech be presented?

If possible, not more than five minutes. The reason for this is to lessen the loss of interest from your listeners.

Now that we have gone over the things to consider about making a good welcome speech, you are now ready to write and prepare one for your next welcome speech conference. Good luck!