Code of Ethics

The purpose of this Code of Professional Ethics is to establish and maintain our brand, reputation and public confidence in the professionalism, dedication, and integrity of not only the individual member of NSA Austin, but also of the Association itself. The characteristics of honesty, leadership and stewardship are integral to the success of both NSA Austin and the individual professional speaker. Therefore, all members of NSA Austin subscribe to this Code of Professional Ethics as a condition of membership, with the firm belief that each member will strive to uphold the values, reputation, and legacy of NSA Austin. By doing so, members recognize the necessity to preserve and encourage fair and equitable practices among all who are engaged in professional speaking. Violations of this Code are determined in accordance with the bylaws, policies, and procedures of NSA Austin. Any disciplinary action instituted by NSA Austin shall be binding and final upon the NSA Austin member and without recourse to the Association, its officers, and members of staff.
To submit an ethics complaint:
  1. Download the Ethics Complaint Form
  2. Complete the form in its entirety
  3. Then return the completed form to President@nsa-austin.com
View the Ethics Complaint Procedures here.

Article 1— Representation

The NSA Austin member has an obligation to oneself and to NSA Austin to represent oneself truthfully, professionally, and in a non-misleading manner. The NSA Austin member shall be honest and accurate in presenting qualifications and experience in the member’s communication with others.

Article 2— Professionalism

The NSA Austin member shall act, operate his/her business, and speak in a most professional and ethical manner so as neither to offend nor bring discredit to oneself, the speaking professional, or one’s fellow NSA Austin members.

Article 3— Research

The NSA Austin member shall exert efforts to understand each client’s organization, approaches, goals, and culture in advance of a presentation, in order to professionally apply one’s expertise to meet each client’s needs.

Article 4— Intellectual Property

The NSA Austin member shall avoid using – either orally or in writing – materials, titles or thematic creations originated by others unless approved in writing by the originator.

Article 5— Respect & Collegiality

The NSA Austin member shall maintain a collegial relationship with fellow members that is based on respect, professional courtesy, dignity, and the highest ethical standards.

Article 6— Confidentiality

The NSA Austin member shall maintain and respect the confidentiality of business or personal affairs of clients, agents, and other speakers.

Article 7— Business Practices

The NSA Austin member is obligated to maintain a high level of ethical standards and practices in order to assist in protecting the public against fraud or any unfair practice in the speaking profession and shall attempt to eliminate from the profession all practices that could bring discredit to the speaking profession.

Article 8— Diversity

The NSA Austin member shall not participate in any agreement or activity that would limit or deny access to the marketplace to any other speaker, to a client, or to the public. This includes, but not limited to, economic factors, race, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or country of national origin of any party.   Note: This policy has been adapted from the National Speakers Association Code of Ethics. This Policy was adopted by NSA Austin on August 19th, 2024.