About this event
September’s PSA Virtual Region event showcases one of the most exciting opportunities in the PSA calendar: The Virtual Speaker of the Year competition.
This is where professional speakers step forward, take the stage, and demonstrate what makes a talk not just engaging—but bookable, memorable, and commercially viable.
With a dynamic competition format alongside exclusive contributions from PSA Fellows, this event delivers both inspiration and insight, combining real-time performance with learning from some of the most experienced voices in the profession.
8 Speakers. 8 Minutes. 1 Champion.
The Competition
At the heart of the evening are the VSY competitors — Professional Members delivering original 8-minute talks under strict timing and judging criteria.
These talks are evaluated on what really matters in the speaking business:
- Originality
- Script and structure
- Delivery
- Stagecraft
- And most importantly — bookability
You’ll see a wide range of styles, topics, and approaches, offering a powerful learning experience in what works — and why.
This is a rare opportunity to observe professional speaking at a competitive level, where every word, every choice, and every moment counts.
Fellow Spotlight Sessions
Alongside the competition, we’ll feature special spotlight sessions from PSA Fellows, bringing additional value and perspective to the evening.
These seasoned experts will share short, high-impact sessions designed to:
- Offer insight into what elevates a talk
- Share lessons from experience at the highest levels
- Help you translate great speaking into a viable business
This is not filler — it’s premium content from the very best in the PSA, designed to complement what you see in the competition.
Audience Experience
This is not a passive event. As part of the evening, the audience plays an active role in shaping the outcome through engagement scoring, contributing to the overall judging process.
You’ll also hear feedback from the judging panel, providing valuable takeaways you can apply immediately to your own speaking.
Why Attend
Whether you are:
- Building your speaking business
- Looking to increase bookings and fees
- Refining your message and delivery
- Or simply wanting to see what excellence looks like
This event delivers real-world insight into the standards required to succeed as a professional speaker.
Event agenda
The venue
Online – Zoom
Get in touch with the organiser
