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• Second Saturday Meetups (*please check specific time for your Regional Meetup*)

  • When
    October 11, 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Location
    In-Person and Virtual

  Register

  
  

  NSA Carolinas is committed to serving and building the Professional Speaker Community throughout North Carolina & South Carolina. In that spirit, we host ‘2nd Saturday’ Regional Meetups to foster connection, community, and collaboration. 

  These Meetups are regionally located, wherever a volunteer member Champion commits to hosting. A remote option (via Zoom) is also available.

  • GREATER RALEIGH (in-person): 9:00am - 10:00 am @ The Frontier, Blue Ridge Room, 800 Park Office Drive, Durham, NC 27709 Area Champion: Alex Dumas (alex@speakeralexdumas.com) and Dr. Holly Sullenger (drhollyspeaks@gmail.com)
  • GREATER CHARLOTTE (in-person): 10:30am - 11:30am @ Amelies French Bakery, 4321 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209, Area Champion: Allie Pleiter (alliepleiter@gmail.com)
  • PIEDMONT/TRIAD (in-person) 10:00am - 11:00am @ Panera Bread, 2209 Cloverdale Avenue, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 Area Champion: Sherman Transou (srtransou2@gmail.com), Carolyn Bennett-Sullivan (carolyn@carolynbsullivan.com)
  • REMOTE (virtually): @ 9:00am via Zoom (Zoom link will be included in the registration confirmation and reminder emails). Area Champion: John Edwards john@edwardsgroup.org)

  NSA Carolinas is here to help you knock it out of the ballpark, and hit a home run in your Professional Speaker business. See you at our next 2nd Saturday!

  ###

  Want an in-person 2nd Saturday location closer to you? Get in touch with us about being a champion so you can help host and pick the location!

  Show details
• Speaker Development Series: The Sport of Speaking

  • When
    October 15, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual

  Register

  

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

  October Speaker Development Series - The Sport of Speaking

  Date & Time: Wednesday, October 15, 2025 | 12:00–1:00 PM ET

  Speaker: Charles Ruiz
  

  What if you approached speaking the way elite athletes approach their sport? In The Sport of Speaking, former professional baseball player turned executive coach Charles Ruiz reveals how to bring athletic discipline, focus, and resilience to your communication. You’ll learn how to perform under pressure, connect with confidence, and deliver messages that truly move people, whether you’re on stage, in the boardroom, or leading a team.

  This hands-on session will help you craft a powerful 2–3 minute pitch that can be used for your next keynote or workshop. It’s your chance to refine your message and elevate your speaking game to championship level.

  Key Takeaways:

  • Apply an athlete’s mindset to your speaking craft

  • Build poise and presence under pressure

  • Create a 2–3 minute pitch ready for your next keynote or workshop

  About Charles Ruiz:
  Charles Ruiz is a former professional baseball player with the Colorado Rockies who has transformed his experience on the field into a career helping leaders excel under pressure. As an executive coach in Silicon Valley and Head of Coaching for a leading communications firm with over 30 years of history, Charles has led more than 1,000 leadership workshops focused on speaking, presentation, and communication excellence. He holds a B.A. in Communication from California State University, Long Beach, and brings a unique, performance-driven perspective that empowers professionals to speak and lead with confidence and impact.

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• Second Saturday Meetups (*please check specific time for your Regional Meetup*)

  • When
    November 08, 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Location
    In-Person and Virtual

  Register

  
  

  NSA Carolinas is committed to serving and building the Professional Speaker Community throughout North Carolina & South Carolina. In that spirit, we host ‘2nd Saturday’ Regional Meetups to foster connection, community, and collaboration. 

  These Meetups are regionally located, wherever a volunteer member Champion commits to hosting. A remote option (via Zoom) is also available.

  • GREATER RALEIGH (in-person): 9:00am - 10:00 am @ The Frontier, Blue Ridge Room, 800 Park Office Drive, Durham, NC 27709 Area Champion: Alex Dumas (alex@speakeralexdumas.com) and Dr. Holly Sullenger (drhollyspeaks@gmail.com)
  • GREATER CHARLOTTE (in-person): 10:30am - 11:30am @ Amelies French Bakery, 4321 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209, Area Champion: Allie Pleiter (alliepleiter@gmail.com)
  • PIEDMONT/TRIAD (in-person) 10:00am - 11:00am @ Panera Bread, 2209 Cloverdale Avenue, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 Area Champion: Sherman Transou (srtransou2@gmail.com), Carolyn Bennett-Sullivan (carolyn@carolynbsullivan.com)
  • REMOTE (virtually): @ 9:00am via Zoom (Zoom link will be included in the registration confirmation and reminder emails). Area Champion: John Edwards john@edwardsgroup.org)

  NSA Carolinas is here to help you knock it out of the ballpark, and hit a home run in your Professional Speaker business. See you at our next 2nd Saturday!

  ###

  Want an in-person 2nd Saturday location closer to you? Get in touch with us about being a champion so you can help host and pick the location!

  Show details
• CSP Application Support Group - November Session

  • When
    November 12, 2025
  •  
    2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
  • Location
    Virtual via Zoom

  Register

  
  

  Thinking of applying for your Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation? Whether you’re aiming for this year or five years down the road, join us for a three-part virtual support group hosted by NSA Carolinas.

  These one-hour sessions will give you the chance to:

  • Hear insights and best practices directly from CSPs who have been through the process

  • Connect with other members navigating the application requirements and timelines

  • Get motivation and inspiration to help you move forward with confidence

  • Ask questions about documentation, eligibility, and deadlines in a supportive environment

  Attendees will also have the opportunity to form “pods” (groups of 3–4 people) for added accountability and support throughout the application process.

  Dates & Time
  

  Sessions will take place on the second Wednesday of October (10/8), November (11/12), and December (12/10) at 2:30 PM ET.

  Show details
• NSA Carolinas Member Retreat: November 2025 (Theme: Writing the Next Chapter: Ethics and Eloquence)

  • Start
    November 14, 2025
  •  
    2:00 PM
  • End
    November 15, 2025
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Embassy Suites by Hilton Raleigh Durham Research Triangle
  • Spaces left
    5

  Register

  
  

  NSA Carolinas Member Retreat: A Weekend Dedicated to Growing Your Expertise in Professional Speaking

  November 14 to 15 | Embassy Suites RTP

  Don't miss this two-day immersive retreat.

  Speaker announcements will be shared soon — but mark your calendar to save the date, or register today to reserve your spot! 

  Event Details:

  • Location: Embassy Suites RTP

  • 201 Harrison Oaks Blvd. Cary, NC

  • Dates: November 14-15, 2025

  DAY ONE AGENDA (tentative)

  • 2:00 pm Welcome - Acknowledgements

  • 2:30 pm SESSION #1

  • 3:30 pm Break

  • 4:00 pm SESSION #2

  • 5:00 pm Day 1 Program Concludes

  • 5:15 pm Evening Reception

  • 6:15 pm Dinner (included w/ registration)

  DAY TWO AGENDA

  • 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Breakfast (included)

  • 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Welcome Back and Recap

  • 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.  SESSION #3

  • 11:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.  Break

  • 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.  SESSION #4

  • 12:45 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.    Lunch

  • 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.    SESSION #5:

  • 2:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.  Action Items, Wrap Up and Closing

  Registration & Cost

  Registration includes access to all sessions over two days, dinner on day one, breakfast on day two, and lunch on day two.

  • NSA Carolinas MEMBER RATE — Registration – $225.00
    Registration includes the cost of attending and meals during the event (dinner on day #1, breakfast on day #2, and lunch on day #2).
    The fee does not include lodging, but information on special hotel room rates will be emailed to all attendees after registration.

  • NSA MEMBER (Any Chapter) RATE — Registration – $225.00
    **If you are a member of another NSA chapter, or of NSA National, we invite you to attend at our chapter member rate. Please note that you will be contacted to confirm your chapter registration.

  • GUESTS - Bundle (Retreat + Membership) – $375.00
    Registration includes the cost of attending and meals during the event (dinner on day #1, breakfast on day #2, and lunch on day #2).
    The fee does not include lodging, but information on special hotel room rates will be emailed to all attendees after registration.
    Guest registration ALSO includes an Annual Membership to NSA Carolinas (good for one year)

  **If you are an NSA Carolinas member, please log in before registering and select the NSA Carolinas member ticket.

  Registration includes the cost of attending and meals during the event (dinner on day #1, breakfast on day #2, and lunch on day #2).

  The fee does not include lodging, but information on special hotel room rates will be emailed to all attendees after registration.
  

  Seats are limited, so secure your spot today and be part of this impactful retreat that will shape the future of professional speaking!

  Show details
• NSA 101: Maximizing your Membership with NSA Carolinas

  • When
    December 04, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual via Zoom

  Register

  
  

  Are you ready to unlock the full value of your NSA Carolinas membership?

  Whether you’ve just joined or you’ve been with us for years, this interactive session will help you get the most from your chapter experience.

  NSA 101: Maximizing Your Membership with NSA Carolinas
  Thursday, December 4, 2025
  12:00–1:00 PM ET
  Virtual | Free for Members

  Hosted by:

  • Dr. Susie Castellanos Hansley, Ph.D. 

  • Jacqueline Jeter

  In this FREE virtual orientation, you’ll discover:

  • The exclusive perks and resources available to every NSA Carolinas member.

  • Practical tips to maximize your membership and accelerate your speaking career.

  • An inside look at our thriving community of speakers across the Carolinas.

  This session is designed for all members, new, seasoned, or somewhere in between. It’s the perfect chance to connect, learn, and make sure you’re taking advantage of everything NSA Carolinas has to offer.

  After registering, you’ll receive the Zoom link in your confirmation and reminder emails.

  Don’t miss this chance to maximize your membership, connect with fellow speakers, and step fully into the benefits of NSA Carolinas!

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• CSP Application Support Group - December Session

  • When
    December 10, 2025
  •  
    2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
  • Location
    Virtual via Zoom

  Register

  
  

  Thinking of applying for your Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation? Whether you’re aiming for this year or five years down the road, join us for a three-part virtual support group hosted by NSA Carolinas.

  These one-hour sessions will give you the chance to:

  • Hear insights and best practices directly from CSPs who have been through the process

  • Connect with other members navigating the application requirements and timelines

  • Get motivation and inspiration to help you move forward with confidence

  • Ask questions about documentation, eligibility, and deadlines in a supportive environment

  Attendees will also have the opportunity to form “pods” (groups of 3–4 people) for added accountability and support throughout the application process.

  Dates & Time
  

  Sessions will take place on the second Wednesday of October (10/8), November (11/12), and December (12/10) at 2:30 PM ET.

  Show details
• Second Saturday Meetups (*please check specific time for your Regional Meetup*)

  • When
    December 13, 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Location
    In-Person and Virtual

  Register

  
  

  NSA Carolinas is committed to serving and building the Professional Speaker Community throughout North Carolina & South Carolina. In that spirit, we host ‘2nd Saturday’ Regional Meetups to foster connection, community, and collaboration. 

  These Meetups are regionally located, wherever a volunteer member Champion commits to hosting. A remote option (via Zoom) is also available.

  • GREATER RALEIGH (in-person): 9:00am - 10:00 am @ The Frontier, Blue Ridge Room, 800 Park Office Drive, Durham, NC 27709 Area Champion: Alex Dumas (alex@speakeralexdumas.com) and Dr. Holly Sullenger (drhollyspeaks@gmail.com)
  • GREATER CHARLOTTE (in-person): 10:30am - 11:30am @ Amelies French Bakery, 4321 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209, Area Champion: Allie Pleiter (alliepleiter@gmail.com)
  • PIEDMONT/TRIAD (in-person) 10:00am - 11:00am @ Panera Bread, 2209 Cloverdale Avenue, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 Area Champion: Sherman Transou (srtransou2@gmail.com), Carolyn Bennett-Sullivan (carolyn@carolynbsullivan.com)
  • REMOTE (virtually): @ 9:00am via Zoom (Zoom link will be included in the registration confirmation and reminder emails). Area Champion: John Edwards john@edwardsgroup.org)

  NSA Carolinas is here to help you knock it out of the ballpark, and hit a home run in your Professional Speaker business. See you at our next 2nd Saturday!

  ###

  Want an in-person 2nd Saturday location closer to you? Get in touch with us about being a champion so you can help host and pick the location!

  Show details
• Second Saturday Meetups (*please check specific time for your Regional Meetup*)

  • When
    January 10, 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Location
    In-Person and Virtual

  Register

  
  

  NSA Carolinas is committed to serving and building the Professional Speaker Community throughout North Carolina & South Carolina. In that spirit, we host ‘2nd Saturday’ Regional Meetups to foster connection, community, and collaboration. 

  These Meetups are regionally located, wherever a volunteer member Champion commits to hosting. A remote option (via Zoom) is also available.

  • GREATER RALEIGH (in-person): 9:00am - 10:00 am @ The Frontier, Blue Ridge Room, 800 Park Office Drive, Durham, NC 27709 Area Champion: Alex Dumas (alex@speakeralexdumas.com) and Dr. Holly Sullenger (drhollyspeaks@gmail.com)
  • GREATER CHARLOTTE (in-person): 10:30am - 11:30am @ Amelies French Bakery, 4321 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209, Area Champion: Allie Pleiter (alliepleiter@gmail.com)
  • PIEDMONT/TRIAD (in-person) 10:00am - 11:00am @ Panera Bread, 2209 Cloverdale Avenue, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 Area Champion: Sherman Transou (srtransou2@gmail.com), Carolyn Bennett-Sullivan (carolyn@carolynbsullivan.com)
  • REMOTE (virtually): @ 9:00am via Zoom (Zoom link will be included in the registration confirmation and reminder emails). Area Champion: John Edwards john@edwardsgroup.org)

  NSA Carolinas is here to help you knock it out of the ballpark, and hit a home run in your Professional Speaker business. See you at our next 2nd Saturday!

  ###

  Want an in-person 2nd Saturday location closer to you? Get in touch with us about being a champion so you can help host and pick the location!

  Show details
• Second Saturday Meetups (*please check specific time for your Regional Meetup*)

  • When
    February 14, 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Location
    In-Person and Virtual

  Register

  
  

  NSA Carolinas is committed to serving and building the Professional Speaker Community throughout North Carolina & South Carolina. In that spirit, we host ‘2nd Saturday’ Regional Meetups to foster connection, community, and collaboration. 

  These Meetups are regionally located, wherever a volunteer member Champion commits to hosting. A remote option (via Zoom) is also available.

  • GREATER RALEIGH (in-person): 9:00am - 10:00 am @ The Frontier, Blue Ridge Room, 800 Park Office Drive, Durham, NC 27709 Area Champion: Alex Dumas (alex@speakeralexdumas.com) and Dr. Holly Sullenger (drhollyspeaks@gmail.com)
  • GREATER CHARLOTTE (in-person): 10:30am - 11:30am @ Amelies French Bakery, 4321 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209, Area Champion: Allie Pleiter (alliepleiter@gmail.com)
  • PIEDMONT/TRIAD (in-person) 10:00am - 11:00am @ Panera Bread, 2209 Cloverdale Avenue, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 Area Champion: Sherman Transou (srtransou2@gmail.com), Carolyn Bennett-Sullivan (carolyn@carolynbsullivan.com)
  • REMOTE (virtually): @ 9:00am via Zoom (Zoom link will be included in the registration confirmation and reminder emails). Area Champion: John Edwards john@edwardsgroup.org)

  NSA Carolinas is here to help you knock it out of the ballpark, and hit a home run in your Professional Speaker business. See you at our next 2nd Saturday!

  ###

  Want an in-person 2nd Saturday location closer to you? Get in touch with us about being a champion so you can help host and pick the location!

  Show details