Professional Speakers Association – Middle East

The Professional Speakers Association – Middle East (PSA-ME) is the leading professional organisation for Middle East, Western Asia and North Africa regions for expert speaking trainers, keynote speakers, speaking consultants and coaches. Our membership DNA is based on “Speak to Share.” We aim to Speak as often as possible but continue to share knowledge with each other, to then progress and speak better and more profitably. We enhance your professionalism and advance your speaking business results. We intentionally aim to raise the standards of the speaking profession and industry throughout the region and to be the first choice for experts who speak professionally to further learn, grow and innovate. Lastly, our goal is to have fun and create a sense of unity in our speaking community and give members a place where they truly can belong for their entire journey in this great profession we call professional speaking.

Launched after hosting the Global Speakers Summit in Dubai in June 2007, where we had 120 speakers from 21 countries visit the UAE.

UAE Chapter launched in November 2007 with Reg Athwal, Past President of the Professional Speakers Association – United Kingdom. UAE Chapter continues to grow with a small quality group of professionals.

PSA-ME now is supporting Candidates to become Approved Members and drive membership from the Corporate sectors.

In 2009 PSA-ME organized introductory sessions in other countries bringing interest from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Pakistan, Kuwait and Iran to launch new Chapters.

PSA-ME continues to organize 3-4 Chapter Meetings a year plus 2-3 Masterclasses and Forums and plans to have its first Regional Convention in 2011.

Our current PSA-ME Founding Committee and Board Members include:

Mr. Reg Athwal, Dubai, UAE
PSA-ME Founding Chairman
PSA-ME 1st National President and UAE Chapter Leader
Past President of PSA-UK and Member of GSF

Mr. Anesh Jagtiani, Dubai, UAE
VP of Chapter Leadership

Mr. Ali Al Saloom, Abu Dhabi, UAE
VP of New Membership and Public Relations

Ms. Joanne Simpson, Dubai, UAE
VP of International Relations

Mr. Camil El Khoury, Beirut, Lebanon
VP of Regional Chapter Development

Ms. Nanette Fairley, Dubai, UAE
VP of Mentorship and Development

Mr. Ron Villejo, Dubai, UAE
VP of Corporate Membership

Mr. Shridhar Sampath, Dubai, UAE
VP of Strategy and Finance

Dr. Armen Papazian, Dubai, UAE
VP of Research and Strategy

Mr. Jose Poovathinkal, Dubai, UAE
VP of Meetings and Events

Prof. Christopher Abraham, Dubai, UAE
VP of Media Communications

Mr. Islam Naiem Diab, Dubai, UAE
VP of Online Development

Mr. Sepehr Tarverdian, Tehran, Iran
PSA-ME Iran Chapter, Founder and Leader

Mr. Ziad E. F. Noujeim, Beirut, Lebanon
PSA-ME Lebanon Chapter, Founder and Leader

Ms. Penelope Branson, Dubai, UAE
Administration Coordinator

Chapters

UAE (United Arab Emirates) Chapter – Established June 2007

2010 to 2020: We plan to Launch Chapters in Oman, Bahrain, Yemen, Iran, Iraq, Turkmenistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Syria, Turkey, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Sudan, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Somalia, Uganda, Rwanda, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria and Ghana.