Speaker's Academy
How to Succeed as a Professional Speaker
We have fantastic news! The 2026/2027 Speaker’s Academy is quickly approaching (September 18th 2026). Enrollment closes on September 10th, 2026. This is an unique opportunity to learn from seasoned NSA speakers. You might be thinking is the Speaker’s Academy for you? Past attendees gave the following reasons for why they enrolled in the Academy:
- “I want to develop and build a speaking business, but I don’t know how to start.”
- “I have started speaking professionally, but I am not sure what to do next.”
- “I’m still trying to develop my personal brand and I’m working on determining what I’m going to speak on?”
- “I’m not sure how to get speaking gigs and I’m not sure what to charge for in-person and/or virtual sessions.”
The NSA Philadelphia Speakers Academy is for aspiring speakers who want to learn and connect with established speakers to become professional speakers. Whether you are a speaker, trainer, author or consultant who is developing a speaking-driven business, this is what you need to catapult your success. NSA Philadelphia will help you do just that. It doesn't matter if you are in the design or launch phase, we are here to guide you through the process of becoming a valued added professional speaker. Every element is customized for professional speaking and provides directly, relevant information that you can use immediately. The Speaker’s Academy faculty and mentors are successful speakers, consultants, marketers and experts who share their craft, passion and enthusiasm for speaking along with key tools, techniques and samples of working items they use in their own businesses.
Academy particulars
- Beginning September 18, 2026 and running through June 18, 2027, we will meet on the third Friday of every month 8:30 am – noon.
- Seven of our sessions will be in person and three will be virtual (unless the participants want to meet in-person for every session).
- The in-person sessions will be held at the Beasley Media Group offices (1 Bala Plaza, 4th Floor – Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004).
- We provide a light breakfast at each program session..
- We also will be meeting, virtually, on the first Wednesday of every month from 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm beginning on October 6th.
- Each participant will be assigned a mentor (i.e., one of our seasoned NSA members).
- The cost is $2500. This includes your $225 yearly membership fee.
- We cap the participant number at 10.
- The Academy dean is Dr. James Smith, Jr. CSP (past NSA Philadelphia President 2022 -2024)
The Speaker’s Academy also includes:
- All program sessions.
- Speaker expert training materials and educational tools (invaluable).
- Thousands of dollars in bonuses, extras and benefits.
- Monthly, virtual, one-hour accountability calls*.
- Graduation Celebration.
Monthly Accountability Calls
The program gives you one of the most powerful adult learning tools available: accountability partners. The intimate professional setting with a small number of your peers ensures your successful learning and doing throughout the year. Every month meet online with your fellow Speakers Academy colleagues to check in, brag, get advice and hold each other accountable.
Enrollment closes on September 10th, 2026.
Your SPEAKER's ACADEMy DEAn:
Dr. James Smith Jr., CSP
With a rich history as an author, speaker, educator, and coach, Dr. James Smith Jr., CSP has served as our past president for the last two years and continues to be an integral part of our board and management committee. His unwavering dedication to this chapter is deeply appreciated.
Dr. James has laid a strong foundation for our organization and will continue to play a vital role in our future growth. His expertise and commitment have been instrumental in shaping our strategies and initiatives, and we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead with his continued involvement. His presence and contributions are invaluable to our mission, and we look forward to achieving even greater heights together.
Secure one of the limited 10 spots!
$2,500 includes the Speaker's Academy program plus your NSA - Philadelphia Chapter membership for one full year.
