Q: What are the current membership categories?

A: Currently, there are three National membership categories for which you may apply.

    1. Professional Membership – Any individual shall be eligible for Professional membership in the Association
      • Have earned at least $50,000 (CDN) in revenue using the spoken word to audiences of five or more in the previous 12-month period OR have made at least 25 documented paid presentations of no less than $1,000 each to audiences of five or more in the previous 12-month period
    2. Supplier Membership – Any individual or company shall be eligible for Supplier membership in the Association
      • Is a Speakers Bureau(s); or a
        Supplier of materials, equipment or services to professional speakers;
    3. GSF Dual Membership – Any individual shall be eligible for GSF Dual membership in the Association
      • Any Member in good standing of a GSF (Global Speakers Federation) Member Association, outside of CAPS, that meets the minimum Professional Member criteria, may become a Dual Member upon application and payment of dues;
      • Dual Members shall be entitled to the same rights and obligations as a Professional member as provided in the bylaws;
      • This membership category is not available to members whose primary residence is Canada.

For Renewals there is also this membership category:

Legacy Member

Eligibility (approval required)

  • You are a Professional Member of CAPS for a minimum of 10 years
  • You are no longer active full-time in your speaking business
  • You do not exceed a maximum of 5 paid presentations or $25,000 per year by monetizing your message through the spoken word

Q: How much is the initial investment for membership?

A: The membership investment is $645 plus $200 initiation fee plus GST/HST. Note: When membership application is accepted, all new members will receive a $100 coupon that can be applied towards registration at their 1st CAPS National Convention as a member.  The annual fee for GSF Dual and Retired members is $350.00 (plus GST/HST).

Member category and qualification Fees
Professional: I have earned at least $50,000 (CDN) in revenue using the spoken word to audiences of five or more in the previous 12-month period OR have made at least 25 documented paid presentations of no less than $1,000 each to audiences of five or more in the previous 12-month period $645.00+ one time initiation fee of $200.00

+ GST or HST

(depending where you reside)

TOTAL w/ TAX

(You will receive a $100 voucher for use towards the registration fee at your 1st CAPS Convention attended as a Member)
Supplier: Any individual or company who is a Speakers Bureau or a Supplier of materials, equipment or services to Professional Speakers, or the Professional Speaking Industry. As above
GSF Dual: Must be a Canadian citizen living abroad who has a direct membership in one of the other International Federation member associations and must meet the CAPS criteria for a Professional Member. Please complete the Professional Member Presentation Verification forms. $350.00+ GST or HST

(depending where you reside)

TOTAL w/ TAX

(You will receive a $100 voucher for use towards the registration fee at an upcoming CAPS Convention)

 

Q: What documentation is required for membership?

A: For Professional Membership, proof of speaking events and/or speaking income is required as back up documentation (copies of cheques, contracts or invoices). See Membership Application form.

Q: How long does it take to approve and process my membership for CAPS?

A: Once our CAPS National office has received your completed membership application and payment, please allow 2-3 weeks for process verification and approval. You will receive a ‘Welcome to CAPS’ email upon acceptance.

Q: What if I am a college or university professor. How do I qualify for membership?

A: If you are teaching at a University or College to the same students each day, you qualify for Professional membership. Check with our National office for more information.

Q: What if I do not qualify for membership, how do I start?

A: If you’re just starting out on a speaking career or do not meet the requirements for membership at this time, we have a program that can help. Visit www.capsacademy.ca to explore our online program called CAPS Speaker Academy. You’ll learn from some of the very best in the business through dozens of videos that will guide you through the business of speaking, platform skills, and more. Plus, you’ll gain access to our virtual meetings coast to coast as part of your Academy sign-up.

Q: What is the difference between Toastmasters and CAPS?

A: CAPS is the association for experts who speak professionally. Our members earn all or part of their income from professional speaking. It is for those in the business of professional speaking. Toastmasters International is an organization designed to assist people in their speaking skills at regular meetings where members have the opportunity to speak and receive feedback on their speeches. For more information, visit Toastmasters.

Q: Do I have to re-apply for membership every year?

A: You only have to submit qualification documents when you apply for membership. Once you have been accepted as a National member, you need only renew yearly, thereby verifying that you continue to meet the criteria for your membership category. You do not have to provide documentation annually.

Q: What are the benefits of each membership category?

A: Click here to see a table that outlines the benefits of each category of membership.

 

Apply for a CAPS Membership