The Professional Speaking Association

16/07/2026

The Regions are the Lifeblood of the Professional Speaking Association (PSA). Each Regional President (RP) hosts monthly events in their region. There are 14 regions across the UK and Ireland (Ireland being its own region). Every member of the PSA can attend any regional event and most of the regional events are organised in a way that they don’t overlap or timings clash.

If you are serious about speaking as part of your business, then reach out to our Regional Presidents. They are happy to talk about the PSA and see if it’s a good fit.

Today, we just wanted to reach out and say THANK YOU to all the Regional Presidents for their support of their region. Your hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed.

Massive thanks to
Edmee Mendonca - PSA London
Gary Parsons - PSA East Midlands
Simon Day - PSA Yorkshire
Cat Williams - PSA North West
Brian Downes - PSA Ireland
Carl Jones MPSA - PSA South West
Scott Walker - PSA South East
Paul Archer FPSA - PSA Virtual
Lynn Mead FCPFA - PSA Thames Valley
Larissa Astara Gray - PSA Birmingham
Vincent Hovorka - PSA Scotland East
Heather Offord - PSA Scotland West
Fiona (Fee) Stevenson - PSA Staffordshire
Simon Raybould - PSA North East

31/03/2026

Are you still sitting on the Fence? Undecided about IMPACT! 2026?

IMPACT! 2026 is the ultimate spring one day event for Professional Speakers and those aspiring to be professional speakers.

This year’s IMPACT! 2026, hosted by the Professional Speaking Association UK & Ireland, is built around one powerful idea….

👉 Connection isn’t a soft skill. It’s a commercial advantage.

During this one day event, you’ll experience a carefully curated programme designed to sharpen how you think, speak, and show up in your business.

This isn’t back-to-back talks for the sake of it. Every session is designed to answer a deeper question - How do I become the speaker people remember… and rebook?

Here are just a few highlights
• Fall Back in the Love with your Customer with Nienke Bloom.
• Protect your Voice in the Age of AI with Julie Holmes, Liz Hardwick, Nathan Littleton and Ben Afia.
• Create Connections that Actually Lands with Jackie Handy, Priscilla Leigh and Deri Llewellyn.– Davies
• Discover the Power of Collective Connection with Oliver Watson
• There’s also Emerging Speaker of the Year Final where you’ll see rising talent take to the stage
• Celebrate Regional Award Winners with Awards Hosts Denise Fay and Olga Geidane
• and of course…
• there’s things that we can’t put on the agenda...those conversations over tea and coffee, the ideas that spark between sessions.

This post is the last post promoting IMPACT! 2026 before the Early Bird Ends.

There’s no extensions, no second round. No gimmicks or count down clock.

A simple decision is needed – Are you joining us or not?

Come on….join us in Leeds on the 18th April for IMPACT! 2026...why pay more if you’re committed to growing your speaking business and connecting more with your audience?

Register at impact.thepsa.co.uk or comment link and I’ll whisk that link right over to you.

Early bird ends at midnight.

30/03/2026

“I’ll come back to that…”
We’ve all said it...I know it’s not just me!

But most of the time?

We never come back to it. Not that it’s not important but in a busy world, we get distracted.

So if you’re planning on going to IMPACT! 2026 in Leeds on the 18th April, today is the day to act on it.

The Early Bird Ends Tomorrow. Why pay the extra when you don’t have to?

Future You will either thank you or just wish you had of booked it there and then.

It’s all available over at Impact.thepsa.co.uk or just simply comment link and I’ll send it straight over.

Lets not overthink things or get distracted. Secure your early bird price now.

27/03/2026

What are you really selling?

Sometimes we think it’s our talk. Sometimes we think it’s our expertise.

The reality is that we’re selling the solution to the problem that our client needs.
At IMPACT! 2026, CX expert Nienke Bloem will challenge how you think about your business and show why the most successful speakers don’t fall in love with what they do…
They fall in love with their customer’s problem.
In this keynote, Nienke reveals how to uncover the real problem your clients hire you to solve. That insight leads to stronger connection, clearer positioning, and a smarter ecosystem of offers.

If your message isn’t landing (or converting), this is one to be in the room for.

23/03/2026

Let’s talk about what’s really happening with AI in the speaking world.

At IMPACT! 2026, the Ultimate Spring Conference hosted by PSA UK & Ireland, our AI panel brings together Julie Holmes, Liz Hardwick, Nathan Littleton and Ben Afia to explore how clients are already using AI, what it means for your relevance as a speaker and how to stay ahead without losing what makes you..you.

This is one of those sessions where the conversation matters as much as the content. Here, audience questions will drive the discussion.

Each panellist brings a different perspective on how AI is impacting the industry:

- Julie Holmes will explore market dynamics and why speakers must understand how clients are using AI – highlighting the real risk of becoming ordinary as AI raises expectations across industries.

- Nathan Littleton will focus on marketing and lead generation, sharing how AI can support visibility and growth, including accessible approaches such as vibe coding.

- Ben Afia will expand on tone of voice and brand, discussing how speakers can maintain authenticity while using AI tools effectively.

- Liz Hardwick will look at practical workflows and productivity, demonstrating how AI can be implemented in ways that support speakers’ businesses without demanding constant daily use.

Join us at The Studio, Leeds on 18th April….impact.thepsa.co.uk, !2026

21/03/2026

Every great event needs someone who can hold the room. And we are beyond delighted to have Jenna Dominique, a highly sought-after professional event host.

At IMPACT! 2026, we’re in expert hands with Jenna as our MC, bringing energy, flow, and just the right balance of professionalism and warmth.

An experienced conference MC, speaker and communication coach, Jenna has hosted everything from national conferences and awards ceremonies to pitch competitions and large-scale corporate events. Her skill lies in balancing professionalism with warmth, ensuring speakers feel supported while audiences remain engaged and energised throughout the programme.

Every PSA UK & Ireland event is a special event. How an event feels matters just as much as what’s said on stage. We are in safe hands with Jenna.

!2026

Join us at The Studio, Leeds, 18th April, impact.thepsa.co.uk

19/03/2026

Calling all Speakers....are you actually connecting or are you just speaking?

Be honest with yourself when you ask these questions....
• Are you booked at your full rate — consistently?
• Are you being rebooked and referred?
• Do people remember you after you’ve left the stage?

If you said no to any of these questions, then it's time to something about it.

You see, in today’s world, being a “good speaker” isn’t enough.

At IMPACT! 2026, hosted by the Professional Speaking Association UK & Ireland, we’re focusing on what really moves the needle for Speakers:

👉 Connection that converts into opportunity.

At IMPACT! 2026, you'll be discover lots to grow your speaking business including how to master your message while protecting your voice in the age of AI. Discover how to build trust that gets you booked again and again…

This is where speakers stop hoping — and start levelling up.

So here’s the question again - are you actually connecting or are you just speaking?

Join us in Leeds on the 18th April for the ultimate one-day event where members and non members of the Professional Speaking Association come together to learn, connect, and
grow.

Reply Link and I'll share the link to the full programme so you can see just how valuable a day it will be.

13/02/2026

NEW....AI Panel Announced.

In addition to the five speakers announced in January, we are delighted to confirm a very special panel. As AI continues to shape our industry, we’ll be hosting a dedicated AI panel featuring leading voices:
- Ben Afia,
- Julie Holmes,
- Nathan Littleton, and
- Liz Hardwick.

This practical and future-focused session will give you the latest insights into this fast-moving technology and its real Impact! on us as speakers and the wider speaking business.

Early bird tickets are on sale for £99 (excl VAT) at Impact! - https://impact.thepsa.co.uk/

You’ll receive a Grand Yorkshire Welcome to our flagship one-day spring conference. Get your ticket today - don't delay. .

10/01/2026

We are delighted to announce that Impact! 2026 will be taking place on the 18th of April in The Studio, Leeds. Find out more here - https://impact.thepsa.co.uk

You’ll get a Grand Yorkshire Welcome to the ultimate one-day spring conference for the
Professional Speaking Association.

Impact! 2026 is where connections are made, skills are sharpened, and speaking businesses are transformed.

Why You Should Attend:
- Learn actionable strategies to grow your business and reputation.
- Watch masterful performances to enhance your stage presence.
- Network with like-minded professionals and industry leaders.

This stunning city centre venue is easy to get there by air, rail or road and we excited to announce the first four speakers:
- Lee Jackson
- Nienke Bloom
- Oliver Watson
- Ben Afia.

The MC for the event will be the fabulous Jenna Domique. I’ll announce more speakers
and details of two high profile panel sessions in my February newsletter.

Plus…
- Back by popular demand the Afterglow Party. Join us after a fabulous day of
learning and networking, to continue the connection late into the evening
- On the day before (17 th of April) we invite you to the Fellows Day, Professionals
Day, First Timers Meeting and the semi-finals of the Emerging Speaker of the Year
competition
- Stay an extra day (19 th ) and discover the best of Yorkshire with your PSA Yorkshire
hosts guiding you to some of the sights of this beautiful part of Britain

Book your spot today because places are limited.

Make 2026 the year you truly connect with your clients, their audiences and each other.

Get your ticket here…https://impact.thepsa.co.uk

Register here Let’s make a real connection! 2026 is the year of connection and this is your invitation to theultimate one-day event where the Professional SpeakingAssociation (PSA) tribe comes together to learn, connect, andgrow. Book your ticket now! Are you connecting with your clients? Are you ...