NSA Carolinas Quarterly Retreat: A Weekend Dedicated to the Eloquence of Professional Speaking
Jan. 24th and 25th | Embassy Suites (Concord, NC)
Don't miss this two-day immersive retreat.
Retreat Emcee - Tara Brown
Introducing our Emcee for the Retreat: the beloved, award-winning Comedian, Humorist, and Speaker, Tara Brown! The most recent winner of the esteemed Jeanne Robertson “Comedy with Class” Humor Competition, Tara has also made her mark on platforms like Dry Bar Comedy, “Stand Up Nashville,” and even the high seas aboard Carnival Cruise Line. Her signature charm and quick wit are sure to light up our event.
Tara’s accomplishments span a wide spectrum—she’s delivered laughter to corporate heavyweights like Belk, AvidXChange, and Ally Bank, while also uplifting impactful non-profits such as the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Charlotte and Shades of Pink Foundation. She’s no stranger to inspiring audiences at organizations like Greater Steps Scholars and The WICT Network: Carolinas, showcasing her limitless ability to connect through humor.
Her acclaimed keynote talk, “Aging Gracefully with Humor: The Hilarious Journey of Getting Older,” has earned praise for its relatable, authentic insights, and Tara has also helped other speakers and groups infuse their presentations with humor.
With Tara at the mic, prepare for a delightful mix of laughter, heartfelt connections, and moments that might feel like she’s been peeking into your life. Relax, but don’t get too comfortable—Tara’s comedic style will keep you engaged and ensure this Retreat is as memorable as it is entertaining!
The Neuroscience of Increasing Your Impact with Your Presentation - John Edwards, CSP
1) Understanding how to leave your audience wanting more.
2) Neuroscience-based strategies to captivate any audience.
3) Practical insights using content from members in the room.
Don't just inform your audience; move to inspire them and leave them craving more. Join us and take a step towards a future where your calendar is filled with repeat bookings and glowing referrals. We will cover tips and strategies on how you can use neuroscience to improve your impact on an audience.
John has held leadership roles in several Fortune 100 companies. He has been training speakers globally for over two decades and is an expert in applied neuroscience. He was most recently the Faculty Chair at the famed NeuroLeadership Institute. He is a CSP and speaks to 50-60 audiences each year. John and his team make 0 cold calls each week because 97% of his business comes from referrals and repeat customers.
Huge IMPROVement - Pat Dwyer
For over 20 years Pat Dwyer has inspired and entertained hundreds of audiences around the world.
He has worked, toured and performed with comedic institutions The Second City, iO Theater, Comedy Sportz and a great number of other storied improv and sketch comedy mainstays. Pat joins these experiences with the entrepreneurial and corporate growth mindset he earned during his tenure as a leader within the Chicago tech startup community.
You can now find Pat bringing his energetic, hilarious, seasoned and people driven approach to Innovation and Change.
Improve Your Storytelling with Secrets from the Fiction World – Allie Pleiter
What does the world of fiction have to teach a speaker? A lot!
Let bestselling novelist and NSA speaker Allie Pleiter show you tricks from the fiction craft that can capture your audience's attention and emotions.
You'll come away with strategies that will take your story from merely entertaining to significant and memorable. Great storytelling makes a great speech—and a speaker who will be booked again and again.
Session Outcomes
1) utilize fiction skills such as dialogue, foreshadowing, and description to enrich your speech
2) learn the best place to start a story so you capture your audience's attention
3) know how to tell a highly emotional story effectively
Credentials & Bio
- NSA Chapter Leadership Committee Chair-Elect
- Bestselling and award-winning author of over 60 published titles
- 1.8 million books sold around the world
- Northwestern University-trained actor
- Author of The Chunky Method Handbook, How To WRITE When Everything Goes WRONG, and Writer Crisis Hotline
An avid crafter, coffee junkie, and firm believer that "pie makes everything better," Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction, working on as many as four books at a time. The bestselling author of over sixty books, Allie has enjoyed a twenty-plus year career with over 1.8 million books sold. In addition to writing, Allie maintains an active writing productivity coaching practice and speaks regularly on the creative process, publishing, and her very favorite topic—The Chunky Method of Time Management for Writers. She lives in the Charlotte area with her husband and the world's most adorable dog.
**More Topic and Speaker Info to be added soon. Don't miss out - seating is limited.
Event Details:
- Theme: Eloquence — Mastering the art and craft of presenting and performing
- Location: Embassy Suites Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa Hotel (click here for room block link); 5400 John Q. Hammons Drive NW, Concord, NC 28027
- Dates: January 24th & 25th
Registration & Cost
Registration includes access to all sessions over two days, dinner on day one, breakfast on day two, and lunch on day two.
Current Members: $197.00
If you're a member of another NSA Chapter, or a member of NSA National, we're happy to extend our chapter rate to you. Check out the NSA Member (Any Chapter) Rate (also $197).
Guests: Member Bundle, $350.00 (Includes registration AND a one-year Annual Membership to NSA Carolinas)
Seats are limited, so secure your spot today and be part of this impactful retreat that will shape the future of professional speaking!
DAY ONE AGENDA
- 1:30 pm Registration Opens
- 2:00 pm Welcome to Retreat / Introduction
- 5:30 pm Evening Reception
- 6:30 pm Dinner (included w/ registration)
DAY TWO AGENDA
- 8:30 am Breakfast (included)
- 4:00 pm Wrap Up and Closing
