Join the National Speakers Association for access to speakers trade shows and career development

The National Speakers Association (NSA) sets the standard for industry excellence. For professionals who master the art of persuasive speaking, networking and business, it offers the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation. Council of Peers Award of Excellence (CPAE) is reserved for CSPs who demonstrate a lifetime of commitment and professionalism. The NSA offers many educational speakers trade show services developed to enhance the skills of its members.

I recommend: The NSA schedules a Full Calendar of Events of speakers trade shows across the country for novice and advanced speakers. For those who have achieved success in the field of public speaking, the NSA offers the CSP/CPAE Summit. This is an opportunity for the top 15 percent of professional speakers to meet and hone their business plans.

Attend speakers trade shows and events in your neighborhood or worldwide

In addition to shows put on by the NSA, there are also trade shows, seminars and meetings organized by its local chapters. Networking locally is great, because it can help you attract the attention of businesses and meetings professionals in your area. Established professionals might want to attend the event put on by the International Federation for Professional Speakers (IFFPS), the worldwide speakers group to which the NSA belongs.

I recommend: Organizations like the New York City Chapter of the NSA have their own list of events for local members. Check out the NSAs website for a full list of affiliates. The IFFPS holds the Global Speakers Summit in a different country each year.

Get speakers trade show information from the International Association of Speakers Bureaus

The International Association of Speakers Bureaus (IASB) is another leading association in professional speaking. Its speakers trade show directory brings together independent speakers bureaus, which are basically agencies that match the right speaker with the right event. The IASB uses its events to foster career development and award excellence in the speaking industry.

I recommend: The IASB's annual event features some of the most respected, sought after speakers in the business. It also features plenty of workshops on skill development, as well as panels that discuss current issues in professional speaking. The IASB is a member of the Convention Industry Council, an organization that works to develop industry standards and has its own calendar of networking events.