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Conference Circuit: Talking Points

The National Speakers Association’s Influence 2015 conference heads to Washington, DC, this weekend.

The National Speakers Association’s Influence 2015 conference heads to Washington, DC, this weekend.

Professional speakers and their staffs will make their way to the nation’s capital in a few days to learn different ways to make themselves better, more successful, and more profitable.

Association: National Speakers Association

Conference: Influence 2015

Venue: Marriott Wardman Park

Location: Washington, DC

NSA’s Influence 2015 will officially kickoff with Saturday’s opening general session featuring “Chef Jeff” Henderson, who will discuss his 12 street-smart recipes for success that took him from drug dealer to TV celebrity chef to nationally acclaimed motivational speaker. Other noteworthy agenda items:

Hallway happenings. After hearing that some of the best learning experiences happen when people connect with each other in the hallways to share big ideas, solve issues, create new ventures, and seal lifelong friendships, NSA is taking it up a notch and formalizing hallway experiences. Special volunteer guides will help attendees connect with new and old friends on their way to afternoon sessions.

Themes and formats galore. Sunday is being hailed “Celebrity Sunday” and will feature mystery celebrity guests. One who’s already been revealed: George Takei. On “Money Monday,” every main stage and breakout session on is dedicated to game-changing, revenue-making ideas. And unique session formats like A Will for Skill Labs, which are three-hour hands-on workshops, and XY Fast Five—a speed showcase of skills by Xers and millennials—add to the meeting’s variety.

Kids are welcome too. Children from 10 to 16 can participate in the meeting’s Youth Leadership Conference. Those enrolled take part in creative, educational, and social activities that help mold them into the best individuals they can be. It also provides a unique opportunity for participants to interact with speaking professionals and peers in a fun, safe environment.

Listen in on more of the meeting via Twitter (#influence2015) and Instagram.

(iStock/Thinkstock)

Samantha Whitehorne

By Samantha Whitehorne

Samantha Whitehorne is editor-in-chief of Associations Now. MORE

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