FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
International Platform Association Announces Visibility Packages for 195th Annual Convention in Chicago
Speaker bureaus, speakers and meeting planners invited to participate in October 3–5 convention and expanded visibility opportunities
CHICAGO, June 25, 2026 — The International Platform Association (IPA) today announced a new series of visibility packages for its 195th Annual Convention, to be held in Chicago, October 3–5, 2026, creating new promotional opportunities for speaker bureaus, professional speakers, meeting planners and industry partners.
Founded in 1831, the International Platform Association traces its heritage to the American Lyceum movement and continues its long-standing mission of connecting speakers and audiences through public discourse, professional opportunity and strategic visibility.
As part of the convention rollout, IPA is expanding participation options through BookAnySpeaker.com, its growing outreach and visibility platform for bureaus and speakers.
Visibility Packages
- Silver – Free
Include your bureau and speakers at BookAnySpeaker.com - Gold – $595
Full-page ad in the 195th Convention Program, distributed in print at the event and available in PDF form for one year - Platinum – $995
Full-page ad plus 12 minutes of podium time - Diamond – $1,695
Two full pages plus two podium slots
Attendance Options
- $795 per speaker or bureau representative for full three-day attendance
- $195 per meeting planner for full attendance
- Tuesday Dinner Banquet — free for meeting planners; $175 for speakers or bureau representatives
- Wednesday Speaker Auction Slots — $99 each
- Meeting Planner Banquet Fund Donations — open contribution support
IPA noted that full attendance is not required for podium participation, providing additional flexibility for those seeking speaking visibility without attending the full convention.
Expanding Visibility for Speakers and Bureaus
According to IPA leadership, the new package structure is designed to help participants build stronger visibility with meeting planners, associations, media professionals, event organizers and booking decision-makers.
The organization said the convention will serve as both a professional gathering and a visibility platform, combining live participation, print promotion, directory exposure and direct outreach opportunities.
"The goal is to create meaningful visibility and measurable value for speaker bureaus, speakers, meeting planners and partners. The convention is not just an event — it is a marketplace for connection, promotion and long-term opportunity"
— James Feldman, Chief Transformation Officer, International Platform Association
IPA also emphasized that BookAnySpeaker.com welcomes speaker bureaus and speakers with free participation, further expanding the platform's role as a direct visibility channel for the speaking industry.
About the International Platform Association
Founded in 1831, the International Platform Association traces its heritage to the American Lyceum movement and the traditions of public speaking, civic dialogue and free expression. Today, IPA connects speakers, speaker bureaus, meeting planners, media professionals and audiences through events, visibility platforms, professional outreach and strategic partnerships.