About this event
Collaboration Meets Competition! – with Jackie Handy and Simon Day
This July, PSA East Midlands is turning up the energy for a very special evening of inspiration, connection, and for this month only… competition!
Not only do we welcome two outstanding speakers, Simon Day and Jackie Handy, but we’ll also be hosting our regional heats for the brand-new PSA Professional Speaker of the Year 2025 competition! It’s an exciting opportunity to cheer on your peers and celebrate speaking excellence in our region.
Simon Day – “From the Ashes”
Simon Day knows what it’s like to start from scratch. After leaving education in 2024, he’s rebuilt his business with authenticity and clarity, and now he’s here to share the journey with you.
You’ll learn:
- How meaningful conversations spark business growth
- How to build real relationships beyond social media
- Why mindset makes all the difference in communication
Simon’s talk is a must for anyone growing a speaking, coaching or training business from the ground up.
Jackie Handy – “Beyond the Mountain”
Twice-voted PSA National Speaker of the Year, Jackie Handy brings us a powerful keynote, drawing on a transformative journey along the Camino de Santiago. Jackie will share how to overcome internal barriers, stop comparing yourself to others, and shine as a truly unique speaker.
Expect to learn:
- The top trap speakers fall into… and how to avoid it
- The ‘secret weapon’ great speakers use
- How your unique story can unlock speaking success
Jackie’s session will leave you feeling empowered to speak with greater confidence and authenticity.
And as if that wasn’t enough…
East Midlands Regional Heats – Professional Speaker of the Year 2025
We’re thrilled to be hosting our region’s first ever regional heat in the PSA’s exciting new Professional Speaker of the Year competition. Come and support local members as they step up and showcase their skills on stage!
Come along to learn, connect and grow with us in Nottingham!
Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, this event is packed with practical inspiration to help you speak more, speak better – and have a bloody good time doing it!
Please note we no longer offer a hot buffet as part of this event. Instead there will be plenty of hot and cold drinks available and snacks during the break. The Village Hotel has an onsite sports bar, as well as a Starbucks coffee shop, where you are free to purchase your own snacks should you wish to.
Keynote speakers
Simon Day is a former marketer and educator. After twelve years in secondary education, including four in educational leadership and coaching, he took a leap of faith and set up as a presentation coach, trainer and speaker with the mission of helping to produce confident leaders and communicators. No stranger to anxiety and what he calls ‘analysis paralysis’ he now helps others develop the courage, communication and presentation skills that will open the doors of opportunity they seek.
Jackie Handy is a Fellow of the PSA and has supported hundreds of individuals in organisations globally to accelerate their performance.
Formerly a top performing manager for 2 decades, she now works with others to give back the recipe for leadership and inclusion success. Through her corporate work as well as her own personal journey, Jackie has developed a deeper understanding of human behaviour. Why we do what we do, as well as how we respond to the behaviour of others.
She was formerly the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Director for the PSA and believes in creating space for all voices to shine.
Event agenda
The venue
The Village Hotel – Nottingham
The Village HotelBrailsford Way
Beeston
Nottingham
NG9 6DL The Village Hotel
Get in touch with the organiser
