Ever attended an event where you were constantly DELIGHTED and INSPIRED?

The 2025 Professional Speakers Australia Conference excelled at this.

I believe true positive change doesn’t just come from information. It happens when quality information meets incredible inspiration.

From start to finish, Cadence was a phenomenal event, packed with powerful insights and a spectacular demonstration of top skills from some of the best speakers in the world.

After any event, I like to reflect on the key highlights and the things I plan to action.

Whether you’re a professional speaker or someone who just wants to build you confidence and influence – here are my key takeaways:

1. Every Moment Matters – Create Unforgettable Ones

Peter Merrett’s keynote showed us the power of being bold with curiosity, heart and expression. He reminded us of the power of caring about EVERY moment. 

“No-one knows how much you know until they know how much you care.” – Theodore Roosevelt. 

It reminded me of when I worked in hospitality while I was completing university studies. In my first week, my manager was teaching me how to reset a table after guests had left. There was a small wine stain on the white tablecloth, so I asked if I should replace it. She looked at me and said, “Lauren, what would you do for the Queen of England?” Immediately I replied, “I’d replace it!” 

She smiled and nodded. That one conversation set the standard for every interaction I had over the next four years working in that hotel. It was brilliant.

Peter didn’t just TALK about moments, he CREATED them for us and with us. From having us tasting delectable chocolate in sync, to hearing his heartfelt stories of when customer service was lacking for him and his children, to the hilarity of a ‘minute to win it’ style balloon activity – the room was filled with emotion.

The most emotive moment – when he handed his good friend Glenn Capelli the conductors baton which had belonged to a very special mutual friend, who has since passed away… an utterly beautiful gesture and unforgettable moment. Not just for Glenn, but for all of us I’m sure.

Thank you Peter for the magic you worked. 

Glenn echoed Peter’s question of “What else can you do?” in his sessions, which got us physically moving using Auslan (Australian Sign Language) to anchor his key points. It was so effective.

• What else can you do to stand out?
• What can you do to increase connection?
• What else can you do to engage with people’s senses?

I’ve always loved curiosity. I’m looking forward to working on creating more creative, unforgettable moments for people.

2. It’s not WHAT you say, it’s HOW you say it. 

I had the pleasure of meeting Joel McKerrow the night before the conference started. While we were chatting, he mentioned that he was rather nervous about sharing a poem as part of the opening ceremony.  

Internally I thought to myself – “How hard can it be to read a poem?”

Little did I know… Joel would not just read us a poem. He would perform a heartfelt 10-minute monologue with amazing pitch, tone and cadence. An original poem that was perfect for the audience of speakers, writers, artists and creatives that we are. With beautiful highs and lows he moved us. At its conclusion, when I instantly stood to my feet, it was a joy to feel the entire room stand in unison and applaud wildly. 

Thank you for touching our hearts, Joel.

As speakers we must always remember that, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

Colin James gave us a masterclass in the 8 keys to structuring a keynote for maximum impact. I found myself saying, Yes!, Yes exactly! Yes! for every single one of his points…

1. Start Strong – a story, a question, a conversational opening, a quote, a datapoint
2. Create Relevance – WIFFM, what’s in it for the audience, highlight how you’ll move them from pain to gain
3. Intro your Concept – create a frisson of interest
4. Manage FODs – this is so important – what are your audience’s potential Fears, Objections and Doubts. Address them up front. Name it to take it off the table.
5. Self Intro – to build credibility and connection
6. Guidelines (optional) – may include phones out of sight etc
7. Re-Intro Concept – remind them where you’re heading
8. Layout Principles – using anchoring (stories, examples, visual aids etc)

Yamini Naidu challenged us to come up with our ‘wild card’ – the one thing that you do in such a unique way that it’s utterly captivating, exceptional and irreplicable. 

I’m still working on the seeds of ideas on how to build this – watch this space!

Yamini told us that the top things people want from a speaker include information and inspiration, but the NUMBER #1 thing is entertainment. Entertainment. 

Again – it’s not what you say – it’s how you say it and the experience you create.

3. JOY and LOVE always win

There were many, many moments of pure joy and delight, both during the 15×15 day when I had the chance to present, and throughout the weekend:

Shivani Gupta lifted me up with her inspiring stories. I could relate to so much of what she said – you know that “Oh that’s me” feeling? I had it over and over. I loved the professionalism, the presence and the power.

Alan Cameron-Sweeney had me rolling with laughter then sobbing with tears one after the other. Such a rollercoaster of emotions. Powerful stuff!

Diane Demetre, embodied the joy of synchronised physical movement, getting over oneself and feeling free. Delightful!

Cristy Burne entertained us with the power of science, creativity and adventure. First time I’ve seen a scientist in fluro glasses, wearing a tutu, firing a marshmallow vacuum powered rocket launcher. I loved every second of it! Julia Grace touched our hearts once again with her beautiful messages around being kind to your mind. It was a joy to see her speak and sing and receive a standing ovation – very proud friend moment!  (We also had some fabulous, fun-filled moments sharing a room along with Julie Nottage. A bit like school camp – only better!)

Ian Stephens showed us the power of making others the hero – taking non boxers and showing their amazing skill progression in just 2 short days. Outstanding! This man has a big dream and an even bigger heart. Thank you, Ian, for your service to the speaking community as convenor of this conference – chapeau!

Lisa McInnes-Smith also showed us the power of making others the hero. Most of all she displayed the power of connection and just loving people. We feel the difference it makes when there’s genuine love, care and passion in a speaker.

Trudi Boatwright shared the most exceptional, unpredictable story about a Shakespearean elf and did a phenomenal workshop where she got us up and moving around the room experiencing embodying our messages through movement. Hard to describe adequately in words. Very powerful in practise!

The four MCs / Hosts were incredible. Helen Mac, Clifford Morgan, Michael McQueen, and Robbi Mack. Each had their own style and flavour which made each day unique. From caring and upbeat, to slick and concise, smooth and unflappable, to hilarious and musical – they were outstanding! 

A great reminder to always be yourself.

Mell ‘B’ Balment made our hearts swell when she looked out at the roomful of speakers and shared, “I don’t have family, this is my family, YOU are my family.” 

Such a touching moment. She truly is such a generous spirit with a magnetising presence that just makes you feel good!

Reflections on being part of a tribe

This was my first time attending PSA, and it could have felt intimidating, but I was so genuinely welcomed, uplifted and included. It was a joy to be part of.

I constantly wished I could ‘pause time’ to be able to have an in-depth conversation with each person I met. The time just flew and there was no way to connect with everyone – but every person I met was sensational. 

At the gala dinner, I had this moment of joy on the dance floor, looking around at the pure elation on everyone’s faces, reflecting on what an inspiring and supportive family this really is. I thought to myself how lucky I was to be there and to start to feel like I could become part of this PSA Aussie ‘family’, belong to this incredible tribe.

I mentioned this to Sally Foley-Lewis, CSP later that night.

Sally looked me in the eye and said “Lauren, you already belong!” 

Very kind words from Sally who also gives back so much to the community and has just stepped into the PSA president’s role. I’m excited to see what lays ahead.

I hope that some of the insights above are helpful for my Professional Speakers Association of NZ – PSANZ family, and for you – wherever you’re from.

How about you:

• If you were there – what was a big takeaway for you?
• If you weren’t there – what’s one thing you’ve learnt about speaking and influence that’s shaped the way you communicate?

Let me know in a comment below…

About the Author – Lauren Parsons, CSP, AS

Lauren is a keynote speaker, author and consultant who’s passionate about helping busy people discover little-used techniques to boost their energy, vitality and performance. Awarded NZ Keynote Speaker of the Year and Educator of the Year 2023/24 by the Professional Speakers Association. Lauren is a sought-after international speaker, one of only a dozen Certified Speaking Professionals and the only Accredited Speaker in New Zealand.

TEDx speaker, Author of Thriving Leaders Thriving Teams and Real Food Less Fuss, Founder of the Snack on Exercise movement and host of the Thrive TV Show. With over 20 years’ experience, Lauren integrates her wellness and business background to help leaders find the sweet spot between boosting both wellbeing and productivity.

Based in the Manawatu, New Zealand, where she lives with her husband and three children, Lauren can often be found hosting dinner parties, playing board games, running, reading or getting out in her gumboots to walk the paddocks. She travels regularly to speak at conferences and in-house and specialises in helping leaders create positive, energised workplaces where people thrive.

Check out all the goodness at Lauren’s “Free Stuff” page at www.LaurenParsonsWellbeing.com

Ways to connect with Lauren

• Find out about conference keynotes 
• See her most popular topics
• Make a time for a virtual cuppa over zoom