Speak & Connect
A Lunchtime Coffee Chat for Speakers
Hosted by Melanie Suzanne Wilson & The Motivate Collective
Wednesday 18 March
12:00 – 1:15pm
Sydney CBD / Inner City
Exact venue shared with registered guests
Limited to 16–20 speakers
[ Reserve Your Seat ]
Co-Hosts
Catherine Crestani
Speech Pathologist and Holistic Healing PractitionerCatherine Crestani is a speech therapist and a former speech pathology business owner who became a holistic healer after her recovery from burnout. She talks on podcasts and provides courses.
Melanie Suzanne Wilson
Professional Speaker and Wellness AdvocateMelanie Suzanne Wilson is a speaker with more than a decade of experience in presenting to community groups. Melanie created The Motivate Collective podcast and events to facilitate conversations and storytelling.
A space for speakers — without the stage
Speak & Connect is a relaxed, curated lunchtime coffee chat for speakers who use their voice in stadiums, boardrooms, podcasts, meetings, and community spaces. Anywhere.
This is not a workshop.
This is not a pitch room.
It’s a grounded, professionally facilitated space for real conversation, shared experience, and meaningful connection— without the pressure to perform.
If you speak publicly in any capacity and value substance, sustainability, and human connection, you belong with us.
Register now to reserve your spot
Join as a member and apply your discount code at the cart to receive a discount. Non-members are welcome.
Why Speak & Connect exists
Speaking can be powerful — and it turns individuals into personal brands. We need to care for ourselves as humans when serving audiences.
Many speakers spend their time supporting others, leading rooms, and holding space, without having a place to land themselves.
Speak & Connect was created to:
Bring speakers together off stage
Create connection without comparison or competition
Encourage honest conversation about the work behind the work
Build relationships that feel aligned and authentic
This gathering is part of the broader mission of The Motivate Collective: to support voices that lead with integrity, wellbeing, and long-term impact.
What you can expect
A warm, welcoming lunchtime environment
Thoughtful conversation prompts guided by the host
A respectful, no-pitch culture
Speakers across various platforms and experience levels
A time-efficient format that respects your schedule
Coffee and lunch are available for individual purchase at the venue. Some refreshments will be shared by the host.
Who this gathering is for
This event is for speakers who:
Deliver keynotes, workshops, panels, or facilitation
Speak in corporate, community, education, or purpose-driven spaces
Host or guest on podcasts
Are emerging, established, or quietly powerful
Care about wellbeing, integrity, and sustainable success
You do not need a specific follower count or speaking scale to attend — only alignment with the intention of growth.
Investment
Non-Members: $35
Motivate Collective Members: 25% discount
Member pricing reflects ongoing support of The Motivate Collective community and its initiatives.
Spaces are intentionally limited to protect the quality of the gathering.
[ Reserve Your Seat ]
Location details
The event will be held at a carefully selected café in the Sydney CBD / inner city, chosen for comfort, accessibility, and conversation.
The exact venue will be shared with registered guests once confirmed.
All venues are within walking distance of major public transport.
Register now to reserve your spot
Join as a member and apply your discount code at the cart to receive a discount. Non-members are welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a full-time or professional speaker?
No. If you speak publicly in any capacity — corporate, community, podcasting, workshop facilitation, mainstream or new style education, or leadership — you are welcome.
Is this a networking event?
This is a connection-focused gathering, not a traditional networking event. There is no pitching, selling, or pressure to promote yourself. However, you can promote your brand if you prefer.
Will I be asked to speak or present?
No. Participation is conversational and voluntary.
When will the venue be confirmed?
The venue will be confirmed once registrations reach the minimum required number. All registered guests will receive venue details via email.
What if I can’t attend after registering?
If you’re unable to attend, please contact us as soon as possible. Refunds or transfers may be offered at the organiser’s discretion.
About the host
Melanie Suzanne Wilson is a professional speaker, facilitator, and the founder of The Motivate Collective.
Her work centres on sustainable success, authentic leadership, and creating spaces where people can connect without performance or pressure.
Through The Motivate Collective, Melanie brings together individuals and organisations who believe that impact is strongest when wellbeing and purpose are prioritised.
Part of an ongoing Speakers Series
Speak & Connect is part of a quarterly speakers coffee chat series, with future gatherings planned across Sydney and beyond.
Each gathering offers:
Intimate, curated connection
A consistent, respectful format
A space for speakers to build relationships over time
Future dates and locations will be announced via The Motivate Collective. Subscribe to receive updates. Join as a member to get discounts and early access.