Speaking implies talking to audiences.
My goal is to engage every group I address by linking topics to actionable insights, inspiration, and a little fun. I am skilled at delivering both in-person and online sessions—understanding the unique needs of each setting is critical for success.
To arrange a talk or engagement, contact me
I frequently speak to associations, AMCs, tradeshows, events, and executives. I also enjoy engaging with students—the next generation of professionals—to help guide them on their career paths. These experiences keep me inspired and aware of changing perspectives.
Here are some topics organizations and companies like to bring me in for:
- Artificial Intelligence and the Impact on Associations and Events
- Practical Applications of AI in Associations, AMCs and Events
- Organizational AI readiness
- Market Research: Understanding trends and data to make strategic decisions.
- Event-specific exhibitor and sponsor development:
- Becoming a better exhibitor
- Sales staff training
- Overall industry trends and strategies
- Secret shopping activities
- Show Managers and event professionals:
- Exhibitor and sponsor strategies
- Exhibit sales
- Event marketing
- Event technology
- Event secret shopping
Looking for a specific topic or activity? Simply need a skilled moderator? Don’t be afraid to contact me.
Upcoming & Recent Talks
Cash In, Cut Costs: Winning Revenue Tactics for Your EXPO and Sponsorship Programs | Professionals for Association Revenue
Exploring AI in Associations: Practical Insights from an AI Explorer in the Association Space | Mid-Atlantic Society for Association Executives
The Pipeline Problem: Fixing Your Event’s Future By Focusing On Young Attendees | IAEE Expo!Expo!
AI, Meet Rolodex: New Rules Of Booth & Sponsor Sales | IAEE Expo!Expo!
Event Scenarios to Strategies: Crafting Association Event Success with AI | FSAE Education Expo
Accelerating AI Thinking & Readiness at AMCs | AMC Regional
Transform Your Events with AI – Practical Strategies for AMCs | AMC Institute
How Meeting Planners Can Use AI to Work Smarter | Virginia Society of Association Executives
Navigating the Four Stages of Organizational AI Readiness | ASAE Annual 2025
From Scenarios to Strategies: Crafting Event Success with AI & Cash In, Cut Costs: Winning Revenue Tactics for Your EXPO and Sponsorship Programs | 34th Annual Southeastern Classic
Cash In, Cut Costs: Winning Revenue Tactics for Your EXPO and Sponsorship Programs | EventTastic 2025
Maximizing Non-Dues Revenue: Why Events Are Your Growth Engine | ICON 2025
Cash In, Cut Costs: Winning Revenue Tactics for Your EXPO and Sponsorship Programs | ASAE mmc+tec 2025
Future Proof Your Event | Vendelux Webinar
Charge Down Success Like a Rhino, but with a Smile| IAEE DC Chapter
Your Expo and Sponsorship Programs Revamped | IAEE Webinar
Managing and Maximizing Disruption | AMC Institute
Put AI into Action to Improve Your Exhibitions and Events | IAEE Expo!Expo!
Winning Revenue Tactics for Your EXPO and Sponsorship Programs | IAEE Expo! Expo!
Events AI Learning Lab | VSAE 2024
Leveraging AI to Boost Your Trade Show Experience | TOCA Webinar 2024
Technology Management: Integrating AI Into AMC Operations | AMC Summit 2024
Small Team with Big Results: Leveraging Generative AI for Events | ASAE MMC+Tec 2024
Work Smarter, Not Harder with a Smaller Staff | ASAE Annual 2023
Through the Maze: Navigating Event Registration Challenges and Opportunities | IAEE SE Chapter 32nd Annual Classic 2023
Leveraging LinkedIn to Increase Exhibitors and Attendees | ASAE MMCC 2023
Exhibiting in a Post-Pandemic World | TOCA Annual Conference 2023
TOCA: Community, Connection + Collaboration at TOCA, TOCA Talk, Green Industry Pros
Exhibitors Tell All! | IAEE SE Chapter 2023 Luncheon
Understanding Your Audiences: Effective Market Research for Post-Pandemic Events | ASAE MMCC 2022
Maximizing Your Marketing Efforts to Grow Your Show | IAEE Expo! Expo! 2022
News & Views Stage Host | IAEE Expo! Expo! 2022
Understanding Your Customer: Maximizing Your Marketing Efforts to Grow Your Show | IAEE Expo! Expo! 2022
2023 Event Trends | PersoniTour 2022
What Exhibitors Really Want | PersoniTour 2022
Host and Keynote Panel Moderator | Events Revenue Summit 2022
Leveraging Online Communities for your Hybrid & In-Person Events | Community Labs 2022
Post-Pandemic Events Market Research | IAEE Expo! Expo! 2021
News & Views Stage Host | IAEE Expo! Expo! 2021
Building Your Hybrid Bridge – Design with the Destination In Mind | Sandbox Stream 2021
Host and Keynote Panel Moderator | Events Revenue Summit 2022
Building Community & Engagement (Behind the Scenes of PersoniFest) | Virtual Event Trailblazers Summit 2021
Post-Pandemic Perspectives from In-Person Events | PCMA Chesapeake 2021
Host and Moderator – Planet Leadership | The podcast for association and nonprofit professionals
“Rich is a heavy hitter.
We can put him in any time slot since he can attract and hold an audience.”ASAE Education Team
“Highest session ratings at our entire event.”
ISAE Executive
“Rich is a sought-after speaker.”
Marsha Flanagan, CEO IAEE
“I always walk away with actionable findings from Rich’s sessions!”
Expo! Expo! Attendee
Recent Webinars
- Beyond the Booth: Elevating the Exhibitor Experience for Real Results | Webinar
- Association AI Leadership: The Four Stages of Readiness and Organizational Management | Webinar
- From First Click to the Onsite Experience – What You Can’t Ignore | Webinar
- Engagement in a Post-Pandemic World | Webinar
- Secrets Revealed: Exhibitors Tell All | Webinar
Rich Vallaster 