PSA Chair’s Update July 2026

Whilst many of our Regions are taking a break in August, others are still holding events, and all members continue to stay in touch through the WhastApp groups.

I’d like to take a moment to thank all of our 14 Regional Presidents who are working behind the scenes making our events the best they can be.  You really are appreciated and we look forward to working with you to make the rest of the year a big success.

If you are new to the PSA then please make sure you’re checking in with your RPs to see how you can get involved with the committee for the region and how you can support them in their busy role.

It’s not always possible to attend the meetings at your local event, so I wondered if you are visiting other regions too?  It’s great to check out a different vibe in another regional meeting, make new friends and find others to collaborate with.

What do you know about the PSA being a part of the Global Speakers Federation? – We have a new GSF Representative – Dr Lynda Shaw – and we are going to be highlighting what being the largest member of this association means for you.  We have a seat on the steering committee which drives new opportunities within the speaking associations worldwide.  See where all 17 associations are located – https://www.globalspeakersfederation.net/speaking-associations.

One to check out is the VSAI – Virtual Speakers Association International – which meets online.  https://www.vsainternational.org/.  Membership is just €49 per annum, and they have many free events for members.

There are many benefits for you as speakers to take advantage of with the PSA:

But that’s not all – Check out all the member benefits here – https://thepsa.co.uk/membership-benefits/.

Are you the next PRESIDENT of the PSA UK & Ireland?
This is a new situation where we are reaching out to the membership to find our President for 2028.  Currently our President is Alastair Greener.  In 2027 it will be Denise Fay (our current Vice President)… and it may be your turn next!

if you are up for hosting two fantastic events in 2028, and are a Professional Member with over 5 years in the PSA, or a Fellow, then we would love to hear from you!  You would receive help from behind the scenes with all the organisation, but we need you to bring your contacts, great speakers, a great theme and ideas to deliver Impact!28 and Speaking Business Summit 2028.

Please reach out to me directly as I’d love to chat to you about this amazing opportunity. Or, if you know someone who should be putting their name forward, please give them a nudge so that they can shine in the spotlight.

Oh, and by the way, as a thank you, the President is given a free ticket to attend The Speaking Business Summit in the year of their Presidency, and for the 5 years following their year as President – what a bonus!

Please check your membership
We apologise that there have been some issues with our membership system, which we are in the process of sorting out. However, your membership may have lapsed by accident. Please would you check into the system to amend this:

1. Go to https://thepsa.sport80.com/
2. Check that your profile is ‘up to date’ in the middle panel – all is well
3. If your profile says your membership has ‘lapsed’ please contact me at [email protected]

We wouldn’t want you to be missing out on membership rates for your Regional Events!

Thank you so much for being a very valued member of the PSA.  I look forward to seeing you at one of our events very soon.

With Best Wishes,

Yvonne Emery
Chair
The Professional Speaking Association UK & Ireland.