What is it? A casual, virtual co-working support space
Why do it?
How long is it? 2 hours, once weekly
When is it? Monday from 12:00 p.m. -2:00 p.m. (excluding holidays)
Project Lab Flow:
Start at 12:00 p.m.
Facilitator schedules a 50-minute work session
The regular host is Michele Redmond, with co-host Cassandra Thompson.
By registering for this event, you are giving permission for NSA-Arizona to add your contact information to our email list and to use any photographs (screenshots) that are taken at the event containing your likeness for as long as NSA-Arizona deems appropriate and desirable.
This meeting will be held upstairs in the training room, Suite 201.
Please note: Coffee and water will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own beverage and snacks.
3 Ways to Participate:
Powerful Panels: Adding More Value to Your Client Engagements
Have you ever considered offering to moderate a panel discussion as a creative add-on to your client’s event? Almost all meetings and conferences have them, and few of them are truly worthwhile!
Kristin will start the program actually moderating a panel with 3 of your most “famous” members (see below). We’ll chat about the do’s and don’ts of running a successful speaking business and delivering an amazing presentation.
After a brief break, Kristin will debrief the process she used to prepare for and facilitate the panel discussion. She’ll also show you how to offer this additional service for an additional fee as well as the key steps you need to take in order to moderate a lively and informative panel discussion.
The program objectives are to:
The Business of Speaking: From Authentic Voice to Thriving Enterprise
What does it really take to build—and sustain—a successful speaking business today?
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just finding your voice, this dynamic conversation with Mike Staver, CSP®, CPAE®, Carol Cambridge, CSP®, and Pamela Jett, CSP® will challenge your thinking, spark your creativity, and remind you why speaking is both art and enterprise.
Moderated by Kristin Arnold, CSP®, CPAE®, this lively, fast-paced panel dives into what every professional speaker needs to know to thrive in today’s marketplace:
Treat Your Business Like a Business. Learn how these pros approach speaking as a serious enterprise—balancing creativity with contracts, systems, and strategy.
Be or Become the Expert. Discover how true subject matter expertise—and the courage to be uniquely you—sets you apart in a crowded field.
Build Relationships that Last. Explore why trust, generosity, and service—not social media hype—drive repeat business and referrals.
Expect candid insights, actionable strategies, and a few good laughs as these three industry veterans pull back the curtain on what it takes to run a successful speaking practice—long after the applause fades.
You’ll leave re-energized, refocused, and ready to treat your speaking career not as a gig, but as a growing business fueled by authenticity, expertise, and relationships.
Moderator: Kristin Arnold, MBA, CPF Master, CSP®, CPAE®
President, Extraordinary Team • Author of Powerful Panels
Kristin Arnold is one of North America’s foremost authorities on panel moderation and high-stakes meeting facilitation. A Certified Speaking Professional® (CSP), Certified Professional Facilitator Master (CPF | Master), and member of the Speaker Hall of Fame (CPAE®), Kristin has spent more than three decades helping organizations make their meetings, teams, and panels extraordinary. She’s the author of Powerful Panels: How to Moderate a Lively and Informative Panel Discussion. 123 Ways to Add Pizazz to a Panel Discussion, The Powerful Panelist, and has coached hundreds of moderators and speakers to deliver conversations that audiences rave about. Known for her insight, humor, and precision, Kristin transforms “just another panel” into a high-impact learning experience.
Connect with Kristin
Website: https://extraordinaryteam.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinjarnold
Carol Cambridge, CSP®
Safety Communication Expert • Trainer • Founder, The Stay Safe Project
Carol Cambridge is a recognized expert on workplace violence prevention and safety communication. A former crisis-response professional, she brings clarity, warmth, and even humor to serious subjects—helping people stay safe through awareness and action. As founder of The Stay Safe Project, Carol has delivered programs worldwide and maintains an extraordinary 92–94% repeat and referral rate. She’s built her reputation on authenticity, interactivity, and a powerful ability to make complex, high-risk topics relevant and human.
Pamela Jett, CSP®
Leadership Communication Expert • Author • Professional Speaker
Pamela Jett is a leadership communication strategist who helps professionals use “Words That Work” to build credibility, confidence, and connection. With a background in applied linguistics and more than 25 years on stage, she delivers practical tools with trademark wit and insight. Pamela challenges speakers and leaders alike to treat their craft as a business, develop genuine expertise, and resist the lure of comparison. Her mission: to elevate conversations—one powerful word at a time.
Mike Staver, CSP®, CPAE®
Leadership Expert • Business Strategist • Hall of Fame Speaker
Mike Staver is a leadership authority, business coach, and Hall of Fame speaker whose work focuses on turning intention into action. The author of Leadership Isn’t for Cowards, he’s known for his direct, no-nonsense approach to growth and performance. For over two decades, Mike has helped companies and professionals build courage, clarity, and consistency—earning long-term client relationships that span decades. Bold, funny, and deeply practical, Mike shows audiences that leadership—and speaking—is a business built on trust and differentiation.
EARLY REGISTRATION ENDS ON NOVEMBER 3RD. REGISTER EARLY TO SAVE!
By registering for this event, you are giving permission for NSA-Arizona to add your contact information to our email list and to use any photographs (or screenshots) that are taken at the event containing your likeness for as long as NSA-Arizona deems appropriate and desirable.
Cancellation Policy: No refunds.
Please notify us if you have any special needs for the meeting.
Speaker Studio
The 10/22 and 11/12 Studios are integrated into one activity to allow people who practice on 10/22 to do a re-practice of the same material on 11/12. Both of these integrated sessions will be led by Don Thoren, CPAE.
You can use these two Studio sessions to seek a major improvement of existing or new material. Based on the number of people who sign up, the practice time will be from 5 to 10 minutes. Suggested topics: A review of your introduction and live practice of your opening looking for effective integration and impact; a key vignette with point, support, story/illustration, application, etc.; or your closing to include review of key points, affirmation of value proposition, call to action, etc. (Or whatever is your highest priority for this material.)
Speaker Studio is a members-only benefit, designed as an intimate learning environment that creates breakthrough moments for our members. As such, members may present and guests may observe.
We are limited to three (3) presenters for each session, based on who signs up first.
“Speaker Studio was an incredible opportunity to receive thoughtful, diverse feedback that truly elevated my presentation skills. The timing was perfect because it encouraged me to invest in coaching right before filming my course videos and recording my first Audible. The impact on my delivery was truly transformational. Thank you, Speaker Studio and fellow NSA AZ members.” - Rose Ann Forte, Founder, The Plans He Has For Me, LLC
SPEAKER STUDIO COMPILED READINGS
Don Thoren has contributed many documents – articles, emails, etc. – over the past several years as teaching aides. These documents are contained in this file (click to access).
Questions or suggestions? Contact us via email or phone at 480-382-0638.
By attending this event, you are giving permission for NSA-Arizona to add your contact information to our email list and to use any photographs (or screenshots) that are taken at the event containing your likeness for as long as NSA-Arizona deems appropriate and desirable.
One of ONE – Uncovering Your Secret Sauce via Original Research
Tired of blending in? In One of ONE – Uncovering Your Secret Sauce via Original Research, Nora Burns will share about how speakers can break out of the 'me too' mold and stand out with original research that highlights what makes them unmistakably unique. Become a recognized authority - because YOU will be the one uncovering the innovative insights and delivering them to your clients and audiences.
About our guest: Nora Burns is based out of Denver, CO (and is a past President of NSA-CO). As a keynote speaker, workplace researcher, and creator of The Undercover Project™, she’s built a brand around original research and distinctive content that no one else can duplicate. Having coached and collaborated with speakers at every stage, Nora brings both firsthand experience and a proven process for uncovering the 'secret sauce' that sets each speaker apart.
All registrants will receive access to the recording.
Thursday, 4 December 2025
5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
The holiday season is just around the corner, and we’re excited to kick off the festivities with a special event just for you!
At the home of Lee and Gail Jenkins
11545 N. 129th Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85259
Join your fellow NSA members for a holiday extravaganza! This is the perfect opportunity to unwind, connect with fellow speakers, and share some holiday cheer in a warm, relaxed setting.
Please RSVP by Monday, 1 December 2025
Details:
Parking will be on the street.
There is a gate code which you will receive in the reminder email after you RSVP.
Any questions? Call or Text Alaina at 520-240-6538
Can’t wait to celebrate with y’all! Happy Holidays!
By registering for this event, you are giving permission for NSA-Arizona to add your contact information to our email list and to use any photographs that are taken at the event containing your likeness for as long as NSA-Arizona deems appropriate and desirable.
AI Tools For Beginners - where do you start?
With a dizzying array of AI tools available to grow your speaking business, you may be curious how you figure out where to start and which ones you could consider using. In an exciting fireside chat, Gina Carr will walk us through how to strategize and determine which AI tools will be useful to you and she will give us a primer on a few of her favorite AI "starter" tools for marketing, sales, prospecting, and more!
About our guest: As the CEO of Stark Raving Entrepreneurs, Gina Carr works with business leaders to leverage AI-powered marketing for more impact, influence, and income. Gina has an MBA from the Harvard Business School and an engineering degree from Georgia Tech. Known as “The Tribe Builder,” Gina helps passionate people build powerful tribes of raving fans.
The Hidden Edge Every Speaker Needs: Negotiation & Body Language Secrets That Decide Who Gets the Gig
If you don’t master these hidden strategies, the next big speaking opportunity will go to someone else—and you’ll be left wondering why.
In the competitive world of professional speaking, success isn’t just about delivering compelling content; it’s about mastering the art of negotiation to get more gigs. Despite their expertise on stage, many speakers miss out on opportunities or settle for less than they deserve due to a lack of negotiation skills. This knowledge gap can lead to missed gig opportunities, undervalued contracts, and a struggle to build and maintain a sustainable speaking career.
Professional speakers often face unique negotiation challenges, from determining fair market rates to handling fee objections. Without a solid understanding of negotiation tactics tailored to the speaking industry, even the most talented orators may leave money on the table or fail to secure repeat engagements. Dr. Greg’s presentation will help speakers resolve those issues and position them for more significant opportunities.
Learning Objectives
About our guest: As a Harvard-trained, Forbes-cited, top 50 corporation negotiator with a wealth of 30-plus years of negotiation and reading body language experience, Dr. Greg Williams, ‘The Master Negotiator & Body Language Expert,’ has taught people worldwide negotiation and reading body language skills. He is an accomplished author, speaker, trainer, and a recognized worldwide thought leader on negotiation and reading body language who has spoken in 23 countries. The research firm Global Gurus has double-ranked Greg in negotiation and body language among the top 30 gurus worldwide.
Greg’s motto is, “You’re always negotiating!”
Contact Us
480-382-0638
info@nsa-arizona.org
10869 N. Scottsdale Road
Suite 103, PMB 238
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
