About this event
What if the most powerful connection you could make this year… was with yourself?
As professional speakers, leaders, and communicators, we spend so much time thinking about how we show up for others — our audiences, our clients, our teams.
But what happens when we start somewhere deeper?
This special PSA South East event marks the beginning of a new regional chapter, and it invites you to explore connection from the inside out — to yourself, your purpose, and the truth of who you are — so that every connection beyond that becomes more powerful, human, and real.
Aligned with PSA’s 2026 theme, The Art of Connection, this evening weaves together wellbeing, identity, and authentic presence, offering not just inspiration, but practical tools you can use immediately in your work and life.
What to Expect on the Evening
You’ll be guided through a thoughtful, energising journey that explores:
- How we stay grounded, healthy, and present in demanding professional lives.
- How authenticity creates connection that no script or technique ever could.
- How letting go of comparison, fear, and shame allows us to show up with clarity and confidence.
You’ll experience:
- Two powerful keynote sessions designed to complement each other – we’ll also be joined by PSA President Alastair Greener!
- A member showcase with live feedback and shared learning
- Space for reflection, insight, and meaningful conversation with fellow PSA members
- Expect warmth, honesty, depth — and practical takeaways you’ll still be using long after the evening ends.
Keynote 1 – Dave James: How to Be a Happy Human
This keynote explores how we create the conditions for a life that allows us to experience all it has to offer — at work, at home, and in our relationships.
Through storytelling, practical reflection, and simple tools, this session introduces a clear framework built around four key areas that help us show up with more presence, purpose, and awareness.
At a time when stress, burnout, and disconnection are increasingly common, this talk brings the focus back to wellbeing as a foundation, not an afterthought — reminding us that sustainable success starts with how we relate to ourselves.
You will learn:
- What truly drives happiness and wellbeing (and what doesn’t)
- How to reduce stress and burnout through small but meaningful shifts
- How to stay connected to yourself — even when life and work are busy and demanding
- How greater self-awareness strengthens your relationships and communication
Keynote 2 – Shelley Bridgman: The Freedom to Be Your Self: Standing Out in a Crowded World
Speakers often strive to be memorable — but too many rely on polish over presence.
This keynote reveals why identity, purpose, and emotional truth are the real sources of connection, impact, and differentiation. We’ll explore how fear and shame quietly shape how we show up on stage, and how stepping into who we really are transforms not just delivery, but how our message lands.
This is a grounded, practical session for speakers who want to be unforgettable — not by performing more, but by hiding less.
You will learn:
- How clarifying your authentic Speaker identity helps you stand out in a crowded market
- How to connect more deeply with audiences by speaking from purpose, not performance
- A practical method to move beyond fear and shame so your voice, story, and message land with greater emotional resonance
- Why authenticity isn’t a risk — it’s your greatest asset.
The Art of Connection – PSA UK&I President, Alastair Greener
This year’s PSA theme, The Art of Connection, explores how, as speakers, we can establish, grow and sustain meaningful human connections.
In this short, interactive session, this year’s President, Alastair will share how deepening our ability to connect with our clients, their audiences, and each other, can help all of us Speak More and Speak Better.
By attending this session, you will:
- Understand why connection is at the core of every successful speaking business
- Learn how to connect more deeply with your clients, their audiences, and each other
- Discover how mastering The Art of Connection will help you Speak More and Speak Better
What You’ll Take Away from the Evening:
By attending this event, you can expect to leave with:
- Greater clarity about who you are and how you want to show up
- Practical tools to support your wellbeing, energy, and resilience
- A deeper understanding of how authentic connection is created — on and off the stage
- Renewed confidence in your voice, message, and identity
- Meaningful connection with fellow speakers who value depth, honesty, and growth.
Join us for an evening that reconnects you — to yourself, to your work, and to a community that understands the power of speaking with humanity.
Keynote speakers
Dave James is a speaker and speaker coach, helping business owners to speak like humans – not robots – and be authentically awesome in front of any audience. He is also an entertaining event host and emcee, podcast host, and the current PSA Birmingham Regional President.
Diversity Thinker, Author & a winner in the European Court of Justice
There are speakers who have led a conventional life, then there are those with experiences beyond the routine and Shelley is certainly among the latter. She has been a media commentator specialising in psychotherapy, psychology, and Coaching with appearances on BBC Television, Sky News, Channel 4 and 5 as well Radio 4’s “Woman’s Hour” “Midweek” and the “Jeremy Vine Show” on Radio 2. She has also featured in “Psychologies,” and “Therapy Today” magazines.
Shelley’s mission is to empower a new breed of Entrepreneur or Leader committed to affecting positive sustainable change in the world they inhabit.
As a Speaker, Shelley’s principal topics include Transformational Change, Diversity Thinking & Developing a Fearless Mindset.
Shelley’s TEDX talk “Dare to be You” was described as “Brilliant, brave & sensational!”
As a speaker specialising in Generational Communication, Alastair helps organisations understand and bridge the communication gap between generations.
He is the founder of Present Yourself, leading workshops on communication, and is also an experienced event
MC and moderator.
As President, Alastair oversees the PSA’s two annual conferences in 2026 (Impact and the Speaking Business Summit) and plays an active role on the PSA Board. He is PSA Fellow, former Regional President and Director of Regions, and his
mission for the year is to help us all Speak More and Speak Better through The Art of Connection.
Event agenda
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