Get to know CAPS

About CAPS

The Canadian Association of Professional Speakers provides vital community, skill-development, and business-insight for Canadian speakers of all levels to grow their careers, and aspirations, and has been doing so for over 25 years.

More than an association

CAPS offers a welcoming, business-focused, and fun community for speakers, trainers, consultants, and influencers to learn, share, grow and belong.

Tap into our growing network of experts, business-building programs and professional communities to unlock limitless possibilities in your speaking career.

Where will CAPS take you?

Values

Canadian Speakers Association - Spirit of Sharing Icon

Spirit of Sharing

CAPS believes in fostering a strong sense of community, collaboration, mentorship, and caring among its members, so everyone feels valued and included.

Canadian Speakers Association - Empowerment Icon

Empowerment

CAPS works to equip its members with the necessary tools, resources, opportunities, and community to help them realize their full potential and succeed in the speaking business.

Canadian Speakers Association - Innovation Icon

Innovation

CAPS values innovation and adaptability, continuously seeking ways to stay ahead of industry trends and meet the ever-changing needs of its members and the competitive speaking market.

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Pursuit of Excellence

CAPS endeavours to uphold the ideals of excellence and high quality in the association and for its members, always striving to push limits and exceed expectations.

Canadian Speakers Association - Make an Impact Icon

Make an Impact

CAPS commits to providing resources and support to its members so they can use their skills and influence to drive positive transformation in their audience.

Canadian Speakers Association - Integrity Icon

Integrity

CAPS upholds the highest standards of integrity and ethics within the speaking profession, promoting respect, and honest and transparent practices among its members.

Mission

Inspiring professional speakers to learn, share, grow, and belong.

Vision

Unlocking limitless possibilities for professional speakers in Canada.

The CAPS Advantage

Target image showing the words Learn, Share, Grow, Belong

Learn

Develop new skills and strategies to help you differentiate yourself as a speaker, professional, and entrepreneur.

Share

Collaborate, connect, and contribute in meaningful ways alongside peers and professionals, all of whom are here to help you succeed.

Grow

Open the door to a Global Network and experience what it’s like to grow your business alongside some of the best in the speaking world.

Belong

Become part of something special and access support, motivation and connections to help you thrive at every stage of your professional development.

National Board of Directors

Mark Black, CSP opens a new window

President

CAPS Atlantic

Beverly Beuermann-King headshot

Beverly Beuermann-King, CSP opens a new window

Past President

CAPS Toronto

Nathalie Plamondon-Thomas headshot

Nathalie Plamondon-Thomas, CSP opens a new window

President Elect / Marketing & Academy

CAPS BC

David Beaudoin - CAPS British Columbia

David Beaudoin opens a new window

Membership

CAPS BC

Denis Boudreau headshot

Denis Boudreau, CPWA opens a new window

Marketing & DEI

CAPS Quebec

Cate Collins headshot

Cate Collins opens a new window

Membership

CAPS Toronto

Roxanne Derhodge headshot

Roxanne Derhodge, BSC.,MSC.,R.P. opens a new window

Programming

CAPS Toronto

Jen DeTracy headshot

Jen DeTracey opens a new window

Marketing

CAPS Quebec

JoAnne Marlow opens a new window

Membership

CAPS BC

Robin O'Grady headshot

Robin O’Grady opens a new window

Chapter Liaison

CAPS Alberta

Ross Saunders opens a new window

Programming

CAPS Toronto

Barb Stuhlemmer opens a new window

Chapter Liaison

CAPS Toronto

Shari Bricks headshot

Shari Bricks, CMP, DES opens a new window

Executive Director

CAPS National Office

Michael Flint, PMP opens a new window

Treasurer

CAPS Toronto

Awards & Recognition

CAPS has a strong tradition of celebrating excellence among its members and confers awards and recognition in five sought-after areas. They include our annual service and philanthropy awards, the esteemed Hall of Fame induction, and two valued earned designations.

CAPS Community, Canadian Speaking Hall of Fame, Orlando Bown & Michlle Cederberg

Orlando Bowen, HoF
Michelle Cederberg, CSP, HoF

Canadian Speaking Hall of Fame

Canadian Speaking Hall of Fame members have been recognized for their excellence as professional speakers, and dedication to the professional speaking industry by educating others to excel.

Glynis Devine, CSP Carolyn Stern, CSP, B. COMM., B. ED, M.A. IN LEADERSHIP Nathalie Plamondon-Thomas, CSP Tanya Steele, CSP, CSO(R), CHSC, NCSO

Glynis Devine, CSP; Carolyn Stern, CSP; Nathalie Plamondon-Thomas, CSP; Tanya Steele, CSP

Certified Speaking Professional

The only earned designation for professional speakers, CSP signifies exceptional achievement through a proven record of speaking skill and experience.

CAPS Community, Global Speaking Fellow, Pamela Robinson

Pamela Robinson, CSP, Global Speaking Fellow

Global Speaking Fellow

This designation was developed to bring global value to our industry by recognizing speakers who have international speaking competencies and expertise.

CAPS Community, Warren Evans Spirit of CAPS Award, Michael Kerr

Michael Kerr, CSP, HoF

Warren Evans Spirit of CAPS Award

This prestigious service award recognizes substantial and sustained contribution to CAPS and its members through their commitment to the spirit of sharing, leading and inspiring others.

CAPS Community, Peter Legge Philanthropic Award, Bernard Landreville

Bernard Landreville

Peter Legge Philanthropic Award

This respected award recognizes individuals in CAPS or the broader community who demonstrate philanthropy and stewardship in their communities for the betterment of all.