The Essentials of a Sustained Speaking Career

• When: Friday, November 13th, 2026
• Location: Room 250 (2nd floor), NIU Naperville, 1120 E. Diehl Road, Naperville

SCHEDULE:

• Registration: 8:30 am to 9:00 am
• Educational program: 9:00 am – 11:00 am
• Q & A: 11:00 am – 11:15 am
• Conclusion & Networking: 11:15 am – 11:30 am

Many emerging speakers ask, “How do I get booked?” which is appropriate, BUT after that first paid engagement, the question should change to “How do I get re-booked and referred?”

(Hint: It’s not about how smashing your website or videos are. It’s not about automated marketing systems. It is entirely about what happens when you walk on stage. Your very best marketing tool is being outstanding and memorable on stage.)

Learning how to be consistently re-booked and referred can save you an enormous amount of time and energy in growing and sustaining your business.

So, what are the most essential factors necessary to grow and strengthen your speaking business without having to constantly be chasing the next one-off engagement? I will share them with you.

The sad thing is, these crucial elements are often overlooked by both emerging and seasoned speakers who are looking for fast growth or to reach that next level.

In this engaging and interactive session, I will offer lessons I’ve learned (often the hard way) in maintaining a successful speaking business for over twenty years. Including:

• What separates “good” speakers from those who are memorable
• What behaviors will get you consistently rebooked and referred
• The most common potholes that weaken your impact and stall your career
• Four keys to strengthening your effectiveness right away

Come. Let me (hopefully) shorten your learning curve.

About the Expert, Lauren Schieffer, CSP

The Colonel’s Daughter – Lauren Schieffer, CSP grew up in the Air Force, being uprooted and relocated every couple of years. This instilled a profound independence and ability to adapt to changing circumstances. The lessons she learned from “The Colonel” have helped her make smart decisions and overcome adversity with humility and a sense of humor. 

Lauren’s passion is helping organizations build their next generation of leaders. Whether it’s training, keynotes, or longer-term consulting partnerships, she brings a fresh new perspective and a street-smart approach to what works and what doesn’t. 

With 13 years in NSA, Lauren is a past president of her chapter. She is a recipient of her Chapter Member of the Year and her Chapter Cavett Award. At a National Level, she is currently or has been a member of the Chapter Leadership Committee for nine years (having just finished a year as chairperson of that committee), The CSP Review Board, The NSA Diplomats Committee and the Influence Ambassadors Program. Lauren is a master storyteller. She delivers insightful, inspirational, and relevant content that empowers people to absorb and act upon what they’ve heard. She does so in an entertaining manner with a dry sense of humor that keeps people engaged and chuckling while they’re learning.

Her enthusiasm is infectious, and her passion is unmistakable.

About Your Facilitator, Mark J. Carter

Mark J. Carter has spent a better part of his life interviewing successful people to learn the secrets of their success. He has been designing and facilitating mastermind experiences since 2003, and interviewing people live on stage since 2009. He’s published hundreds of interviews online including podcast and radio show interviews.

In addition to facilitating interview events, he channels his expertise into co-authoring books with B2B entrepreneurs by interviewing them, pulling out their stories and genius, and co-authoring their books with them.

That curiosity and research culminated in his book, “Idea Climbing: How to Build a Support System for Your Next Big Idea”

Mark currently serves as the President-Elect and Director of Strategic Alliances for the NSA Illinois Board of Directors.