NSA-Wisconsin upcoming events

Virtual Speakers Development Lab (April 25, 2026)

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Join us as a speaker or come for the fun and gain some insights and tips as you watch others get coached by our established professional members.

One of the most valuable services offered by NSA-WI is the Speakers Development Lab. All members -- from Past National Presidents and CPAEs to new candidate members -- are welcome to attend. The Lab operates much like a Hollywood “Actors Studio” where speakers, facilitators, seminar leaders, those who sell products or services through public presentations, etc. can go to try out new material, revise current material, practice delivery techniques, etc.

Our goal for the Speakers Lab is to take speakers, facilitators, teacher/leaders at their current level of skill, impact, fee level, etc., and help them move up to the next level. Both those speaking, and observers benefit from the Lab, and the net effect is to increase the skills and impact of each participant.

Click here or more information.

Breaking Through Live (April 30, 2026)

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Step away from the ordinary and spend an afternoon immersed in live storytelling, fresh perspectives, and engaging performances. Breaking Through Live, presented by the National Speakers Association Wisconsin Chapter, brings together 8 to 10 experienced professional speakers for a fast-paced showcase of powerful 15-minute mini-keynotes. Each voice is different. Each message is designed to spark new thinking, meaningful conversation, and moments you will remember long after the curtain closes on the spectacular Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts stage.

This is not a traditional lecture or conference. It is a dynamic, variety-style experience where the energy shifts with every speaker. Expect insight paired with entertainment, thoughtful ideas delivered with personality, and an atmosphere that keeps the afternoon moving. Come curious. Leave energized.

See our speaker line up here: Breaking Through Live

Why Attend
If you enjoy live performances that make you think, laugh, and see familiar challenges in a new way, this afternoon is for you. Breaking Through Live offers a rare opportunity to hear multiple professional speakers on one stage, each bringing their own stories, styles, and perspectives. It is an easy way to refresh your thinking, gather new ideas, and enjoy a live event that feels both meaningful and fun.

For Event Industry Professionals
Meeting professionals, association leaders, HR teams, and others who hire speakers are invited to attend as guests of the chapter, with a reception following the showcase. Experience multiple seasoned speakers in one afternoon and see how they connect with a live audience, far beyond what a demo reel can show. One lucky guest will receive a keynote giveaway valued at up to $25,000.

Event industry partners can reach out to Eliz Greene for guest registration details.

See more details here: Breaking Through Live Event Pro

Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts patrons, use the code you received in an email for discounted tickets.

Bring Your Group
Some events are better experienced together, and Breaking Through Live is one of them. Gather your team, invite your network, or plan a midweek outing with friends. The fast-paced lineup keeps you engaged, and every presentation gives your group something new to talk about on the drive home.

Contact Eliz Greene now if your group is 10 or more to unlock special group pricing and reserve your seats together.

Reserve your seat now and be part of an afternoon where powerful stories, engaging performances, and ideas worth your time take center stage.

Presenting Sponsor

Boosting Voice Health for Speakers (May Chapter Meeting) (May 14, 2026)

Thu, 14 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Boosting Voice Health for Speakers
presented by Brienne Hennesy

Voice is an integral asset as a speaker, yet most don’t know ways to keep it healthy and vibrant long-term. Brienne Hennessy, M.A., will provide evidence and experience-based voice health and wellness strategies, plus playful exercises so that NSA-WI members learn key concepts about protecting their voice function, reducing strain, and tuning into embodied presence so their sound resonates with more speaking prowess -- all of which benefits their communication and livelihood. The intention is to bring high-value interactivity with tangible takeaways for all attendees.

Brienne Hennessy (she/her), founder of Your Vocal Vitality, LLC, is a highly-sought after voice activator, intuitive listener, speaker, and author. For 17 years, she has specialized in voice and how it connects to our well-being and self-worth. Brienne has expertly guided executives, entrepreneurs, and speakers to communicate with more assertiveness, speak without fatigue or strain, and listen to their intuitive voice to show up as their truest selves.

Brienne is also a former speech-voice pathologist with 14 years of clinical experience and 60+ public speaking appearances. Her clients have succeeded in protecting against hoarseness and voice loss while improving clarity, stamina, and ease. All while elevating communication confidence, which has resulted in more captivating presence and profit for their businesses!

You’ll often find Brienne incorporating water into her day, whether hydrating, lounging at the lake, or blowing bubbles to warm-up her voice!

Agenda

10:00-11:30 -- In-Meeting Speaker Lab (requires separate registration if you would like to speak)

11:30-Noon -- Networking

Noon-1:00 -- Lunch

1:00-3:30 -- Brienne Hennesy: Boosting Voice Health for Speakers
3:30-4:00 -- Inside the Speaker Studio

In-Meeting Speakers Development Lab (May 14, 2026)

Thu, 14 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

In-Meeting Lab
Join us as a speaker and take advantage of the built-in audience at our chapter meeting

One of the most valuable services offered by NSA-WI is the Speakers Development Lab. The Lab operates much like a Hollywood “Actors Studio” where speakers, facilitators, seminar leaders, those who sell products or services through public presentations, etc. can go to try out new material, revise current material, practice delivery techniques, etc.

Click here or more information.

If you would like to also attend the Chapter Meeting, register here.

Gala with a Kick (June 11, 2026)

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Join us as we celebrate this past year and kick off our fifth decade!

We will have lots of surprises including Chapter awards and Academy celebrations. Be sure to wear your fun "kicks" with your cocktail attire. Bring a friend to enjoy this fun night, too!

The dinner buffet will include beef tips and vegetable stuffed portobello mushrooms, a variety of other sides, plus a cash bar.

Beyond the Stage: Planting Roots, Expanding Reach, and Growing Revenue (Established Members program) (June 16, 2026)

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Beyond the Stage: Planting Roots, Expanding Reach, and Growing Revenue
presented by Deborah Biddle for Established Members only

The speaking industry is evolving. Today’s most successful speakers don’t just deliver keynotes—they create integrated businesses that blend thought leadership, consulting, training, and long-term client relationships. But how can you grow that kind of business when life changes your location, the market shifts, or your clients are scattered across the Midwest and beyond?

Deborah Biddle, The People Culture Architect™, leads The People Company Consulting Group. She is a certified diversity practitioner, consultant, and speaker, who offers a personalized approach to helping her clients feel empowered, seen, and heard. With tailored workshops and consulting sessions, she is committed to helping organizations maximize belonging, productivity, and performance.

In this engaging and practical session, Deborah shares her real story of moving during the pandemic while maintaining and growing a successful dual business in speaking and consulting. From staying connected with Wisconsin clients to expanding into new markets in Illinois and across the region, she highlights what it takes to stay visible, credible, and connected—no matter where you are.

This program provides speakers with a roadmap to turn their expertise into a flexible, scalable business that extends beyond their ZIP code. If you’re ready to expand your influence, diversify your income, and build a practice that gains recognition—not just locally but regionally and nationally—this session is for you.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Participants will learn how to:

Develop a business model that combines paid speaking engagements with consulting, training, and advisory services.
Maintain and expand a geographically diverse client portfolio, even after relocating.
Create design systems that enable a mobile, multi-state practice while maintaining client connection.
Boost visibility and trust in major Midwest markets and prepare for nationwide expansion.
Transition from transactional speaking to becoming a strategic partner clients depend on year after year.
Create a specific regional expansion plan based on your expertise and goals.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Established Members who are professional speakers, consultants, trainers, coaches, and aspiring thought leaders aiming to increase revenue, deepen influence, and develop a sustainable business across regions.