NSA-MN AUGUST 2026 Newsletter
Note from the President
I'm honored to become your 2026–2027 President! I've been an NSA member for 10+ years and speaking has always been part of my professional life, but what I didn't always have was a community that understood what building a speaking business takes.
Our business can be a lonely one, but NSA changed that for me – few things have shaped my career the way this community has. That's why this role is so meaningful for me.
Our membership ranges from nationally recognized speakers and those who are just getting started. This year's theme will inspire and activate all of us but will especially help those who are right in the middle – building their businesses, sharpening their craft, and pushing toward what's next.
That's why our theme this year is Think Bigger. Build Smarter.
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Think Bigger: Ideas that expand your thinking so you can set and achieve bigger goals.
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Build Smarter: Insights and resources that sharpen your skills, strategy, systems, and network.
You'll find the full lineup for this year's programming below; it's an exceptionally strong line-up, eight national speakers, including three Hall of Fame members and the winner of NSA's Cavett Award. I hope you'll take advantage of as many of these opportunities as you can.
My ask of you:
The true value of NSA-MN is the supportive, generous community we hold dear, and that only happens because people are willing to give and show up for each other. Consider one way you can get involved, whether that's volunteering, mentoring, or bringing a guest to our next program.
I'm looking forward to seeing you, learning alongside you, and getting to know more of you along the way.
See you in the room!
Warmly,
Jill J. Johnson, MBA, President, NSA-MN
New Season Starts September 4!
And, we’re kicking things off with a question every professional speaker, coach, and consultant should be asking: Are you still unmistakably valuable to your clients?
Chapter Programming
NEW VENUE: The Club at Golden Valley located at: 7001 Golden Valley Rd, Golden Valley, MN 55427 is our new home for our chapter programs.
NSA-MN at Influence 2026
Thirty NSA-MN members traveled to Austin, Texas in July for Influence, our national conference. Three days of world-class speakers, meaningful reunions, and plenty of reasons to celebrate — and I loved seeing so many of our members there and in the spotlight.
Chapter Recognition: NSA-MN earned Premier Level Chapter recognition from the National Chapter Leadership Committee. Congratulations to last year's board and Jasmine Brett Stringer for the service and success that made this possible. President, Jill Johnson and President-Elect, Kim Nagle participated in the chapter leader training, and Past-President, Jason Hunt, CSP, joined CLC as a Chapter Liaison.
Member Spotlights:
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Ross Bernstein, CSP, CPAE, took the Main Stage by storm to share his stage four cancer journey this past year, and he was extraordinary, giving shout-outs to hundreds of people who made a difference for him this year, many of them fellow NSA-MN members.
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Janel Anderson, CSP, led a breakout session on podcasting, one of only 25 speakers selected out of 225 submissions.
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Three of our own earned their CSP medallions this year: congratulations to Gaelin Elmore, Kelly Jahner-Byrne, and Nan Gesche.
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David Horsager, CSP, CPAE, chaired this year's CPAE Leadership Committee and welcomed everyone at the CPAE and Cavett Awards Banquet, where Mark LeBlanc, CSP, CPAE, introduced one of the five new CPAE honorees.
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Tim Eggebraaten, CSP, performed on stage with the NSA Influence Band, joined by Minnesota native and frequent NSA-MN guest, Rob Shanahan.
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James Robilotta, CSP, emceed the Music Palooza event that included dance moves from Jasmine Brett Stringer and Kim Nagle and an appearance by Prince!
Highlights to Remember: This year's Master of Influence Award went to the legendary Les Brown, still motivating and sharing wisdom at 81 years old. He shared that he's working today on becoming his 90-year-old self, a line that stuck with all of us. We were also glad to catch up with our National CEO, Jaime Nolan, a fellow Minnesotan.
Save the Date: Join us next year at Influence, July 17–19, 2027, at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona.
For more photos and highlights from Influence, check out our social media.
Every month we send out a newsletter to our current membership and mailing list. These newsletters include updates, events, and some inspiring content for our professional speakers, trainers, coaches, and consultants. Enjoy these newsletters from the current and previous year.
