BNI Tech Talks: BNI+ Speaker Synchronization and Presentation Preparation
Session date: October 9, 2026
Presenter: Jeremy Walsh, BNI Director of Support
Series: BNI+ 108
Quick Summary
In this BNI Tech Talks session, Jeremy Walsh introduces the speaker synchronization update released on October 5, which brings scheduled speakers, presentation topics, and member bios from BNI Connect into BNI+. The session demonstrates scheduling speakers in BNI Connect, using speaker reports and reminders, and confirming synchronized speakers in BNI+ so they are ready for their presentations. Jeremy also reviews updating bios, uploading and previewing presentation files, and handing control to speakers during the meeting. The session includes practical tips for delivering an effective featured presentation and answers to questions about additional speakers, slide variables, chapter events, Zoom, and presentation animations.
Watch the Recording
Complete Summary
This bonus session focuses on the new connection between speaker scheduling in BNI Connect and presentation management in BNI+. Jeremy demonstrates the workflow from entering a speaker to preparing their introduction and presentation, with particular attention to the confirmation step required after synchronization.
The demonstrations and answers reflect the system as presented during the October 9, 2026 recording.
1. What Now Synchronizes from BNI Connect?
Beginning October 5, 2026, the speaker rotation joins the information synchronized from BNI Connect to BNI+. Jeremy reviews the broader set of synchronized information:
- Country, region, and chapter details, including meeting information.
- Member contact and business information, language, photos, logos, and bios.
- PALMS data used in chapter performance statistics.
- Chapter leadership and support roles.
- Visitor registrations, substitutes, and guests.
- Scheduled speakers and their presentation topics.
Synchronization is one-way: BNI Connect to BNI+. Information entered directly in BNI+ does not flow back into BNI Connect.
The synchronization process runs approximately hourly. Jeremy advises allowing about one to two hours for changes to appear, depending on processing time.
2. Schedule Speakers in BNI Connect First
Jeremy recommends using BNI Connect as the starting point for speaker scheduling. This preserves the benefits of reporting, automated reminders, and public chapter website visibility while sending the speaker information to BNI+.
- Sign in through MyBNI and open BNI Connect.
- Go to Operations > Chapter > Meeting Management.
- Open View/Edit Speakers and review the existing schedule.
- Select Assign Speaker.
- Enter the meeting date, select the speaker, and enter the presentation topic.
- Click Submit.
Reviewing the schedule first helps avoid duplicate assignments and makes it easier to see which dates still need speakers. Existing historical assignments can be viewed, but the system does not allow new speaker assignments for past dates.
Speaker limits in BNI Connect
BNI Connect supports a maximum of two speakers per meeting. If the chapter uses two speakers but the system only permits one, contact the regional office to review the chapter's configuration. If all available slots are filled, another assignment cannot be added for that date.
3. Use Reminders and Website Visibility
Scheduling in BNI Connect provides automatic reminders in addition to the presentation-related emails sent by BNI+:
- The speaker receives a reminder six days before the meeting.
- The speaker receives another reminder two days before the meeting.
- The secretary/treasurer also receives a reminder two days before the meeting.
The public chapter website displays the next four weeks of upcoming speakers. A chapter with two speakers each week can therefore show up to eight speakers across those four weeks.
Jeremy distinguishes this display period from the recommendation to maintain about six weeks of scheduled speakers. Entering speakers only in BNI+ will not populate the BNI Connect chapter website because the synchronization does not run in that direction.
For online meetings, Jeremy also reminds chapters to maintain their online meeting link in BNI Connect so attendees receive the connection information.
4. Review Speaker History and Reports
BNI Connect Speaker Report
Under the chapter reports, open the Speaker Report and choose the chapter or chapters and date range. The report can be printed or exported.
Reviewing previous speakers helps the person managing the rotation distribute opportunities fairly. Reviewing upcoming speakers in other chapters can also help members identify meetings they would like to visit.
Previous speakers in BNI+
In the BNI+ speaker List View, select Show Previous Speakers to review the available history. Jeremy notes that there is no built-in export option on this screen and demonstrates copying the displayed table into a spreadsheet as an alternative. For an exportable report, use BNI Connect.
5. Confirm Synchronized Speakers in BNI+
At the time of this session, speakers arrive from BNI Connect as planned, not confirmed. This means the home screen can say that no featured speakers are assigned even though the synchronized entries are present in the planner.
- Open Meetings > Speakers in BNI+.
- Switch to Planner View to find the synchronized entries.
- Open each speaker assignment and mark it as Confirmed.
- Click Save.
- Return to List View to check the confirmed speakers and their details.
The List View shows confirmed speakers. In the demonstration, purple identifies entries from BNI Connect, while green identifies entries entered manually in BNI+. The icon legend explains planned, confirmed, confirmation-requested, and declined statuses.
Chapters that previously entered speakers manually may need to review duplicate entries and remove the redundant manual assignments. Check which entries should be retained before making changes.
The secretary/treasurer typically manages the speaker rotation, but another authorized leadership team member can complete confirmation. Speakers can be confirmed in advance.
Jeremy reports that automatic confirmation has been requested, but it was not available during the recording and no future release was confirmed.
What if the chapter has more than two speakers?
BNI+ can accommodate additional speakers beyond BNI Connect's two-speaker limit. Enter the first two in BNI Connect and add additional speakers directly in BNI+ as needed. Those additional assignments remain in BNI+ and do not appear in BNI Connect through synchronization.
6. Prepare Bios and Presentation Files
Update the member bio
The speaker's bio now synchronizes from BNI Connect and can be used for their introduction. In BNI Connect, go to Options > My Account, locate My Bio, and click its Edit button.
If you are viewing the bio and cannot find an edit button, return to the previous screen and use Edit in the My Bio section. Save changes with Update and allow time for synchronization. Members can also maintain their bio through the BNI Connect mobile app.
Review the introduction in BNI+ and, where appropriate, prepare a concise version using the relevant parts of the bio.
Upload and preview the presentation
Members can upload their own presentation using the email sent by BNI+. The material can be a PowerPoint, PDF, or image. After a successful upload, the member receives a link they can use to control the presentation.
An authorized leadership team member can also upload a presentation on the speaker's behalf. Jeremy demonstrates opening Featured Speakers and checking whether a presentation has been uploaded.
Ask speakers to upload material at least a couple of days before the meeting. Run a test meeting and preview the slides so there is time to correct problems. If the speaker will control the slides, practice the handoff before the meeting.
Uploaded PowerPoint slides are flattened. PowerPoint animations, transitions, and staged bullet reveals are not preserved in the uploaded presentation. This applies to in-person meetings as well as online meetings.
7. Get Ready for Presentation Day
Confirm that the speaker assignment is confirmed, the introduction is ready, and the presentation has been tested. During the meeting, introduce the speaker and start the slideshow. Either the meeting operator or the speaker can control the presentation; the speaker can use the link received after uploading their material.
Bonus: Delivering an Effective Featured Presentation
Jeremy shares five presentation tips, drawing on his experience as a member and referencing BNI Podcast episode 367, Doing Your Featured Presentation:
- Prepare and rehearse. Outline the presentation and practice within the time your chapter allows. Preparation contributes to the confidence other members have in referring you.
- Be specific. Give the audience one clear takeaway. A focused client story can be more memorable than a long list of services or an attempt to teach the audience your profession.
- Use visuals thoughtfully. Images, props, and slides should support the message. Avoid passing items around if they will distract people or continue circulating during the next speaker's presentation.
- Speak from your expertise. Use examples that demonstrate the difference your work makes for clients.
- Engage the audience. Questions, demonstrations, and relevant examples help people participate and remember.
Keep slides concise and use them as prompts. Rehearsal helps you speak to the audience instead of reading a screen, phone, or tablet word for word.
Questions and Answers
Will the custom specialty field synchronize to BNI+?
Jeremy says this is on the requested feature list, but he does not have a release date.
Where can I find slide variables for guests, substitutes, or other information?
Open a slide's text editor and review the available variable list. You do not need to memorize the variable names. Regional teams can also create Key Values, which become variables available for slides. A region can supply the value or allow chapters to set it.
How can I promote a networking event?
Add it under the chapter's Events. The existing Chapter Events slide in the agenda's Special Announcements section can display that information. For a custom appearance, create a slide or add a prepared image.
Is there a Referral Reality Check slide?
The demonstration includes one. Availability depends on the regional agenda, because some regions have removed or disabled slides. If it is missing, check with the regional team or create an appropriate local slide.
Can someone help a member upload their presentation?
Yes. Someone with access to the featured speaker management screen can upload the file on the member's behalf.
Does BNI+ start or connect to Zoom automatically?
No. Start Zoom separately and share the BNI+ presentation screen, much as you would share a PowerPoint presentation.
Where are the earlier BNI+ recordings?
At the time of the session, recordings were available on the BNI Connect support site in both the BNI Tech Talks category and the BNI+ help area. They were not yet in BNI Academy. Session 102 covers agendas, scripts, and creating or modifying slides in more detail.
How do I access BNI+?
Go to MyBNI and sign in using your BNI Connect credentials, then open BNI+.
What should I do if reminder emails are not arriving?
Submit a support ticket so the team can investigate the email address and any delivery or blocking issue.
What photo upload limit was mentioned?
Jeremy advises keeping photos under 5 MB and using the cropping tools to adjust their appearance.
What other questions were covered?
Jeremy confirms that member applicants cannot be viewed in BNI+ and that membership fees are not shown directly in the portal. A question about mentors is referred to support for individual assistance.
The Leadership Team Hub is introduced briefly as a place for leadership team meeting agendas and records, with a dedicated Tech Talk planned next. Online applications and renewals are also suggested as future session topics.
Key Takeaways
- Schedule in BNI Connect first to retain reminders, reporting, and public website visibility.
- Allow time for synchronization before checking BNI+.
- Confirm speakers in Planner View so their assignments are ready for presentation preparation.
- Review duplicates left from earlier manual scheduling.
- Keep bios current and upload early, then test the introduction, slides, and presenter handoff.
- Prepare a focused presentation that helps members understand and remember when to refer you.
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