"Takes to the stand"

I think you mean "take a stand."

The guest speaker took a stand at the business conference.

Anonymous would it be correct to say the following?The guest speaker took to the stand at the business conference.

"took to the stand" is mostly used of people giving evidence in court. "took to the podium" would be possible in your case, assuming that's the kind of thing you are wanting to say.

Thank you both for your replies. Yes, podium was what I was trying to say,

There is also usually a lectern on the podium for a speaker.

Clive