Brought to you by Dr. Dwight & Dr. Jennell Riddick and Max Potential Coaching & Speaking, this is the night where voices rise, laughter fills the room, and opportunities take flight!
Featuring Comedian Cletus Kassady, inspirational speakers, music, prizes, and networking with leaders, dreamers, and doers from across the country.
Bring your friends, family, staff, or team — because greatness grows in community.
This isn’t just an event. It’s your runway to rise.
Max the Mic Experience: The Final Showdown & Speak-off Competition
November 6, 2025
Hub 757 ~ 6801 Bridgeway Dr
Suffolk, VA 23435
More than A Competition
This is a Celebration of Voices!
This is it — the MAX THE MIC LIVE FINALE & AWARDS EXPERIENCE!
Join us for the epic finale of the Max The Mic Speak Off as our top speakers take the stage to battle it out for the ultimate title. You'll experience powerful stories, unforgettable moments, and the energy of a crowd cheering for purpose-driven impact.
Here's what to expect:
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High-Stakes Speaker Competition
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Comedy & Laughs brought to you by Cletus Kassady
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Live Music & DJ Vibes
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Door Prizes and Giveaways
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Light refreshments & specialty mocktails
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Vendors & Networking
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Audience that will leave inspired and empowered
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One Surprise WILDCARD ENTRY - try outs to become a last-minute speaker entry
Preferred Close Proximity Lodging
Courtyard by Marriott Suffolk Chesapeake
8060 Harbour View Blvd
Suffolk, VA 23435
Flying In?
Norfolk International Airport
Airport Code (ORF)
Who Should Attend The Event?
This event is for anyone who could use a dose of inspiration, empowerment, and unforgettable stories. Whether you're supporting a speaker, dreaming of the mic yourself, or just looking for a powerful night out—you belong in the room. See images of the venue below.
EVENT PLANNERS
& TALENT SCOUTS
ASPIRING
& EMERGING SPEAKERS
FRIENDS, FAMILIES,
& SUPPORTERS
250 Person Event with - 3 Seating Options
Get Your Ticket
General
Admission
Theater Seats
$27
This Event Will Sell Out
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Admission to Event
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1 Ticket for Door Prizes
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Theater Seating
V.I.P.
Admission
Premium Seats with Perks
$47
Limited Space. Get Yours Now
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Early Admission with Skip the Line Access
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2 Tickets For Door Prizes
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VIP Priority Seating
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Concession Coupon
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Swag Bag of Gifts
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Commemorative VIP Lanyard
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Access to Post-Event Networking Lounge
Gold Circle
Admission
Floor Seats & Green Room Access
$147
Less Than 20 Seats Left
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Priority Check-In with Concierge Support
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5 Tickets For Door Prizes
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Premier Front Section Seats with Table & Snacks
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Concession Voucher for 1 Free Item
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Exclusive Swag Bag
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Commemorative Golden Circle Lanyard
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Professional Photo On The Max the Mic Stage
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Invite to Pre-Event Networking
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All Access Backstage & Greenroom Pass During Event
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Access to Post-Event Networking Lounge
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Bonus Gifts: Signed Books and More
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** Get A SPEAKERS WILD CARD & TRY OUT to COMPETE for the championship!!!!
We Have
Award-Winning Judges
And trust us—earning those awards changes everything. The process refines your voice, strengthens your message, and expands your reach. The recognition? It intensifies your confidence, enhances your business, and elevates your brand.
THE GOLDEN CIRCLE
WILD CARD Speaker Entry
Judging Critera & Official Rules
Not only does the GOLDEN CIRCLE TICKET come with concierge service, backstage access, green room entrance, premium table with snacks and more... It also comes with a chance to become a Max The Mic Champion! 1 GOLDEN CIRCLE TICKET HOLDER will be able to audition on the spot in person and compete to become the champion of the Max The Mic Speak-Off. We will randomly choose 5 GOLDEN TICKET HOLDERS to offer them the WILD CARD, have them audition in our Audition Theater, and add them to the competition, making them eligible to win the entire contest. WOW! What A Wild Card! All speaking rules still apply.
The following regulations and category scoring as seen below.
Official Rules as of May 26, 2025
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Prizes & Winners
- WILD CARD CONTESTANTS are elgible for all placements in the competion
- 1 Speaker Crowned Max the Mic Champion wins Prize Pack Valued over $15k
- 2nd & 3rd Place Runner Ups Awarded Prize Packs Valued over $3K
- 5 Honorable Mentions Awarded Prize Packs Valued over $1250** All contestant will receive feedback from judges and transparency with all voting.
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Compliance To Speech Time Frame
- WILD CARD CONTESTANTS will have 1 Chance to Speak 5 Minutes
** Exceeding time limit will result in a loss of 1 point every 5 seconds over the permitted time limit. -
Best Speech Wins
- Win by being voted best speech by judges & peers in each round.
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Do and Do Not's
- Props ARE allowed
- Music IS NOT allowed
- Profanity IS NOT allowed
- Slide Decks ARE NOT allowed
- Video presentations ARE NOT allowed
- Speaking note cards ARE allowed but NOT recommended.
The Judging Categories
Each speech will be scored out of the 100 points given by Judges on 1 scorecard, and by peers speaking in the same round on another score card. 1 contestant from all of the contestants can advance to the championship round on popular vote regardless of speech score.
Limited Space For Each Vendor
Become A Vendor
Bronze
Table
2 seats in VIP
$250
10 Bronze Tables Remaining
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1Vendor Table with 2 Chairs & 6 Foot Table
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Business Logo displayed on event slide
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Social Media tag and shout on Max Potential Posts
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2 Tix to event.
Blue
Table
3 Seats In Gold Seats
$475
Only 5 Blue Tables Remaining
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1Vendor Table with 2 Chairs & 6 Foot Table
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Business Logo displayed on event slide
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Social Media tag and shout on Max Potential Posts
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3 Ticket to event in VIP
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Premium Table Placement (high traffic area)
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1 Minute Promo Video Played on repeat during the event.
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1 Spotlight Feature in Pre-Event Social media Post
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Live mention from the stage by host
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Names Listed in the digital event program
Gold
Table
4 Gold Seats & Green Room
$1000
Only 4 Gold Tables Available
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1Vendor Table with 2 Chairs & 6 Foot Table
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Business Logo displayed on event slide
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Social Media tag and shout on Max Potential Posts
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4 Tickets Golden Circle Seating & Green Room
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Front of Event BOOTH Placement (highest immediate traffic area)
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2 Minute Promo Video Played on repeat during the event.
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5 Spotlight Feature in Pre-Event Social media Post
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3 Minute on Stage to Speak
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Logo and description placed on signage and in digital event program.
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Professional Photo & Video of your brand during event.
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Get Database of all attendees that opt in for follow
20 POINTS
Clarity of Message
Did the speaker have a clear and focused message? Could the audience easily understand the takeaway or main point?
10 POINTS
Audience
Connection
Did the speaker make the audience feel seen, heard, or inspired? Was there emotional resonance or relatability?
20 POINTS
Story
Telling
Was the speaker’s story compelling, personal, and emotionally engaging? Did it tie well into the overall message?
10 POINTS
Creativity
& Entertainment
Did the speaker bring something unique, humorous, or entertaining to the stage? Was it enjoyable to watch?
15 POINTS
Stage Presence
& Delivery
Did the speaker appear confident, polished, and in control? Were body language, eye contact, pacing, and posture effective?
10 POINTS
Call To
Action
Did the speaker leave the audience with something to do, think about, or apply? Was the conclusion strong and actionable?
10 POINTS
Voice
& Energy
Was the speaker’s voice dynamic? Did they use tone, volume, and pauses to keep the audience engaged?
5 POINTS
The "IT"
Factor
Did the speaker stand out? Was there something about them—charisma, authenticity, or originality—that made them memorable?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a WILD CARD?
The WILD CARD is a late entry awarded to a random GOLDEN CIRCLE TICKET HOLDER. On the night of the event, there will be a random drawing of 5 names from our GOLDEN CIRCLE TICKET HOLDERS. They will have an on the spot audition in our practice theater, and the winner will be entered into the Championship Competition with the ability to win all or any prizes for any placement. WOW!
Who can enter the Speak Off Competition?
Any speaker, coach, entrepreneur, influencer voice, or thought leader with a message and a niche is welcome! Whether you're just starting or already seasoned, this competition is designed to elevate your voice and platform.
What do I need to compete?
You’ll need:
• A 5 to 10-minute talk in your niche
• A stable internet connection
• Access to Zoom with camera and mic
That’s it! We'll guide you through the rest.
What is the public vote, and how does it work?
After each round, the public can vote on all speaker videos. The top 2 most voted speakers overall (not already advanced) move directly to the Championship round.
What age must you be?
We are expecting mostly adult entries for those over the age of 18, however, if you are under 18 with your parents permission we will consider your entry.
How do I register?
Click the “Register Now” button on this page and complete the entry form. The entry fee start as low as $47, or VIP at $97 and all participants must register by August 1st.
How are the speakers judged?
After each round, you’ll be evaluated in Zoom breakout rooms by:
• A panel of Allstar Coaches (Guest Judges)
• Other Peer Speakers in your room
The top 2 in each room receive the Golden Mic Award and auto-advance to the next round.
** 2 Contestant will advance to championship round based on receiving the most online popular votes. (Your ethos matters too).
What if I don’t advance in the first round?
Great question! You can earn a 2nd Chance Certificate by attending the Winning With Words Mastermind and re-enter the next round with improved strategies and coaching.
What are the prizes for the winner?
- 1 Speaker will be Crowned Max the Mic Champion wins Prize Pack Valued over $15k
- 2nd & 3rd Place Runner Ups Awarded Prize Packs Valued over $3K
- 5 Honorable Mentions Awarded Prize Packs Valued over $1250
** All contestant will receive feedback from judges and transparency with all voting.
What if Iive outside of the US?
We are hosting a Global Virtual competition for 1 global speaker to emerge from the contestants and be featured during the Championship experience. This increases your exposure and gives you a chance to win.