The Bankable Speaker Newsletter Issue #7: Q4 Is Coming Fast — What’s Your Q1 Plan?

👋 A Word From Dr. Shana
Hey Bankable Speakers — can you believe we’re already staring down the last stretch of 2025? Q4 is coming fast. Here’s the thing: if you wait until January to start planning, you’re already behind. Speaking is a 90-day runway business, which means the seeds you plant now will show up in Q1 2026.

This issue has 5 new leads, a Bankable Tip about planning ahead, and an invite to my upcoming 3-Day Booked & Bankable Challenge (Sept 22–24) so you can finish the year strong and hit the ground running in Q1. I’ll also share a heads up: I’m hosting a Bankable Speaker Roundtable Lunch & Learn LIVE in Houston this November to help you map your Q4 action plan.

📣 Leads Section — 5 Fresh Opportunities-- 1 HOT HR Lead Due Tonight at 10:59 PM
(These are vetted — personalize, pitch, propose, & follow up. Several are for 2026 bookings.)

1. Women in Publishing Summit 

   • Looking For: 

     We are no longer focusing on writing craft or publishing production, instead, this is an event focused on collaboration, community growth, inspiration, and encouragement. We're looking for these topics: productivity, positive mindset, self-development, and growth workshops.

   • Location: Virtual
   • Date: March 8-11, 2026
   • Audience: 

     The Summit focuses on collaboration, community growth, inspiration, and encouragement and draws:

      

     • Authors at all stages: from first-time writers to seasoned multi-book authors
     • Publishing professionals: editors, designers, marketers, publicists, hybrid publishers, consultants, and more
     • Industry experts: those who serve, support, and champion authors       
   • Apply By: Sept 26
   • Event info
   • Apply to speak

   2. CAPPO Conference

   • Looking For: 
     Keynote speakers & workshop presenters
   • Location: San Diego, California - In person
   • Date: Feb 1-4,2026
   • Audience: The conference will be geared to a diverse audience of procurement professionals, and provides empowering and engaging personal enrichment and professional development topics that inspire attendees to thrive in their personal lives and careers. The conference also provides attendees the opportunity to network with other like-minded peers.
   • Apply By: Rolling basis but ASAP for consideration till filled
   • Event info
   • Apply to speak  

   •  

   3. Amplify

   • Looking For: We’re inviting thought leaders, practitioners, firm leaders, marketers, business developers, and client partners to submit vendor-neutral, practice-tested sessions that help A/E/C marketers and business developers drive growth. We’re looking for ideas with clear outcomes, grounded examples or data, and actionable takeaways attendees can implement immediately.
   • Location: Las Vegas, NV--In person
   • Date: July 27-79, 2026 
   • Audience: Amplify A|E|C attendees are marketing and business development professionals who work primarily in the architecture, engineering and construction industries. Attendees include both SMPS members and nonmembers who vary in skill level from coordinator to CMO. Attendees come to Amplify A|E|C to improve their careers through professional development and to gain fresh perspective and new ideas for the industr
   • Apply By: Oct 24, 2025
   • Event info
   • Apply to speak

   4. VIVE

   • Looking For: 

     Expect bold ideas, transformative strategies, and dynamic formats—from panels and case studies to keynote presentations, point-counterpoint debates, and major industry announcements. ViVE is where the future of healthcare gets made.

   • Location: Los Angeles, CA
   • Date: Feb 22-25, 2026
   • Audience: The WHO’S WHO of the digital health tech world will convene for ViVE—the ultimate destination where digital healthcare executives get business done. ViVE 2026 is designed for impact, delivering unparalleled networking, market insights, and ROI-driven opportunities that redefine the future of digital health.
   • Apply By: Oct 16
   • Event info
   •  Apply to speak

    

   5. Tri State SHRM Conference-- HOT due TODAY

   • Looking For: 

     This year’s theme is “HR Under the Big Top”, and we’re seeking dynamic, engaging speakers to lead sessions aligned with the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (BASK). Ideal topics may include:

     • Workplace culture & employee experience

     • Strategic HR leadership

     • Talent acquisition & retention strategies

     • DEI&B initiatives

     • Legal & compliance updates

     • HR technology & analytics

     • Total rewards & benefits innovation

     • Employee wellness & mental health

     • Skills-based hiring and the future of work

   • Location:Conneticut- In person
   • Date: April 20-22, 2026
   • Audience: HR professionals
   • Apply By: Sept 15 10:59 PM
   • Event info
   • Apply to speak

💡 Bankable Tip of the Week — Get Ahead of the Curve
Q1 is too late to start planning for Q1. The best speakers are working on two calendars at once:

• Today’s pipeline: Q4 outreach, pitches, and follow-ups.

• Next season’s pipeline: booking Jan–Mar 2026 gigs right now.

3-Step Planning Rhythm

1. Review — Audit your last 60 days: how many pitches sent, proposals submitted, contracts signed.

2. Forecast — Block time for 20 new pitches this month targeting Jan–Mar 2026.

3. Plan — Use your time-blocked calendar to separate pitching, proposal work, and delivery prep.

Quick action: This week, set aside 90 minutes to identify 10 Q1 conferences in your niche and send tailored pitches. That’s the runway at work.

🎤 Your Special Offer — 3-Day Booked & Bankable Challenge (Sept 22–24)

This challenge is timed perfectly to close out Q4 strong and build your Q1 runway.

• Dates: Sept 22–24

• Regular: General Admission $97 | VIP $147

• Newsletter Exclusive: VIP for the price of General Admission — $97 (includes VIP feedback, bonus templates, and priority access).

Reply “BOOKED” to secure your exclusive VIP seat before spots fill.

🍽️ Coming Soon — Bankable Speaker Roundtable Lunch & Learn (Houston)
Mark your calendar! I’ll be hosting a LIVE Bankable Speaker Roundtable Lunch & Learn in Houston this November — focused on Q4 planning and Q1 readiness. This is your chance to get in the room, ask questions, and leave with a clear action plan. Details coming in the next issue — newsletter subscribers get first access.

✨ Quick Reminders

• Q4 is the time to plant seeds for Q1. Don’t wait until January.

• Several of this week’s leads are for 2026 — start pitching now.

• Reply “BOOKED” to grab your VIP upgrade for the 3-Day Challenge (Sept 22–24).

🎤 Where to Find Me Next

• NBCC Counselor Symposium — Atlanta, GA — Sept 15

• Association of Philanthropy Conference — Philadelphia, PA — Sept 17

• Bankable Speaker Roundtable Lunch & Learn — Houston, TX — November (details soon)

Closing
We’re in the final sprint of 2025 — but don’t just think about finishing strong, think about starting strong. Your Q1 results will reflect what you do in Q4. Join me in the 3-Day Booked & Bankable Challenge (Sept 22–24) to sharpen your pitch, secure more bookings, and build momentum into 2026. Reply “BOOKED” to lock in your VIP seat for just $97. And Houston speakers — stay tuned. I can’t wait to see you in October for the Roundtable Lunch & Learn.

Here’s to planting seeds now for a profitable Q1 that you can bank on,
— Dr. Shana 
Bankable Speaker Coach + Mentor