Center Stage | September 2025

September hits different—in the best way. Calendars fill up, teams regroup, and audiences are ready for meaningful ideas that spark action. This month’s Center Stage is a quick look at what’s coming to the blog: mental health conversations with care, smart snack trends, a no-fluff guide to choosing the right keynote, podcasters who light up the stage, and a September focus on Truth and Reconciliation. What’s coming up this month? Here’s a peek into your September guide to event planning:

Your September 2025 Guide to Event Planning

1. Mental Health on Stage: From Wellness to the Hard Conversations

For Suicide Prevention Day (September 10), we’re exploring how mental health speakers have been engaging audiences with talks about wellness, resilience, addiction—and yes, even suicide. The goal: change the narrative with compassion, point to resources, and show how organizations can hold space in ways that help.

This blog features speakers like Corey Hirsch, Justin Wren, and Brandi Leifso – their stories and why audiences love them.

Four colourful snack boxes lined up next to each other.

We’re looking at snack trends that actually elevate the attendee experience. Think attendee energy, inclusive choices, and the small details that keep people engaged between sessions. Simple, smart, and easy to execute with your venue or caterer.

3. How to Choose the Best Keynote Speaker for Your Event

A female speaker on stage delivering a speech. The background is solid black with 2 stage lights shining on either side of the subject.

This is a planner-friendly guide to narrowing the field with confidence. We’ll outline the core decisions that matter—matching message to moment, aligning with goals, and setting your speaker up to deliver real outcomes—so you can move from “options” to “booked” without second-guessing.

4. International Podcast Day: Podcasters Who Wow on Stage

Two males sitting across from each other conversing. Both are wearing headphones and a podcast microphone is between them.

International Podcast Day is on September 30, 2025. Podcast hosts bring pacing, chemistry, and storycraft that translate beautifully to live events. We’ll spotlight why that format works so well on stage and highlight two familiar names: Sickboy and Jesse Lipscombe (host of this year’s Pod Summit)—plus what planners can expect when a podcast pro takes the mic.

5. September 2025 Spotlight: Truth and Reconciliation

Two people walking on the beach as the sun sets in the background.

September is a time to listen and act. We’ll share ways planners are building programs that honour stories, deepen understanding, and support ongoing learning—with a focus on must-book Indigenous voices and meaningful steps organizations can take around the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30, 2025).

In Case You Missed It: August Reflection

6 Must-Read Books by Canadian Speakers

Looking for a speaker with a message that lasts beyond the mic? These bestselling authors inspire on stage and on the page. Here’s your speaker-powered reading list.

Top Tips for Negotiating with Vendors While Planning Events

Navigating event negotiations can be challenging, but it’s often possible to stay within budget. The key is understanding where there’s flexibility and how to cultivate strong, lasting partnerships.

In the Spotlight: Recent Achievements to Celebrate

Eric O’Niel: New book, SPIES, LIES & CYBERCRIME, publishing with HarperCollins on October 7, 2025.

Vivek Shraya: Podcast episode on professional jealousy in creative fields nominated for Best Unscripted Podcast.

Planning a September or Fall Event?

Calling event professionals, coordinators, organization leaders! Seeking more guidance on September or fall event-planning? Tell us your goals and audience, and we’ll help you map the right program quick and seamlessly. Contact Us or explore more on the Talent Bureau homepage.

Stay Connected

We hope you gained valuable insights from Your September Guide to Events, Speakers & Ideas. Stay ahead of the curve by:

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Related Articles & Pages

What does it mean to understand, reconcile, and reconnect? Discover speakers for National Day of Truth & Reconciliation.

Knowing the difference between a keynote speaker, emcee and panelist will make your booking process easier. Learn more.

Keep in mind these keynote speaking industry trends for future event planning and speaker bookings.

Your September Guide to Events, Speakers & Ideas