2 Ask your other speakers to extend or modify their sessions

Another option is to ask your other speakers to extend or modify their sessions to cover the gap left by the cancellation. This can be a good way to avoid disrupting the flow and coherence of your conference, and to leverage the expertise and experience of your existing speakers. However, you should be careful not to overload or overwork your speakers, and to respect their time and content. You should also communicate clearly and respectfully with them, and offer them some compensation or incentive for their extra effort.

3 Use pre-recorded or live-streamed content

If you can't find a suitable replacement speaker, you can also use pre-recorded or live-streamed content to fill the slot. This can be a video of a previous presentation by the same or a different speaker, a webinar, a podcast, or any other relevant and engaging media. You can either play the content on a screen or projector, or provide your attendees with a link or a QR code to access it on their own devices. You should also make sure that the content is high-quality, relevant, and compatible with your conference theme and format.

4 Host a panel discussion or a Q&A session

Another way to fill a last-minute speaker cancellation is to host a panel discussion or a Q&A session instead. This can be a great way to foster interaction and dialogue among your attendees, and to generate valuable insights and feedback. You can either invite some of your other speakers, sponsors, or experts to join the panel, or ask your attendees to submit questions or topics in advance or on the spot. You should also have a moderator who can facilitate the discussion, keep it on track, and ensure that everyone gets a chance to speak and listen.

5 Turn it into a networking or a break session

Finally, you can also turn the empty slot into a networking or a break session for your attendees. This can be a good way to give them some time to relax, recharge, and connect with each other. You can either provide some snacks, drinks, or entertainment, or let them choose their own activities. You should also encourage them to use this time to explore your conference app, website, or social media, and to share their feedback, opinions, or questions.