Dear VSAI Family,

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Exactly one year ago, on June 12, 2024, I delivered my first Presidential Address—filled with purpose, determination, and a deep sense of service. Today, I stand before you with immense gratitude, pride, and awe for all that we have accomplished—together.

What a ride it’s been!

 

Against All Odds, We Soared

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With limited manpower and modest resources, we didn’t let “lack” stop us. Instead, we leaned into community, creativity, and courage — and just look what we accomplished:

Here’s what we brought to life:

1. 26 live webinars and 2 impactful Virtual Summits

2. A historic GSS Summit Bali – with 300 speakers, 35 countries, and 17 CSPs conferred. A goosebumps moment!

3. Think Tanks that sparked innovation, hosted by Claire Boscq

4. Networking sessions by Vikram Anand and Chantelle Botha, where real friendships were born

5. An empowering Ambassador Buddy Program, led by Liz Hardwick, making every newcomer feel at home

6. The launch of our very first podcast: “The Unpolished Stories” by Dr. Celina Peerman and Chantelle Botha

7. A heartwarming Professional Speaker Celebration Day with 53 inspiring member videos

8. Our inaugural International Presidents’ Day, uniting 13 Global Presidents

9. A moving session with Israel speakers, powerfully moderated by Sandeep Nath

 

And Then We Dreamed Even Bigger…

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We didn’t stop. We dared to dream—and made those dreams tangible:

• Our first collaborative book project, backed by a generous $10,000 in-kind sponsorship from Dixie Carlton

• The launch of the VSAI Amplify Initiative, led by Nehru Nagappan, bridging us with the Project Management industry

• An insightful AI training series by Brad Hauck, giving our members future-ready skills – to be launched soon.

• Our first-ever sponsored webinar thanks to Vaibhav Nahata of Speakervideos

• And yes—we’re already collaborating with PSA on the GSS 2026 Magazine for Cairns!

 

All this… without a single full-time staff member. Just passion, persistence, and an unwavering belief in the power of community.

 

Moving Forward, Growing Stronger

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Following your approval last year, VSAI is now officially registered in Australia. We've opened a Wise bank account and transferred most of our funds, retaining a small reserve in the Netherlands to close final obligations.

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To complete this transition, we now seek your formal approval:

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Motion: I move that we close the Virtual Speakers Association International registration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce and de-register the association.

 

Moved: Lindsay Adams OAM CSP

Seconded: Dr. Wendy Lee CSP, CBIP

 

A Note on Membership Fees

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When VSAI first launched, our annual membership was €379. During the pandemic, we reduced this to €49, one of the most accessible rates in the global speaking industry.

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As our programs expand and operating costs rise, we anticipate a modest adjustment by 2026—to support better systems, richer experiences, and stronger support for you, our valued members.

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What won’t change?

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Our unwavering promise to always give far more than we take.

 

Heartfelt Thanks

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• To Ruby Newell-Legner, Charlotte Kemp, Mike Handcock, Neerja Singh thank you for your unwavering belief in our mission and your steadfast behind-the-scenes support. Your contributions were instrumental in the success of our International Presidents’ Day, Professional Speakers Celebration Day, and the CSP Harmonisation Initiative. We are deeply grateful for your leadership, collaboration, and commitment to lifting our global community.

• To my extraordinary Board — Lindsay, Liz, Dr. Celina, Chantelle, Vikram, Sandeep, and Jason — your sacrifices, humour, and relentless commitment are the foundation of all we’ve achieved.

• To our tireless volunteers — Nehru Nagappan, Fiona Kearns, Eytan Segev, Heather Wright, Remi Ayela, Oliver Nishom, Harriet Russell — thank you for being our extra hands, hearts, and hope.

• And to every single member of VSAI — for saying yes, for showing up, for believing — thank you. You are the heartbeat of this association.

 

 

One Final Thought…

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We’re not here to be the biggest.

We’re here to be the most connected, the most courageous, and the most inclusive.

To amplify the unheard.

To elevate speakers in every corner of the globe—from bustling cities to quiet villages.

To ensure that if you have a voice, you always have a place.

 

This is VSAI.

This is your community.

And this is just the beginning.

 

May the next 12 months be braver, bolder, and even more beautiful.

 

Let’s go further. Let’s rise higher. Let’s do it — together.

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Warmest Wishes,

Dr. Wendy Lee, CSP

President, Virtual Speakers Association International