FICP is lucky to count more than 20 speaker bureaus and entertainment/production professionals as hospitality partners. We asked who their favorite up-and-coming speakers are right now. Read on and get inspired for your next keynote or entertainment search.
“Joey Harrington. I like this guy a lot! He’s funny, humble, and has great platform and story-telling skills. He is a former NFL quarterback, accomplished jazz musician and broadcaster, who focuses on authenticity and embracing our imperfections.”
Lisa Warren, Partner, Sr. Account Executive, SpeakInc Speakers Bureau
“Michael Cavanaugh from Billy Joel’s Broadway hit ‘Movin’ Out’ – he’s still my favorite performer who isn’t a household name. I also recommend The Midtown Men (four of the original lead stars of ‘Jersey Boys’) and Don Felder, former lead guitarist for the Eagles. If you are looking for an under-the-radar comedian, keep your eyes open for Gary Gulman; he definitely has the makings of the ‘next big thing’ in comedy.”
Adam Kahan, SVP, Empire Entertainment, Inc.
“Pandit Dasa is the former monk from Manhattan who owns Mindful Leadership. His keynote includes a brief meditation session and you can arrange for a full series of meditation programs. Susan Salgado spent 20 years as a Director of Culture for restaurants. She focuses on elevating the client experience, customer service, leadership and workforce trends.”
Marc Reede, Partner, Rave Reviews, Speakers
“Interacting with your attendees has become a more important factor in the entertainment you book. With programs like ‘Your Company’s Got Talent,’ an online talent competition with a live finale, and www.MyBandContest.com, a virtual Battle of the Bands competition, your groups are engaged in fun ways online in advance of your program.”
Leonard Neil, President, Leonard Neil Productions, LLC
“David Epstein is the author of Range, a must-read that examines why generalists triumph in a specialized world. In customized talks for the financial sector, he explains how investors, analysts, advisors and managers can avoid the ‘The Curse of Expertise’ to improve their decision-making and predictions, learn how to attract and retain the best talent, improve performance and maintain a competitive edge. Mark Blyth is a political economist at Brown University whose stunning early predictions of Donald Trump’s victory in the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election and the Brexit vote make him a unique and prescient choice for both global and domestic audiences.”
Elizabeth Guest, Marketing Coordinator, American Program Bureau, Inc.
“A few of my favorites include Mallory Weggemann, Paralympic Gold Medalist and Equality Activist; Platon, a world-renowned photographer; Jill Ellis, the head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team; Kevin Carroll, author and expert on creativity, innovation and social change; and ADM William H. McRaven, USN (Ret.), Director of NATO Special Operations Forces.”
Kristin Downey, CMP, Senior Vice President, Washington Speakers Bureau
“Our clients have been looking for female leaders and speakers with innovative company ties. I am really loving Patty McCord right now; she is the former Chief Talent Officer from Netflix and a Culture and Leadership Consultant.”
Jenna Jorge, President, Goodman Speakers
“Steve Robinson, the former Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President of Chick-fil-A. He played a huge role in Chick-fil-A becoming the #1 fast food establishment in the U.S. However, what makes him so neat and interesting is that the tangible reasons Chick-fil-A became so well-regarded (customer experience, branding and culture) are actual things FICP member companies can do, as well.”
Andrew Gibbons, Vice President, Leading Authorities, Inc.
“My favorite is Amelia Rose Earhart. She was one of the youngest women to fly around the world in a single-engine plane. She followed the same flight path as her name sake, Amelia Mary Earhart. She has the ability to listen to the client and determine whether her talk needs to take on more inspiration (the turbulence of her journey), or a more content-driven approach (from pre-flight to landing). Brendan Kane is the former VP of Digital with Paramount Pictures and author of One Million Followers. His talk focuses on helping attendees scale their business, brand and influence. What I love about him is he can talk digital platforming, storytelling and brand awareness – AND he has the credibility to do so.”
Sheldon Senek, President, Eagles Talent Speakers Bureau Inc.
"Kai Kight uses music as a metaphor to inspire individuals and organizations around the world to compose paths of imagination and fulfillment. Shabnam Mogharabi is our most-requested speaker. Her topic is ‘Be an Ambassador of Joy’ – and it works well for every conceivable audience. Her message makes you feel good and want to do good."
Erika Gomez, Marketing Director, Gotham Artists
“We’ve had numerous events with Freddie Ravel, the ‘Keynote Maestro,’ and Matt Mayberry, former NFL Linebacker with the Chicago Bears, and always receive outstanding feedback.”
Esther Eagles, Co-Founder, Eagles Talent Speakers Bureau Inc.
Looking for more recommendations? FICP members and hospitality partners can connect with each other in TheNetwork through the contact directory and discussion forums.