Opportunities for Content Leaders

Thank you for your interest in being a content leader at a VSAE event. VSAE is always looking for good speakers and presenters. There are several opportunities to speak at a VSAE event. A list of some of those opportunities is included below. 

To be considered for future events, the first step is completing our Content Leader Submission Form using the button below. Submissions will be considered by the Education Committee at their Fall 2020 meeting for events held during the Q1 & Q2 of 2021. Your submission will also be considered for webinar or virtual events in 2020. Priority is given to presentations specifically related to associations. Most of our keynote speakers are arranged with Blanche Powell of Powell Kohne Associates, LLC. 

We have several different speaking opportunities.

Seminar Series: This event is held on the first Friday of February, March, April, June, September, and November. Speakers conduct a 2.5 hour seminar and a 15-20 minute presentation during a luncheon or breakfast. The two presentations should be similar or related, though not identical. 

Annual Conference: This three-day event is held annually in early May. There are one or two hour-long keynote presentations and at least eight 75-minute breakout sessions. 

Fall Conference: This event is held annually in October. It includes an hour-long keynote presentation followed by 90-minute breakout sessions. In addition to association executives, this event targets professional meeting planners from all markets, social, government, and corporate. 

Other Events: VSAE also holds several peer-to-peer meetings throughout the year where there may be a speaking opportunity. These events range in length from 90-minute meetings to two-day retreats. Examples include the CEO & Senior Staff Retreat, AMC Retreat, Meeting Planner Summit, and various Shared Interest Group (SIG) meetings throughout the year.

The Education Committee Chooses Content Leaders
VSAE has a volunteer led Education Committee that meets at least twice annually to select content leaders for events. Typically, the group meets in March and August. The group will review content submissions and extend invitations to potential speakers and content leaders. Session topics specific to association and event management receive priority over general topics of interest. Speakers are typically booked 6 months to a year before the event.

We Can Only Provide Travel Expense Reimbursement
VSAE has a very limited budget for speakers and content leaders. We can only provide reimbursement for travel expenses and do not provide an honorarium. Speaking at a VSAE event is a marketing opportunity. Many of VSAE's members look to current and former VSAE content leaders when they need to hire a speaker for an event. So, speaking at VSAE is great exposure to VSAE's association community.

Our Audience Are Association Executives in Virginia
VSAE's primary members are the association executives and staff from Virginia's membership based associations and non-profits. The membership is a diverse group and includes large association CEOs, small association CEOs, senior staff, and even some more entry level staff members. These members attend VSAE events looking for information on best practices and ways to deliver more value to their careers, their associations, and their members.

Consider the areas below to jumpstart your thinking before submitting a form. We are looking for ways to improve or innovate in these areas of association management. If you have any questions or wish to talk through an idea, contact Pamela Flynn, Meetings Manager, at (804) 249-2244 or [email protected].

Possible Topics Areas:

Membership
• increase and engage more members of your organization
• adopt a new membership model or develop a pilot program

Governance
• working with your board to achieve strategic goals for your organization
• engaging members to serve and participate
• creating an environment of strategic thinking and innovation

Communications
• using automation or free/cheap tools to improve marketing and communications efficiency on a small staff
• promoting membership renewals, events, and services to your membership
• leveraging social media successfully

Government Relations/Lobbying
• preparing for the next legislative session
• creating campaigns that help influence and educate

Meeting Planning and Events
• innovations made to conferences to create an improved attendee experience
• tools and processes to streamline the development and execution of your event
• identifying and guiding speakers/panels to develop and facilitate engaging education sessions

Leadership
• leading your staff to be effective, collaborative and innovative
• promote and create a positive and productive work culture

Apply Here

Priority is given to presentations specifically related to associations. Most of our keynote speakers are arranged with Blanche Powell of Powell Kohne Associates, LLC.