Guidelines and FAQs


The NSA Speakers Bureau promotes agency speakers who can share our mission, goals and expertise with the public to include industry professionals, decisions makers, partners and academia. We do that through engagements that can raise awareness of NSA’s programs and educate audiences about best practices. 

Due to mission constraints, NSA cannot guarantee every request will be filled.  

To request an NSA speaker, requestors must complete the online request form and submit it at least 30 days in advance. This affords the NSA adequate time to identify the most suited subject matter expert for the requested topic.

 
  1. Submission of the request form does not authorize the requestor to use the name, title, photograph, or biography of the requested speaker as well as the National Security Agency, Central Security Service, or U.S. Cyber Command in any form of marketing materials. Official written notification of acceptance or decline will be provided to the requestor upon completion of the Agency’s vetting process.  If you plan to send out a press release or advertise an approved speaker, please coordinate with us prior to releasing.
     
  2. NSA speakers cannot participate in any activity associated with fundraising, promotional activities or endorsements, either directly or indirectly.
     
  3. NSA speakers may not participate in any activity or event that has partisan political affiliation, pursuant to the Hatch Act of 1939
     
  4. NSA speakers cannot participate in any activity in which any group has been unlawfully segregated or unequally treated on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.
     
  5. NSA speakers cannot accept honoraria, stipends, or fees for speaking.
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Expand List item 538Collapse List item 538  How do I request an NSA speaker for my event?

NSA offers a list of common topics to review and include on your speaker request form.

Expand List item 537Collapse List item 537  How do I request a U.S. Cyber Command speaker for my event? 
Expand List item 539Collapse List item 539  How far in advance should I request a speaker?

Please submit your completed request form at least 30 days before your event. You will be contacted via email with the final decision.

Expand List item 534Collapse List item 534  Can I request a speaker for a virtual event?

Yes. Please note in your request form that your event is virtual and include platform information.

Expand List item 540Collapse List item 540  I am looking for a subject matter expert in a specific area, what information can I give you that will help you identify someone?

Please be as detailed as you can on the desired topic(s) you would like a speaker to address. Think about the answer to the question: when your audience walks away from this event, in what area(s) do want them to have more knowledge?

Expand List item 531Collapse List item 531  Am I guaranteed to have a speaker for my event?

Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee a speaker for every event. We make every attempt to fill requests; however, due to mission and workload, our volunteer speakers may not be available for all events. 

Expand List item 535Collapse List item 535  Do I have to pay a fee or honoraria for a speaker?

No. This is a free service.

Expand List item 541Collapse List item 541  Who is responsible for paying travel expenses?

In most cases, NSA is responsible for travel expenses. If you are considering covering travel expenses for our speaker, please contact our team.

Expand List item 532Collapse List item 532  Are there any events not entitled to receive NSA Speaker services?

Yes. Speakers cannot participate in events for the purpose of fundraising, promotions, any type of endorsement, or those events that might be politically-oriented. 

Expand List item 536Collapse List item 536  How do I coordinate travel and other logistical arrangements for the speaker?

We will connect you with the speaker once confirmed and you may coordinate those arrangements at that time.

Expand List item 533Collapse List item 533  Can I record video/audio or take photos of the speaker during their presentation?

Yes, provided the speaker also consents.  However, we ask for a copy of the video/audio recording and/or any photos taken.