Events

Fellows’ Forum: The Power of Collaboration

07 March|10:30 - 16:00|ETC Venues - Manchester Piccadilly - See full address

About this event

Collaboration is the 2025 theme selected by our National President, Michelle Mills-Porter to showcase how working together can create something greater than the sum of our parts.

During this Forum, we will explore Collaboration through various lenses: Collaboration from the Stage, Collaboration through the PSA and Collaboration through Your Network.

Here are some of the benefits you’ll get on the day, delivered to you from our very own Fellowship community:

Richard McCann has delivered over 3000 keynotes around the world, inspiring audiences with his powerful and deeply personal story. In this unique session, created just for us Fellows, Richard will share a snapshot of his signature keynote and then go on to unpack exactly how he engages and collaborates with his audiences to create a shared experience, and the lessons he’s learnt over the years to deliver value from the stage.

Michelle Mills-Porter is on a mission to ensure the PSA emerges stronger and more united than ever before. This is not just a new chapter; this is the beginning of an Evolution—a Collaboration Evolution. In this interactive session, she’ll provide a candid update on the PSA and invite Fellows to explore what they can do to give back to the Association, in turn inspiring all members to catalyse societal change for the betterment of humanity.

Andy Lopata is an expert in harnessing the power of professional relationships. In this practical session, he will reveal how you can take a strategic approach to leveraging your network. You’ll explore the support you need to build your pipeline, the blind spots to be aware of and how to ask for the help you need in 2025.

Note that this will be a hybrid event so you also have the option of attending on Zoom.

Please scroll down to see the full agenda. Then click Book your place now! to get your tickets.

We hope you can join us, and urge you to book at least two weeks beforehand to help us with catering and so you can benefit from the early-bird price. (Please note, tickets are subject to a small Eventbrite fee).

Keynote speakers

Richard McCann
Michelle Mills-Porter
FPSA – Immediate Past President (2024/2025) & ND Community Founder and Community Lead
Andy Lopata
Richard McCann

Richard McCann’s life story is one of resilience, transformation, and triumph over adversity. Raised in challenging circumstances, he faced unimaginable loss as his mother became the first victim of the notorious Yorkshire Ripper, Peter Sutcliffe. Through sheer determination, he turned his life around, becoming a Sunday Times Bestselling Author and an internationally renowned motivational speaker.

Richard inspires audiences to overcome obstacles and reach their full potential. He founded the iCanSpeak Academy, helping individuals and teams enhance their presentation skills with authenticity and confidence.

Michelle Mills-Porter - FPSA – Immediate Past President (2024/2025) & ND Community Founder and Community Lead
Michelle Mills-Porter FPSA ADHD is a visionary human behaviour specialist and keynote speaker who decodes the complexities of human motivation, collaboration, and communication – translating them into high-performing, people-powered organisational cultures. As the creator of THE PEOPLE READER™, she has built a distinctive and authoritative presence at the intersection of human behaviour, leadership, and commercial performance.
As Founder of the Neurodiversity Community, Michelle is leading a movement to deepen understanding, elevate inclusion, and unlock the full potential of every mind. This is a space where neurotypical and neurodivergent perspectives come together to learn, share, and evolve – powered by the expertise of the Founding Working Team, guest contributors, and a dynamic, collaborative network.
She is the Immediate Past President of the Professional Speaking Association UK & Ireland and a Fellow of the PSA, where her presidential theme of Collaboration Evolution continues to shape conversations and drive meaningful change across the profession.
Andy Lopata

Andy Lopata PSAE is known for his expertise in building professional relationships. He has written six books on networking and professional relationships, with his sixth book, ‘The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring’ published in Spring 2024. He writes a regular blog for Psychology Today and has often been quoted in the media, including The Sunday Times, The Financial Times and Inc. In fact, the FT called Andy ‘one of Europe’s leading business networking strategists’ and both Forbes.com and The Independent called him ‘a true master of networking’. Find him at https://lopata.co.uk/

Event agenda

10:30
Arrival & refreshments
10:50
Welcome and introductions: Antoinette & Dave
11:00
Richard McCann: Keynote Uncovered. Talk + Q&A
12:00
Michelle Mills-Porter: PSA Update & Focus on Collaboration
13:00
Lunch
14:00
Andy Lopata: Strategic Relationship Building - Pt 1
15:00
Break
15:15
Andy Lopata: Strategic Relationship Building - Pt 2
15:40
Wrap and next steps: Dave & Antoinette
16:00
End

The venue

Get in touch with the organiser

Antoinette Dale Henderson

Joint President of the Fellows Community

Buy tickets for:

Fellows’ Forum: The Power of Collaboration

Ticket types

Fellows Earlybird
£59
+ VAT and fees
Fellows Standard
£95
+ VAT and fees
Fellows - Zoom Attendee
£35
+ VAT and fees