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• NSA Carolinas Last Story Standing Storytelling Contest 2026

  • When
    March 07, 2026
  •  
    11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    Note: Competition contestants will attend in person; everyone who registers as a spectator attend remotely (Zoom link sent with registration confirmation).

  Register

  
  

  The National Speakers Association (NSA) is hosting its third Last Story Standing Storytelling Contest this year, and NSA Carolinas is excited to participate once again! 

  Our Chapter contest will take place on Saturday, March 7, 2025 at 11am ET. 

  The winner of our Chapter contest will advance to the Regional contest, with the ultimate goal of reaching the National Contest, which will take place live on the main stage at NSA’s INFLUENCE conference (July 25-27 in Austin, TX). The audience at the conference will determine the Storytelling National Champion!

  
  

  How to Register as a Spectator: 

  You can be part of the excitement!

  Join us to virtually cheer on our candidates, experience powerful storytelling, and support your fellow speakers.

  Virtual Spectator Access:

  • FREE for NSA Carolinas Members

  • $25 for Non-Members

  This is a fantastic opportunity to learn from the craft in action and witness the journey toward the national stage.

  Zoom link to be sent upon registration.

  
  

  Meet Our 2026 Chapter Contestants 

  Registration for competitors is now closed. Please join us in cheering on our twelve outstanding contestants, who will be sharing their stories live at Attended Events, located at 434 Fayetteville Street, Suite 650, Raleigh, NC, on March 7th:

  • Nicole Greer

  • Emi Kubota

  • Trina Rodriguez

  • Cherisa Zafft

  • York Kleinhandler

  • Shawnette Rochelle

  • Ron Robinson

  • Eve Keil

  • Chef Maria Kemp

  • Ruth Pearce

  • Jessi LaCosta

  • Glenda Clare

  
  

  Please review the official contest rules on the NSA Last Story Standing website:

  NSA Last Story Standing Rules & FAQs
  For additional details, visit the Last Story Standing page:
  NSA Last Story Standing

  
  

  We look forward to an exciting competition and hope to see you there!

  Show details
• Second Saturday Meetups (*please check specific time for your Regional Meetup*)

  • When
    March 14, 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Location
    In-Person and Virtual

  Register

  
  

  NSA Carolinas is committed to serving and building the Professional Speaker Community throughout North Carolina & South Carolina. In that spirit, we host ‘2nd Saturday’ Regional Meetups to foster connection, community, and collaboration. 

  These Meetups are regionally located, wherever a volunteer member Champion commits to hosting. A remote option (via Zoom) is also available.

  • GREATER RALEIGH (in-person): 9:00am - 10:00 am @ The Frontier, Blue Ridge Room, 800 Park Office Drive, Durham, NC 27709. (See "Address Note" below.) Area Champion: Alex Dumas (alex@speakeralexdumas.com) and Dr. Holly Sullenger (drhollyspeaks@gmail.com)
  • GREATER CHARLOTTE (in-person): 10:30am - 11:30am @ Amelies French Bakery, 4321 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209, Area Champion: Allie Pleiter (alliepleiter@gmail.com)
  • PIEDMONT/TRIAD (in-person) 10:00am - 11:00am @ New Market Plaza, 970 South Main Street, Kernersville, NC 27284 Area Champion: Sherman Transou (srtransou2@gmail.com), Carolyn Bennett-Sullivan (carolyn@carolynbsullivan.com)
  • REMOTE (virtually): @ 9:00am via Zoom (Zoom link will be included in the registration confirmation and reminder emails). Area Champion: John Edwards john@edwardsgroup.org)

  NSA Carolinas is here to help you knock it out of the ballpark, and hit a home run in your Professional Speaker business. See you at our next 2nd Saturday!

  ###

  Address Note: Our GREATER RALEIGH event will be held at 800 Park Office Drive, Durham, NC 27703 — inside the Research Triangle Park campus. Some GPS systems mistakenly route to other “Park Office Drive” addresses in the area, so please double-check that your directions lead you to RTP near the Frontier campus.

  For best results, try entering: ➡️ “800 Park Office Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27703” or use this direct Google Maps link.

  ###

  Want an in-person 2nd Saturday location closer to you? Get in touch with us about being a champion so you can help host and pick the location!

  Show details
• Speaker Development Series: March 2026 - Thrive Recap

  • When
    March 18, 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual

  Register

  
  

  Join us every third Wednesday for the NSA Carolinas Speaker Development Series, designed to help you build a thriving, ethical speaking business.

  March Speaker Development Series: Thrive Recap

  Date & Time: March 18, 2026 | 12:00–1:00 PM ET

  In this session, we’ll focus on key takeaways from Thrive 2026! NSA Carolinas members who attended the event will share their experiences, insights, and strategies, giving you a front-row look at the latest trends, ideas, and opportunities for professional speakers.

  Key Takeaways

  • Real-life insights and lessons from NSA Carolinas members who attended Thrive 2026
  • Practical strategies to apply at your own speaking business
  • Inspiration and ideas to recharge your year and set goals for success

  About the Speaker

  NSA Carolinas members who attended Thrive 2026 will be sharing their experiences in this interactive session.

  Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, and gain insider insights from those who experienced one of the most impactful speaker events of the year!

  
  

  Show details
• Second Saturday Meetups (*please check specific time for your Regional Meetup*)

  • When
    April 11, 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Location
    In-Person and Virtual

  Register

  
  

  NSA Carolinas is committed to serving and building the Professional Speaker Community throughout North Carolina & South Carolina. In that spirit, we host ‘2nd Saturday’ Regional Meetups to foster connection, community, and collaboration. 

  These Meetups are regionally located, wherever a volunteer member Champion commits to hosting. A remote option (via Zoom) is also available.

  • GREATER RALEIGH (in-person): 9:00am - 10:00 am @ The Frontier, Blue Ridge Room, 800 Park Office Drive, Durham, NC 27709. (See "Address Note" below.) Area Champion: Alex Dumas (alex@speakeralexdumas.com) and Dr. Holly Sullenger (drhollyspeaks@gmail.com)
  • GREATER CHARLOTTE (in-person): 10:30am - 11:30am @ Amelies French Bakery, 4321 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209, Area Champion: Allie Pleiter (alliepleiter@gmail.com)
  • PIEDMONT/TRIAD (in-person) 10:00am - 11:00am @ New Market Plaza, 970 South Main Street, Kernersville, NC 27284 Area Champion: Sherman Transou (srtransou2@gmail.com), Carolyn Bennett-Sullivan (carolyn@carolynbsullivan.com)
  • REMOTE (virtually): @ 9:00am via Zoom (Zoom link will be included in the registration confirmation and reminder emails). Area Champion: John Edwards john@edwardsgroup.org)

  NSA Carolinas is here to help you knock it out of the ballpark, and hit a home run in your Professional Speaker business. See you at our next 2nd Saturday!

  ###

  Address Note: Our GREATER RALEIGH event will be held at 800 Park Office Drive, Durham, NC 27703 — inside the Research Triangle Park campus. Some GPS systems mistakenly route to other “Park Office Drive” addresses in the area, so please double-check that your directions lead you to RTP near the Frontier campus.

  For best results, try entering: ➡️ “800 Park Office Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27703” or use this direct Google Maps link.

  ###

  Want an in-person 2nd Saturday location closer to you? Get in touch with us about being a champion so you can help host and pick the location!

  Show details
• NSA Carolinas Member Retreat: April 2026 (Theme: The Intersection of Ethics, Enterprise and Expertise)

  • Start
    April 17, 2026
  • End
    April 18, 2026
  • Location
    Embassy Suites by Hilton Winston Salem
  • Spaces left
    19

  Register

  
  

  NSA Carolinas Member Retreat: A Weekend Dedicated to Growing Your Expertise in Professional Speaking

  April 17 and 18 | Embassy Suites by Hilton Winston Salem

  Don't miss this two-day immersive retreat.

  Speaker announcements will be shared soon — but mark your calendar to save the date, or register today to reserve your spot! 

  Event Details:

  • Location: Embassy Suites by Hilton Winston Salem

  • 460 North Cherry Street Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101 USA

  • Dates: April 17-18, 2026

  DAY ONE AGENDA

  • TBA

  DAY TWO AGENDA

  • TBA

  Registration & Cost

  Registration includes access to all sessions over two days, dinner on day one, breakfast on day two, and lunch on day two.

  • NSA Carolinas MEMBER RATE — Registration – $225.00
    Registration includes the cost of attending and meals during the event (dinner on Day 1 - Friday, breakfast and lunch on Day 2 - Saturday).
    The fee does not include lodging, but information on special hotel room rates will be emailed to all attendees after registration.

  • NSA MEMBER (Any Chapter) RATE — Registration – $225.00
    **If you are a member of another NSA chapter, or of NSA National, we invite you to attend at our chapter member rate. Please note that you will be contacted to confirm your chapter registration.

  • GUESTS - Bundle (Retreat + Membership) – $375.00
    Registration includes the cost of attending and meals during the event (dinner on day #1, breakfast on day #2, and lunch on day #2).
    The fee does not include lodging, but information on special hotel room rates will be emailed to all attendees after registration.
    Guest registration ALSO includes an Annual Membership to NSA Carolinas (good for one year)

  **If you are an NSA Carolinas member, please log in before registering and select the NSA Carolinas member ticket.

  Registration includes the cost of attending and meals during the event (dinner on Day 1 - Friday, breakfast and lunch on Day 2 - Saturday).

  The fee does not include lodging, but information on special hotel room rates will be emailed to all attendees after registration.
  

  Seats are limited, so secure your spot today and be part of this impactful retreat that will shape the future of professional speaking!

  Show details
• Second Saturday Meetups (*please check specific time for your Regional Meetup*)

  • When
    May 09, 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Location
    In-Person and Virtual

  Register

  
  

  NSA Carolinas is committed to serving and building the Professional Speaker Community throughout North Carolina & South Carolina. In that spirit, we host ‘2nd Saturday’ Regional Meetups to foster connection, community, and collaboration. 

  These Meetups are regionally located, wherever a volunteer member Champion commits to hosting. A remote option (via Zoom) is also available.

  • GREATER RALEIGH (in-person): 9:00am - 10:00 am @ The Frontier, Blue Ridge Room, 800 Park Office Drive, Durham, NC 27709. (See "Address Note" below.) Area Champion: Alex Dumas (alex@speakeralexdumas.com) and Dr. Holly Sullenger (drhollyspeaks@gmail.com)
  • GREATER CHARLOTTE (in-person): 10:30am - 11:30am @ Amelies French Bakery, 4321 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209, Area Champion: Allie Pleiter (alliepleiter@gmail.com)
  • PIEDMONT/TRIAD (in-person) 10:00am - 11:00am @ New Market Plaza, 970 South Main Street, Kernersville, NC 27284 Area Champion: Sherman Transou (srtransou2@gmail.com), Carolyn Bennett-Sullivan (carolyn@carolynbsullivan.com)
  • REMOTE (virtually): @ 9:00am via Zoom (Zoom link will be included in the registration confirmation and reminder emails). Area Champion: John Edwards john@edwardsgroup.org)

  NSA Carolinas is here to help you knock it out of the ballpark, and hit a home run in your Professional Speaker business. See you at our next 2nd Saturday!

  ###

  Address Note: Our GREATER RALEIGH event will be held at 800 Park Office Drive, Durham, NC 27703 — inside the Research Triangle Park campus. Some GPS systems mistakenly route to other “Park Office Drive” addresses in the area, so please double-check that your directions lead you to RTP near the Frontier campus.

  For best results, try entering: ➡️ “800 Park Office Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27703” or use this direct Google Maps link.

  ###

  Want an in-person 2nd Saturday location closer to you? Get in touch with us about being a champion so you can help host and pick the location!

  Show details
• Second Saturday Meetups (*please check specific time for your Regional Meetup*)

  • When
    June 13, 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Location
    In-Person and Virtual

  Register

  
  

  NSA Carolinas is committed to serving and building the Professional Speaker Community throughout North Carolina & South Carolina. In that spirit, we host ‘2nd Saturday’ Regional Meetups to foster connection, community, and collaboration. 

  These Meetups are regionally located, wherever a volunteer member Champion commits to hosting. A remote option (via Zoom) is also available.

  • GREATER RALEIGH (in-person): 9:00am - 10:00 am @ The Frontier, Blue Ridge Room, 800 Park Office Drive, Durham, NC 27709. (See "Address Note" below.) Area Champion: Alex Dumas (alex@speakeralexdumas.com) and Dr. Holly Sullenger (drhollyspeaks@gmail.com)
  • GREATER CHARLOTTE (in-person): 10:30am - 11:30am @ Amelies French Bakery, 4321 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209, Area Champion: Allie Pleiter (alliepleiter@gmail.com)
  • PIEDMONT/TRIAD (in-person) 10:00am - 11:00am @ New Market Plaza, 970 South Main Street, Kernersville, NC 27284 Area Champion: Sherman Transou (srtransou2@gmail.com), Carolyn Bennett-Sullivan (carolyn@carolynbsullivan.com)
  • REMOTE (virtually): @ 9:00am via Zoom (Zoom link will be included in the registration confirmation and reminder emails). Area Champion: John Edwards john@edwardsgroup.org)

  NSA Carolinas is here to help you knock it out of the ballpark, and hit a home run in your Professional Speaker business. See you at our next 2nd Saturday!

  ###

  Address Note: Our GREATER RALEIGH event will be held at 800 Park Office Drive, Durham, NC 27703 — inside the Research Triangle Park campus. Some GPS systems mistakenly route to other “Park Office Drive” addresses in the area, so please double-check that your directions lead you to RTP near the Frontier campus.

  For best results, try entering: ➡️ “800 Park Office Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27703” or use this direct Google Maps link.

  ###

  Want an in-person 2nd Saturday location closer to you? Get in touch with us about being a champion so you can help host and pick the location!

  Show details