NSA Carolinas upcoming events

Speaker Development Series: How to Get Virtually Certified and Maximize Your eSpeakers Profile (July 15, 2026)

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Join us every third Wednesday for the NSA Carolinas Speaker Development Series, designed to help you build a thriving, ethical speaking business.

Speaker Development Series: How to Get Virtually Certified and Maximize Your eSpeakers Profile

Date & Time: July 15, 2026 | 12:00–1:00 PM ET

Did you know, NSA-Carolina members receive a complimentary eSpeakers profile as part of your membership?

Join, Amber Shelby, Speaker Success Manager at eSpeakers, as she walks you through the process of getting virtually certified and making the most of your eSpeakers profile. Learn how to stand out to event organizers, automate your business, and position yourself for greater visibility — and if you're not on the platform yet, be sure to get in there and start making the most of this amazing platform!

Key Takeaways

Understand what virtual certification means and why it matters to event organizers
Know how to optimize your eSpeakers profile to increase visibility and bookings
Walk away with simple steps to get started or level up your presence on the platform

About the Speaker

As Speaker Success Manager at eSpeakers, Amber Shelby helps speakers expand their impact, elevate their businesses, and gain visibility with event organizers. With 18+ years in the speaking industry, she's a trusted resource for thousands of professionals navigating the business side of speaking. Outside of work, Amber enjoys hiking, biking, and horseback riding through Utah's mountains — and is legendary among family and friends for her soups, jalapeño jelly, and chocolate chip cookies.

Speaker Development Series: INSIDE INFLUENCE! Highlights and Insights From Members in the Room (August 19, 2026)

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Join us every third Wednesday for the NSA Carolinas Speaker Development Series, designed to help you build a thriving, ethical speaking business.

Speaker Development Series

Couldn’t make it to INFLUENCE this year? Or maybe after you attend, you'd love help processing the flood of inspiration?

Join us for an exclusive panel featuring NSA Carolinas members who attended the 2026 Influence conference — the biggest annual event in the speaking industry. They’ll break down the boldest takeaways, jaw-dropping insights, and game-changing strategies they brought home.

What surprised them? What challenged them? And most importantly — what should you be applying to your speaking business right now?

Come for the highlights. Stay for the real talk. Walk away with inspiration, insider tips, and a fresh pulse on what’s shaping the future of professional speaking.

Panelists TBA — but trust us, you’ll want to hear from them.

Speaker Academy 2026 (August 29, 2026)

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Step Into the Spotlight: NSA Carolinas Speakers Academy 2026

You’re not just building a talk, you’re building a business, a brand, and a platform that gets you paid.

If you’re ready to turn your message into momentum, the NSA Carolinas Speakers Academy is your fast track from potential to professional. Designed for aspiring and emerging speakers, this high-impact cohort experience gives you the structure, strategy, and support to grow with confidence and get real results.

Why This Academy Works

This isn’t theory. It’s transformation.

You’ll walk away with:

A clearer message that resonates
A roadmap for building a profitable speaking business
The confidence to show up and stand out
A community that continues long after the program ends

What Our Past Participants Say

“Before Speaker Academy, I felt lost as a new speaker. Within weeks, I had clarity, momentum, and a supportive network of fellow speakers cheering me on. NSA Carolinas gave me the confidence and community I needed to grow my speaking business.” — Julie Messina

“The Academy gave me the structure and confidence I needed to elevate my message and my business.”
— Mary Elizabeth Murphy, CPCC, ORSCC

“I sharpened my message, strengthened my strategy, and found a community that truly understands the journey.”
— Ali Ingersoll

Program Highlights

You’ll build your speaking foundation step by step with each experience intentionally designed to connect and compound so you leave with a clear path forward.

Session 1: Foundations of Professional Speaking

- Date: August 29, 2026 | Time: 10:00 AM - Noon (Remote)
- Gain a solid foundation in the essentials of a successful speaking business and sharpen your storytelling skills to use in your high-impact presentation video and beyond.

Session 2: Coaching and Roundtable

- Date: September 12, 2026 | Time: 10:00 AM - Noon (Remote)
- Participate in a cohort roundtable with opportunities to explore your personalized progress and next steps discussion.

Session 3: Brand Positioning and Marketing

- Date: September 26, 2026 | Time: 10:00 AM - Noon (Remote)
- Learn how to identify your niche, craft your message, and build a powerful marketing plan—while creating marketing funnels that consistently generate and convert leads.

Session 4: Coaching and Roundtable

- Date: October 10, 2026 | Time: 10:00 AM - Noon (Remote)
- Participate in a cohort roundtable with opportunities to explore your personalized progress and next steps discussion.

Session 5: Building Your Speaking Business - Presentation Video

- Date: October 25, 2026 | Time: 10:00 AM - Noon (venue TBA, special venue in the North Myrtle Beach)
- Present a segment of your signature speech in front of colleagues. This will be professionally video-taped and given to you for your future use. Delivering in front of other NSA Carolina members and provides a chance for feedback and support. Options are available for you to purchase video editing services.

Session 6: Protect Your Voice: IP Strategies & Contract Tips For Speakers

- Date: November 7, 2026 | Time: 10:00 AM - Noon (Remote)
- Your expertise is your business—learn how to protect it. This session covers the essentials of speaker proposals, contracts, and intellectual property, along with practical tips for safeguarding your content, negotiating favorable agreements, and building a sustainable, profitable speaking business.

Session 7: Mentorship and Roundtable

- Date: November 21, 2026 | Time: 10:00 AM - Noon (Remote)
- Participate in a final cohort roundtable with opportunities to explore your personalized progress and next steps discussion.

Session 8: Plan & Activate for the Future of Your Business

- Date: December 5, 2026 | Time: 10:00 AM - Noon (Remote)
- Powered by neuroscience strategies that elevate your presence and impact on stage, we'll close out the academy by customizing your actionable business plan to move your speaking business forward

Why Choose the NSA Carolinas Speakers Academy?

Many programs can teach you the fundamentals of speaking. What sets the NSA Carolinas Speakers Academy apart is the level of personal attention and ongoing support you'll receive throughout the program.

We intentionally keep each cohort small so every participant has meaningful access to Academy leaders, guest speakers, and fellow learners. Whether you're working in small groups or participating in Q&A sessions with experienced professionals, you'll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions, receive personalized feedback, and get guidance that's relevant to your own speaking goals and business.

Another hallmark of the Academy is our Capstone Roadmap. Rather than simply teaching concepts, we help you build a personalized plan for growing your speaking business. From your first class through graduation in December, you'll develop practical strategies, identify your next steps, and leave with a clear roadmap to continue building momentum long after the Academy ends.

Who This Is For

Aspiring speakers ready to get started the right way
Emerging speakers who want more consistency and income
Experts, coaches, and leaders ready to translate their expertise into a speaking platform

Whether you're starting from scratch or refining your approach, this program meets you where you are and helps you move forward faster.

Investment in Your Growth

Early-Bird Pricing (Register by July 20, 2026):

Members: $600 (includes a renewal for a one-year membership to NSA Carolinas, normally $165/year!)
Non-Members: $750 (includes a one-year membership to NSA Carolinas, normally $165/year!)

Regular Pricing (after July 20, 2026):

Members: $725 (includes a renewal for a one-year membership to NSA Carolinas, normally $165/year!)
Non-Members: $875 (includes a one-year membership to NSA Carolinas, normally $165/year!)

Ready to Transform Your Speaking Career? Register now!

Your enrollment includes:

All live zoom sessions
Keynote speaking opportunity with professional raw video footage
Templates, tools, and curated resources
A built-in network of peers for collaboration
Plus: NSA Carolinas membership (new or renewed)

Ready to Build a Speaking Career That Gets Results?

Stop figuring it out alone.
Start building with a proven path, expert guidance, and a community behind you.

Apply / Register Now and take your next step toward the stage.

Save the Date for NSA Carolinas Fall Retreat 2026 (October 25, 2026)

Sun, 25 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Something Wicked This Way Comes

Our first retreat of the 2026–2027 year is coming to the beautiful coastal city of Myrtle Beach — and we could not be more excited. We'll be gathering at Embassy Suites Kingston Plantation, right on the beach, October 25–27.

Here's a little taste of what's ahead.

Sunday kicks off by supporting our Speaker's Academy participants in their video presentations led by keynote speakers Heather Hansen O'Neill, Dr. Holly Sullenger, and speaker, patient advocate, Julie Messina.

There may even be a select spot or two available for a few retreat participants to get on the stage and gain a new video clip as well. Be on the lookout for more information.

After the presentations at the theatre, we'll spend the evening together in structured but informal networking — and let's just say the timing is no accident. We're leaning all the way in to the season.

Consider yourself warned.

Educational programming will include almost 2 full days of sessions specifically designed to encourage sharing, collaboration and real practical work to bring back to your business’s.

Full agenda details are coming — but if the thought of spending a few late October nights on the beach with your fellow speakers doesn't already have you a little excited (and maybe a little spooked about what we have planned)... it should.

Stay tuned. More details dropping soon.