GSA History

Celebrating 40 Years of GSA.

Global Speakers Agency has enjoyed a rich history of engaging people with engaging ideas. We are North America’s original speakers bureau founded more than 40 years ago. Global Speakers Agency represents North America’s best roster of news makers, thought leaders and icons on the speaking platform for your conferences and events. We’re the original and most experienced speakers bureau with an incredible team engaged in the marketplace of ideas. See some of our highlights below.
  • 1970
  • 1980
  • 1990
  • 2000
  • 2010
  • 2013
  • 2015

  • July 24, 1973

    The bureau launches the speakers bureau industry in Canada

    July 24, 1973

    The bureau launches the speakers bureau industry in Canada

    Incorporation date - our agency is born.

  • The bureau signs first speakers
    1973

    The bureau signs first speakers

    Allan Fotheringham, Mordecai Richler, Peter C Newman

  • 1980's

    Bureau extends to personal management and speaking training

  • 1986

    Founding member of the International Group Of Agencies & Bureaus (IGAB)

  • 1990's

    The bureau opens a literary agency, 7th Avenue Literary Agency

  • 1993

    25th Anniversary Strictly Speaking showcase gala

    1993

    25th Anniversary Strictly Speaking showcase gala

    at the Winter Garden Theatre in Toronto

  • 1993

    Exclusive signing leads to 10+ year representation of Mark Tewksbury/Jim Carroll

  • 1994

    The bureau launches first major bureau website in Canada

    1994

    The bureau launches first major bureau website in Canada

    http://web.archive.org/web/19961112133657/http://www.nsb.com/

  • 1997

    Exclusive signing with Sue Johanson, aka The Sex Lady

  • 1998

    First Canadian bureau to launch an international division as Global Speakers Agency (GSA)

    1998

    First Canadian bureau to launch an international division as Global Speakers Agency (GSA)

    Launches ‘a world of speakers at your fingertips’ at www.globalspeakers.com

  • May 2, 1999

    First international seminars via satellite

    May 2, 1999

    First international seminars via satellite

    The bureau manages the first international seminars via satellite and fibre optic technology from Vancouver to Australia. From his Vancouver houseboat, futurist Frank Ogden conducted the first two international seminars via satellite and fibre-optic technology, for Australia's Telstra Communications Network in Sydney and Melbourne

  • 1999-2000

    Toronto office opens

  • 2000

    Exclusive signing with Lt. Gen. Romeo Dallaire (ret)

  • 2001

    Volunteer communications partnership with Abreast in a Boat

    2001

    Volunteer communications partnership with Abreast in a Boat

    To raise breast cancer awareness and to demonstrate that women living with breast cancer can lead full and active lives

  • 2003

    Community Service Award winner IASB

    2003

    Community Service Award winner IASB

    Multiple years recognition for our community service commitments from 2003 onward

  • 2007

    First bureau partner with ‘We Day’ www.weday.com

    2007

    First bureau partner with ‘We Day’ www.weday.com

    We Day is the movement of our time, empowering a generation of young global citizens through an inspirational event and a year-long educational initiative.

  • 2008

    First bureau partner with MPI's National Meetings Industry Day

  • 2009

    COCA Associate of the Year

  • 2009

    Business Events Industry Coalition Launches

  • 2009

    CSAE Griner Award

    2009

    CSAE Griner Award

    For our ‘significant contribution to the Canadian Society of Association Executives and the profession of association management…this award is bestowed on outstanding business members

  • 2010

    Niagara Office Opens

  • 2010

    Exclusive signing with Rt. Hon. Michaëlle Jean

  • 2010

    Celebrates with Canadian Olympians at 2010 Vancouver Olympics

  • 2010

    Put a Sock in it campaign debuts

    2010

    Put a Sock in it campaign debuts

    Approx. 1,000-3,000 pairs of socks are donated each year to the homeless and low-income earners in collaboration with First United Church Mission (Vancouver) and Yonge Street Mission (Toronto) who both run weekly foot care clinics

  • 2010

    Meetings & Incentive Travel – Hall of Fame

    2010

    Meetings & Incentive Travel – Hall of Fame

    The Industry Innovator Award recognized our founder for starting the bureau/speaking industry in Canada as ‘a service or product that has increased productivity and/or modernized our industry.’

  • 2010-2011

    CEO Theresa Beenken is named the first non-American president of IASB in 20 years

  • 2011

    COCA Associate of the Year

    2011

    COCA Associate of the Year

    For ‘Outstanding service by an associate member’ given by the Canadian Organization of Campus Activities

  • 2011-2012

    IASB Pace Setter Award

    2011-2012

    IASB Pace Setter Award

    For ‘setting the pace by introducing a new program or service that has moved the association forward.’

  • 2011 onward

    Marquee speaker partner with inaugural Ignite Business Events Expo

    2011 onward

    Marquee speaker partner with inaugural Ignite Business Events Expo

    Soon to be 4 years running http://www.ignitemag.ca/be_expo

  • 2011 onward

    TED Talks - Bureau supports TEDx with volunteer support on speaker coaching

  • 2013

    IASB John Palmer Award

  • 2013

    The bureau's 40th Anniversary

  • 2013

    New website launched

    2013

    New website launched

    Only speakers bureau with responsive design and industry-leading search functionality; 'Speaker Scout'.

  • 2014

    Ownership change to CEO Theresa Beenken and President Christy De Couto

  • 2015

    Meetings & Incentive Travel – Hall of Fame Top 3 Industry Rising Star

    2015

    Meetings & Incentive Travel – Hall of Fame Top 3 Industry Rising Star

    The Rising Star category honors a planner or supplier, with a total of two to five years experience in the industry, who has demonstrated leadership and the desire to become an ambassador for the industry.

  • 2015

    Top 5 Best Online Marketer from BC Small Business Awards