In August 2018, the Global Speakers Federation (GSF) faced a compelling challenge: despite having 15 national speaker associations under its umbrella, a significant number of professional speakers around the world remained unrepresented. With 196 internationally recognized independent states, less than 10% had their own speakers’ association. Countries like India, China, Spain, and Zimbabwe were striving to establish their own, but for many, the journey had just begun.

Many speakers found themselves without a home association. Some joined nearby associations or well-known ones like NSA, GSA, or PSA (Australia), but often couldn’t participate fully due to travel costs and time constraints. This left many connections limited to social media interactions, far from the enriching experience of in-person networking and collaboration.

To bridge this gap, the GSF envisioned a revolutionary idea: the creation of a virtual association that could serve as a home for these speakers. Thus, the Virtual Speakers Association International (VSAI) was born. VSAI aimed to provide these speakers with the tools, resources, and community they needed to thrive in their careers, leveraging modern technology to overcome geographical barriers.

The inception of VSAI was sparked by a conversation within the Global Speakers Federation. At the time there were 16 country-based associations and 170 countries with nothing, no association, no place to belong and nowhere to meet with peers and others who were earning a living from the spoken word. The concept of a Virtual Association was raised and debated.

After discussions with Sir Paul ter Wal LLM CSP, President of the Global Speakers Federation, it was agreed to start the association during his tenure as President. The association was registered in the Netherlands by Paul ter Wal and Frowa Schuitemaker as signatories in the local Chamber of Commerce. Mike Handcock and Lindsay Adams OAM were instrumental in making the association operational. Mike took on the role of the first President and Frowa and Lindsay became founding Board Members.

This fledgling association born out of a vision by a few has now become the fastest growing speakers association, serving members from literally all over the world.

VSAI: Empowering Speakers Worldwide

VSAI offers numerous benefits to its members, ensuring they are not just part of an association but a vibrant, supportive community. Here’s what VSAI brings to the table:

1. Global Connectivity: Through the Virtual International Speakers Association (V.I.S.A.), members gain access to a world of opportunities via podcasts, webinars, and professional Facebook pages, all while staying connected with fellow speakers globally.
2. Collaborative Community: Members can connect with other speakers in similar situations, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support.
3. Dual Membership Opportunities: Speakers can opt for dual membership with any GSF association, enhancing their professional network and contributing to various events.
4. Exclusive Convention Access: VSAI members enjoy the same convention rates as other GSF-connected members, including at the prestigious Global Speakers Summit (GSS).
5. Resource Availability: Access to essential information for forming a home association in their country.
6. Leadership Representation: The President or designate of V.I.S.A. holds a seat on the GSF board, ensuring their voices are heard.
7. Expanded Awareness: Increasing global awareness of GSF’s mission and values.
8. Professional Certifications: VSAI members can directly apply for prestigious certifications like CSP or FPSA, benefiting associations like NSA, PSA (Australia), and PSA UKI.
9. Virtual Meetings Access: Members can participate in virtual meetings of other associations that offer this service, such as APSS and NSANZ.

Affordable and Accessible Membership

Initially, the membership fee for VSAI was proposed to be $495 per year, however the founding Board decided on the fee of one Euro per day, totalling €365 per year.  After some months it became obvious to the Founding Board that the target market of the VSAI, mostly developing countries, could not afford the €365 per year fee, so it was decided to reduce the fee for a special period of time to accommodate those countries.  The fee was determined as €49.  It was proposed that this fee be reviewed periodically and raised as the Board considered possible, while accommodating those developing countries.

To this day the official full fees of the VSAI are €365, on special at €49 until such time as the Board determines to change those fees.

Join the Movement

VSAI is more than just an association; it’s a movement to make the global speaking community more inclusive and connected. By joining VSAI, speakers worldwide can elevate their careers, expand their networks, and contribute to a more interconnected and supportive professional community. Let’s make the pie bigger and ensure every speaker has a place to call home.