Organization & Leadership

2025/26 sees the biggest changes, challenges and opportunities for the Global Speakers Federation since its inception almost 30 years ago in July 1997. At that stage, on the back of the well-quoted statement by National Speakers Association founder Cavett Robert, “Don’t worry about how we divide up the pie. Let’s just make a bigger pie!” the predecessor to the Global Speakers Federation was born. Unfortunately, Cavett died that year and did not see the immense impact of his words on a global basis.

As of 2025 we have 17 global associations, the latest being PSA Spain which joins us in 2025, that represent more than 35 countries globally, and the pie is most certainly getting bigger.

As the Global Speakers Federation, we are the custodians of guidance, governance, and best practices for associations worldwide. Moving toward 2026 and beyond, we are at a crossroads driven by industry developments, technology and geopolitical situations that shape our world. With the advent of AI into the mainstream in 2023, we need to change with the times. Our federation needs to become more fluid, more professional, with greater standards, governance and strategy to effect change in a world that most people are struggling to come to grips with.

For me, as the President in this pivotal year, it is very exciting. The Global Speakers Federation is poised to capitalise on new technologies, greater awareness of the thought-leadership industry, massive interest in the industry, and new and interesting markets developing, whether it is in countries where speaking has not been popular, or through partnerships with key players in technology, education and globalisation.

We need to be BOLD. The time for ‘a sea of sameness’ has passed and our leaders are poised to guide our associations and members of those associations to greater levels of professionalism and impact. Collectively, professional speakers, trainers and associates have more chance to impact the industry and those in key roles than almost anyone, and with great influence comes great responsibility. I welcome each and every one of you reading this to show up, step up and give back to ensure our industry capitalises on the opportunities presented.

Mike Handcock
CSP, Global Speaking Fellow
GSF President 2025/26

Presidential Leadership Team

The Presidential Leadership Team consists of the GSF President, President-Elect, Vice President, Immediate Past President, and Executive Director. The Presidential Leadership Team serves as the interim governing body between meetings of the GSF Board of Directors.

Board of Directors

The GSF Board of Directors, which meets quarterly, consists of a representative from each GSF member association and each has one vote. In addition, the GSF President, GSF President-Elect, GSF Vice President, GSF Immediate Past President, and GSF Executive Director serve as voting members of the Board.

Steering Committee

The Steering Committee consists of nine members, namely:

• the Board member from each of the three largest member associations (as determined by membership count based on dues paid, 30 days prior to the Annual General Meeting)

• the Board member from two of the remaining member associations (elected annually by the two highest votes cast by the GSF Board of Directors)

• the GSF President, GSF President-Elect are voting members of the Steering Committee, while the GSF Vice President, and GSF Executive Director are non-voting, ex-officio members.