Who

NSA-Arizona Projects Lab

What is it? A casual, virtual co-working support space

Why do it?

• Bursts of focused work with breaks promote productivity and reduce stress.
• Focus intently on a project, content development, marketing, pitching, operational or administrative processes etc.
• It’s an opportunity to ask for feedback, share resources and support each other’s work
• During the highly productive segments, you’re muted with your video on or off

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 may be expanded to an additional day and time if Monday participation merits expansion

Who may attend? 

Projects Lab is a members-only benefit. A guest may attend once.

Project Lab Flow:

Start at 12:00 p.m.

• Welcome new participants to introduce themselves
• Each person shares their project, challenge or goal for the lab time

Facilitator schedules a 50-minute work session

• Take a break and share progress, ask any questions, share any related resources
• A 40–50-minute work session is scheduled
• Topics or conversations that require more time can continue via the chat or participants can stay on zoom after the scheduled end time and continue supporting each other

The regular host is Michele Redmond.

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.

Click here for Member Expectations. Please read prior to attending.

Speaker Studio is a members-only benefit, designed as an intimate learning environment that creates breakthrough moments for our members. As such, only members may present and guests may attend once to observe.

Why Attend Speaker Studio?

• Practice presenting in a structured environment with valuable feedback.
• Receive guidance from experienced evaluators and fellow speakers.
• Observe and learn from others to accelerate personal growth.

We have a limited number of presenter opportunities for this session, based on who signs up first.

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.

NSA-Arizona Coffee Meetup

Sometimes the best conversations happen when there’s no agenda.

Join your fellow NSA-Arizona members for a casual coffee meetup—a chance to catch up with people you know, meet members you haven’t had a chance to talk with yet, and spend some time together beyond our Saturday meetings.

There’s no program, presentation, or formal networking. Just coffee, conversation, and your NSA Arizona community.

We’re hosting two meetups around the Valley. Come to whichever works best for you—or join us for both!

Wednesday, September 23 | 1:00–3:00 PM
The Coffee Plantation
7366 E Shea Blvd, Suite 101
Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Friday, September 25 | 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
Window Coffee Bar – Tempe
433 S Farmer Ave
Tempe, AZ 85281

Please register so we know how many seats to save!

Drop in anytime during the two-hour window and stay as long as you’d like. There’s no cost to attend; just grab your own coffee, drink, or snack if you’d like something while you’re there.

Come for the coffee. Stay for the conversation. We’d love to see you there.

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.

NSA-Arizona Coffee Meetup

Sometimes the best conversations happen when there’s no agenda.

Join your fellow NSA-Arizona members for a casual coffee meetup—a chance to catch up with people you know, meet members you haven’t had a chance to talk with yet, and spend some time together beyond our Saturday meetings.

There’s no program, presentation, or formal networking. Just coffee, conversation, and your NSA Arizona community.

We’re hosting two meetups around the Valley. Come to whichever works best for you—or join us for both!

Wednesday, September 23 | 1:00–3:00 PM
The Coffee Plantation
7366 E Shea Blvd, Suite 101
Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Friday, September 25 | 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
Window Coffee Bar – Tempe
433 S Farmer Ave
Tempe, AZ 85281

Please register so we know how many seats to save!

Drop in anytime during the two-hour window and stay as long as you’d like. There’s no cost to attend; just grab your own coffee, drink, or snack if you’d like something while you’re there.

Come for the coffee. Stay for the conversation. We’d love to see you there.

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.

NSA-Arizona Program Saturday, October 10, 2026

This meeting will be held upstairs in the training room, Suite 201.

8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.	Networking
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.	Program Meeting

Please note: Coffee and water will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own beverage and snacks.

3 Ways to Participate:

1. Register to join us in person.
2. Register to join us via live-streaming on the day of the event.
3. Register to receive a link to the recording afterward.

Find Your Story Advantage

Your Story Is Your Business Card. Are You Telling It Well?

Every speaker has a story. Few know how to tell it in a way that builds a brand—and a business. This dynamic, interactive workshop is for speakers ready to master the craft of telling their story well, because a well-told story becomes the engine behind your brand, your bookings, and your bottom line.

What you'll walk away with:

• The craft of storytelling — the structure that separates forgettable stories from brand-building ones
• Why stories sell — the psychology behind trust, credibility, and demand
• Real-time story refinement — sharpen your actual brand story with expert guidance
• A Story EcoSystem — turn your story into content, offers, and revenue beyond the stage
• Sticky techniques that make your brand impossible to forget

This isn't about finding a better story. It's about telling the one you have—well.

EARLY REGISTRATION ENDS ON OCTOBER 5. REGISTER EARLY TO SAVE!

If registration is received after 12:00 noon on the Friday before the program, a pre-printed member name badge may not be available onsite. In that case, members will be invited to hand print a guest name badge at check-in.

About our speaker: Bill Blankschaen is the author of Your Story Advantage and the founder and Chief Story Architect of StoryBuilders, a creative team that helps people live a story worth telling by creating compelling books and learning experiences. A multiple New York Times and USA Today Best Selling writer, Bill and his team work with top influencers like John C. Maxwell, Lewis Howes, Dean Graziosi, and Kevin Harrington from Shark Tank. Their resources have already impacted millions of people—and they’re just getting started.

Connect with Bill:

https://www.facebook.com/share/171v1yQJPU/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://www.instagram.com/my_storybuilders?igsh=MTdlb25vY2h2anp2dQ==

https://www.linkedin.com/in/billblankschaen/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/storybuilders/posts/?feedView=all

https://www.youtube.com/@mystorybuilder  

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.

Low Tech Systems that Work

Jess shares her fail-safe no tech/low tech systems for staying organized, keeping up to date on all paperwork, tracking invoicing, keeping business operations running smoothly, etc., without spending a dime.

About our guest: Jess Pettitt, MEd, MBA, CSP® shares stuff that makes sense in the NSA space. She is a former national board member, Phoenix and Tucson were her original NSA Chapters, and she has 23 years years of experience serving the education, corporate, and association markets - from training to keynoting, to emceeing to consulting. Jess is an open book.

Connect with Jess:

Website: https://jesspettitt.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesspettitt

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodenoughnow/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessicapettitt

All registrants will receive access to the recording.

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.

Click here for Member Expectations. Please read prior to attending.

Speaker Studio is a members-only benefit, designed as an intimate learning environment that creates breakthrough moments for our members. As such, only members may present and guests may attend once to observe.

Why Attend Speaker Studio?

• Practice presenting in a structured environment with valuable feedback.
• Receive guidance from experienced evaluators and fellow speakers.
• Observe and learn from others to accelerate personal growth.

We have a limited number of presenter opportunities for this session, based on who signs up first.

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.

CSP® Uncovered: What It Takes, What It Means & How to Get There

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to earn the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP®) designation—or whether pursuing it should be part of your professional goals?

Join Frank Kitchen, CSP®, CSP Committee Chair, keynote speaker, and “The Chef of Success” for an insider’s look at the CSP® journey. Frank will pull back the curtain on the designation, clear up common misconceptions, and share practical guidance for speakers who are considering the credential, already working toward it, or wondering how to get across the finish line.

You’ll learn more about what the CSP® represents, what goes into the qualification and application process, and how to prepare yourself for success. Frank will also share his personal perspective on how earning the CSP® impacted his speaking business and professional opportunities.

And bring your questions! A portion of this interactive session will be dedicated to live Q&A, giving you the opportunity to ask what you’ve always wanted to know about the CSP® process.

Connect with Frank:

Website: https://www.frankkitchen.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankkitchen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankkitchen/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frankckitchen

All registrants will receive access to the recording.

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.

Click here for Member Expectations. Please read prior to attending.

Speaker Studio is a members-only benefit, designed as an intimate learning environment that creates breakthrough moments for our members. As such, only members may present and guests may attend once to observe.

Why Attend Speaker Studio?

• Practice presenting in a structured environment with valuable feedback.
• Receive guidance from experienced evaluators and fellow speakers.
• Observe and learn from others to accelerate personal growth.

We have a limited number of presenter opportunities for this session, based on who signs up first.

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.

Click here for Member Expectations. Please read prior to attending.

Speaker Studio is a members-only benefit, designed as an intimate learning environment that creates breakthrough moments for our members. As such, only members may present and guests may attend once to observe.

Why Attend Speaker Studio?

• Practice presenting in a structured environment with valuable feedback.
• Receive guidance from experienced evaluators and fellow speakers.
• Observe and learn from others to accelerate personal growth.

We have a limited number of presenter opportunities for this session, based on who signs up first.

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.

NSA-Arizona Program Saturday, November 14, 2026

This meeting will be held upstairs in the training room, Suite 201.

8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.	Networking
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.	Program Meeting

Please note: Coffee and water will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own beverage and snacks.

3 Ways to Participate:

1. Register to join us in person.
2. Register to join us via live-streaming on the day of the event.
3. Register to receive a link to the recording afterward.

From Anonymous to Authority: Building a Speaking Business Through Outbound Discipline

If you’re ready to grow your speaking business with practical strategies that actually work, this session is for you. Learn how Jake built a consistent six-figure business through intentional outreach, strong relationships, and disciplined action.

You’ll walk away with insights on:

• Creating opportunities instead of waiting for them
• Turning cold leads into real conversations
• Staying visible with decision-makers
• Building momentum without relying only on social media
• Focusing on your own path and growth

Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, and level up your business.

EARLY REGISTRATION ENDS ON NOVEMBER 9. REGISTER EARLY TO SAVE!

If registration is received after 12:00 noon on the Friday before the program, a pre-printed member name badge may not be available onsite. In that case, members will be invited to hand print a guest name badge at check-in.

About our speaker: Jake Thompson is a keynote speaker and the Chief Encouragement Officer at Compete Every Day, a brand he started in 2011 by first selling t-shirts out of the trunk of his car and is now worn by leaders in over 62 countries.

Jake has spent more than a decade working with leaders and organizations worldwide on how to fight drift and stay competitive in ever-changing marketplaces. Through his entrepreneurial sales experience, client work, and research, Jake has built a prove, repeatable frameworks that help leaders improve their grit, productive habits, and leadership influence.

He has been featured in Forbes, Inc. Magazine, hosts a podcast with over two million downloads, and has directly impacted over 135,000 ambitious leaders. Jake holds an MBA, Mental Performance Master (MPM) Certification, and is one of only 700 speakers globally to have earned his CSP® (Certified Speaking Professional) through the National Speakers Association.

Jake lives in Dallas/Fort Worth with his wife, Elena, and their four “kids,” aka rescue dogs, Donut, Snacks, Pop-Tart, & Cookie.

Connect with Jake:

https://www.instagram.com/jakethompsonspeaks

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakethompsonspeaks/

https://www.youtube.com/competeeveryday

https://www.jakeathompson.com/

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.

Negotiating Fees and Aftercare

We'll talk about negotiating fees and how you can use "Aftercare" to advance your speaking business.

About our guest: Lois Creamer works with speakers, consultants and experts who want to book more business, make more money, and monetize their message. She's been doing it for 25 years.

Connect with Lois:

Website: https://bookmorebusiness.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loiscreamer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loisbmb/

All registrants will receive access to the recording.

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.

Click here for Member Expectations. Please read prior to attending.

Speaker Studio is a members-only benefit, designed as an intimate learning environment that creates breakthrough moments for our members. As such, only members may present and guests may attend once to observe.

Why Attend Speaker Studio?

• Practice presenting in a structured environment with valuable feedback.
• Receive guidance from experienced evaluators and fellow speakers.
• Observe and learn from others to accelerate personal growth.

We have a limited number of presenter opportunities for this session, based on who signs up first.

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.

How to Determine Whether to Launch a Product or Service

We'll discuss how to determine whether to add a new product or service, e.g. a new keynote, online course, membership group

About our guest: Theresa Rose, CSP® is a brand clarity consultant, creator of The Boardroom Within™, past president of NSA Minnesota, and a two-time TEDx speaker known for helping leaders align their thinking, messaging, and presence. She also crystallized the NSA Member Journey, bringing greater clarity and connection to the member experience.https://www.theresarose.com/

Connect with Theresa:

Website: https://www.theresarose.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresarosepresents

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theresarosepresents

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheresaRosePresents/

All registrants will receive access to the recording.

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.