This year’s Speaking Business Summit theme is The Art of Connection. While we have two packed days of speakers, workshops, learning and inspiration planned, we know that some of the best moments at any PSA event don’t necessarily happen on stage.
They happen in the conversations in between.
Over coffee. Over dinner. On the walk back to the hotel. When you finally get to meet someone you’ve only ever seen on Zoom. Or when a quick conversation with another member turns into an idea, an introduction, a collaboration — or simply a friendship.
That’s why this year we’re extending The Art of Connection beyond the two main conference days.
Start the connection on Thursday
If you’re arriving early, there will be plenty happening on Thursday, 15th October.
We’ll begin with dedicated afternoon events for Fellows and Professional Members, giving members the opportunity to spend time together before the Summit officially gets underway.
If this is your first Speaking Business Summit, Membership Director Leon Bamforth will also host a special gathering for first-time attendees.
Walking into a big conference when you don’t know many people can be daunting. This is your opportunity to meet some friendly faces, make those first connections and arrive at the Summit already knowing a few people in the room.
Thursday evening will then see the Professional Speaker of the Year semi-finals, hosted by James Perryman, as we discover who will make it through to Friday’s final.
And then the Summit begins properly.
But this year, we don’t want the connection to stop when the final session finishes.
Continue the Connection on Sunday
Rather than everyone disappearing straight after breakfast on Sunday 18 October, we’ve created several ways to extend the weekend.
Fancy exploring Oxford?
Join fellow members for a special walking tour of the city, including the Bodleian Library, with an Inspector Morse clue-solving treasure hunt along the way.
And because solving mysteries is hungry work, we’ll finish with a two-course pub lunch.
There are options to join the full Oxford experience or come along for lunch only, with or without transport from the hotel. Partners are very welcome too.
If your ideal Sunday morning involves rather less detective work, Rikki Arundel will host a Coffee Club at the hotel.
Grab a coffee, pull up a chair and spend some time reflecting on the weekend, sharing ideas and continuing conversations before heading home.
Or perhaps your preferred way to connect involves 18 holes.
Mike Pagan will host a round of golf at The Oxfordshire Golf Club, just five minutes from the conference hotel.
Three very different ways to spend Sunday. One reason for doing them.
To continue the connection.
So this year, don’t just think about the two days of the Speaking Business Summit. Come early if you can. Stay a little longer if you can.
Give yourself the time and space to have the conversations that can so easily get squeezed out when we’re rushing from one session to another.
The Summit Doesn’t End When the Sessions Do, Make it your Business to Continue the Connection at SBS 2026.
