PSASA Convention 2024
art&science, distilled
With its rich theme of art&science and a star-studded lineup of speakers, the PSASA Convention 2024 held exceptional promise. Even so, it over-delivered. In the spirit of science, this blog post aims to distill the essence of the experience.
This essence of the Convention was the way it embodied the PSASA’s values within the art&science theme. Confidence, Competence, Courage, Community, Collaboration and Celebration were at the order of the day, from the very first promotional communications to the presentations on stage and the buzz among attendees.
The special focus on current issues from creativity and innovation to diversity and inclusion rippled out from the speakers on stage to the surrounding conversations during the event. Many speakers started implementing their new insights right away to better serve their audiences, clients and businesses.
Every speaker and panelist brought expertise and insights, with many an aha! moment lighting up the room from session to session. The spectrum of remarkable presentations, speaker labs, panel discussions and other sessions ensured ample variety and information for attendees’ needs and preferences.
It would be impossible to single out any of the presentations throughout the event, since each one delivered such unique value. However, during the gala dinner, the year’s PSASA award winners and members who reached major milestones received special recognition.
Stef Du Plessis Founder’s Award 2024: Taryn-lee Kearney
SA Speaker Hall of Fame 2024: Joey Evans
SA Educator Hall of Fame 2024: Brude Wade
Speaker Factor Award 2024: Ursula Botha
Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) Accreditation 2024: Joey Evans
During the gala dinner, outgoing PSASA President Tsitsi Mutendi also graced the stage to share her inspiring overview of the Association’s growth in 2023-2024. The rest of the evening gave PSASA members and guests the opportunity to connect and celebrate.
The Convention closed with PSASA President Arthur Goldstuck’s inaugural speech as he introduced the Association’s theme for 2024-2025. More details are available here on the PSASA website, but the gist is that this term’s focus will equip members with an undeniable edge in the speaking industry.
Convenor Juanita Vorster deserves a medal of honour for the seamless organisation and overall success of the PSASA Convention 2024. As to keeping the audience informed, entertained and on their toes, Nomalanga Sitole brought mastery to her MC role throughout the weekend. As media partner to the PSASA Convention 2024, YaziMedia Virtual Media House provided a series of podcast interviews with a selection of Convention speakers, in addition to a series of presentations empowering members to leverage their PSASA membership.
What’s next? The best way to distill the value of this event is with the conclusion that the PSASA Convention deserves a place in every professional speaker’s annual plan. Those who attended this year’s exhilarating event have also undertaken to schedule at least a day after the event to recover… and start implementing all they learned.
The theme for the PSASA Convention 2025 is Gearing Up to Thrive, with a specific focus on how speakers can thrive in the new economy. Bookings are now open at:
https://www.psasouthernafrica.co.za/psa-event/psasa-annual-convention-2025/
Contributed by:
Marie Le Roux
PSASA Virtual Chapter Social Media Officer
PSASA Convention 2024 Media Partner with YaziMedia Virtual Media House
