The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word ROSTRUMS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
R
O
S
T
R
U
M
S
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "conference speakers may need them" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case conference speakers may need them = rostrums.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does ROSTRUMS mean?
ROSTRUMS noun- A dais, pulpit, or similar platform for a speaker, conductor, or other performer.
- A platform for a film or television camera.
- The projecting prow of a rowed warship, such as a trireme.
- The beak.
- The beak-shaped projection on the head of insects such as weevils.
- The snout of a dolphin.
- The oral or nasal region of a human used for anatomical location (i.e. rostral)