About NSA SoCal
Elevating the speaking
profession, together.
The Southern California chapter of the National Speakers Association — a community of speakers, mentors, and catalysts using the spoken word to make meaningful impact.
Develop • Connect • Elevate
Who we are
The professional home
for SoCal speakers,
at every level.
NSA SoCal is one of 36 regional chapters operating under the National Speakers Association — the professional body that represents the speaking industry across the United States. We take the standards, designations, and resources of NSA National and deliver them locally, with programming and culture built for Southern California speakers.
Our membership runs the full spectrum — from emerging voices just finding their message to established authorities shaping the profession. Past NSA national presidents. Hall of Fame speakers. Cavett Award winners. A Golden Gavel recipient. Working keynoters, trainers, authors, and the people coming up behind them, sharing what they've learned.
If you rely on the spoken word to influence others, this is your room.
2026–27 Theme
"Elevating the Profession, Together."
Our Mission
The chapter's
north star.
We are speakers, mentors, and catalysts. We empower purpose-driven voices to clarify their message, grow their businesses, and influence lasting change. Through transformative, high-energy experiences, we build community, foster accountability, and champion long-term growth—for speakers, by speakers.
Mission
We are speakers, mentors, and catalysts.
We empower purpose-driven voices to clarify their message, grow their businesses, and influence lasting change. Through transformative, high-energy experiences, we build community, foster accountability, and champion long-term growth—for speakers, by speakers.
Vision
The premier speaker community in SoCal.
To cultivate a thriving community of bold, generous, communicators who embrace a strategic growth mindset, elevate their craft, and make meaningful impact – on stage and beyond.
A model for the journey
Five levels of
speaker development.
Wherever you are in the work — just starting, building, scaling, or stewarding the profession — our programming is designed to meet you there and move you forward.
Level 01
The Emerging Voice
"I have something to say."
Just starting out. Building confidence, craft, and clarity around the message you want to share.
Level 02
The Developing Professional
"I'm building my platform."
Getting paid gigs. Refining signature content. Turning a voice into a viable practice.
Level 03
The Working Speaker
"I run a speaking business."
Consistent revenue. Building the systems, brand, and operations of a professional speaking practice.
Level 04
The Established Authority
"I'm known for a framework."
Content ecosystem. Higher fees. Recognized expertise — and the brand work that comes with it.
Level 05
The Legacy Professional
"I grow the profession."
Long-term influence. Mentoring the next generation. Helping shape the standards of the industry.
Pillars of Purpose
Everything we do
flows from four.
Four core pillars guide the chapter forward.
01
Meaningful Impact
Using our voices to create real, lasting change.
02
Strategic Growth
Growing with intention, personally and professionally.
03
Inclusive Excellence
Every voice valued; every perspective elevates the room.
04
Community Collaboration
Give. Receive. Refer.
What we do
A consistent calendar.
Built for every stage.
Programming you can rely on, designed to develop speakers from the first stage to the legacy stage. Here's how the year is built.
Monthly Chapter Meetings
Our flagship programming. Featured speakers, member spotlights, networking, and professional development — in the Manhattan Beach area. The heartbeat of the chapter.
NSA SoCal Speakers Academy
A cohort-based program moving emerging speakers from Level 1 to Level 3. Academy 101 (Fall) covers craft. Academy 201 (Spring) covers the business. Membership included.
Demo Reel Day
A dedicated event where members film professional speaker demo footage. One of our most popular and distinctive offerings — a tangible, career-building asset.
Virtual Coffee Chats
Informal gatherings — a low-barrier entry point for new and prospective members. Great for relationship-building and chapter culture.
West Coast Alliance
Collaboration between NSA SoCal and neighboring West Coast chapters — Northern California, Oregon, Northwest, Hawaii, and CAPS BC. Wider network, cross-chapter events, member-rate access.
The Member Vault
The online resource library for members — templates, recordings, tools, and other resources. Log in to explore everything that comes with membership.
Leadership & Legacy
Built by speakers,
led by speakers.
Every year, a volunteer board of working SoCal speakers takes on the work of running this chapter — programming, mentorship, sponsorship, community. They've been doing it for decades, and each cohort builds on what came before.
Our past presidents include some of the most respected voices in the speaking profession. Our current board is the next link in that chain. The growth of our Chapter is a direct result of their work — and yours, if you join us.
Come find your people
$360 a year.
One annual fee covers both your NSA SoCal chapter membership and your NSA National membership. Whether you're just exploring, building your message, or scaling an established practice — there's a seat here for you.