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Guest speaker ideas

Here is a list of professional guest speakers for hire to consider for your event that can deliver a memorable speech and presentation that will inspire, educate, and entertain your audience.

Or, check out our list of featured speakers:

Dr. Mehmet Oz

1. Dr. Oz is host of The Dr. Oz Show. The Dr. Oz Show has won Daytime Emmy Awards on six occasions.

2. He is a member of faculty at Columbia University, holding the position of Professor of Surgery.

3. Dr. Oz’s research focuses on subjects such as minimally invasive surgery, heart replacement, health care policy, and alternative medicine.

4. He is the author of more than 400 original publications, including medical books, as well as book chapters.

5. He takes part in 50 heart surgeries every year.

6. Dr. Oz has a popular magazine called The Good Life.

7. Dr. Oz has been invited to many events as a guest conference speaker where he educates attendees on how to live a healthy life.

Peter Guber

1. Peter Guber is Chairman and CEO of the Mandalay Entertainment Group.

2. Guber authored “Tell to Win”, a bestselling book.

3. In his speaking engagements as a guest keynote speaker, he tells stories about his work in entertainment and sports to teach people about how businesses can achieve success.

4. Before beginning his position at Mandalay Entertainment Group, Guber was CEO and Chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment, Owner and Co-Founder of Casablanca Record & Filmworks, President of Columbia Pictures, and Chairman and CEO of Polygram Entertainment.

Mike Walsh

1. Mike Walsh is an in-demand speaker on innovation and futurist topics.

2. Walsh is CEO of Tomorrow, a consultancy firm focused on designing businesses for the future. It involves a research lab on consumer innovation.

3. He authored Futuretainment, a bestselling book.

4. Walsh publishes Disruptive Future, a blog popular with professional around the world.

5. He has been named as one of the “Top 30 Entrepreneurs Under 30” in Australia.

Lisa Bodell

1. Lisa Bodell is an expert on change management and the founder of FutureThink.

2. Bodell is a keynote speaker on the topic of innovation. She is known for giving dynamic presentations, empowering her audiences by providing fascinating examples and pragmatic approaches.

3. She authored Why Simple Wins and Kill the Company. Her writing has won awards.

4. Bodell is recognized as a leader on behavior change around the world.

Robyn Benincasa

1. Not only a full-time firefighter, Robyn Benincasa is also a motivational speaker focusing on leadership and teamwork.

2. She is a world champion in adventure racing.

3. Benincasa is the founder of Project Athena.

4. Her accomplishments in long-distance kayaking have led to her holding three Guinness World Records.

5. She is among the most in-demand female motivational speakers. She shares the stage with business icons and world leaders on a regular basis. Customers have included companies such as Microsoft, Coldwell Banker, Starbucks, Lockheed Martin, Ameriprise, Siemens, ARAMARK, Deloitte, and Fast Company.

Ellen DeGeneres

1. Ellen DeGeneres hosts The Ellen DeGeneres Show, an Emmy Award-winning program.

2. DeGeneres is known for her fantastic sense of humor and enlightening talks. She often shares inspirational stories of her life with audiences, providing valuable insights and wisdom.

3. Her book The Funny Thing Is…and Seriously…I’m Kidding was a New York Times bestseller.

4. She has hosted the Grammys, Oscars, and Emmys.

5. Ellen is a CoverGirl cosmetics spokesperson.

6. As a guest keynote speaker, Ellen uses her charm and humor to light up audiences with a powerful message of hope

Michio Kaku

1. Dr. Michio Kaku is among the world’s best-known figures in science. He is trying to complete Einstein’s unified field theory. Another area of focus is his work in predicting trends impacting finance, business, medicine, and our way of life.

2. Kaku has published four books that have become New York Times bestsellers.

3. His most recent book is the Future of Humanity, which discusses the future of the space program.

4. Kaku’s book, The Future of the Mind, was a #1 New York Times bestseller.

5. As a guest event speaker. Dr.Kaku enjoys inspiring and educating his audiences with simple ways they can understand science and our Universe.

Conan O’Brien

1. A household name and late-night TV host, Conan O’Brien is famous for his unique approach to humor.

2. O’Brien was chosen by Lorne Michaels to become David Letterman’s successor as host of Late Night on NBC in 1993.

3. He hosted Late Night from 1993 to 2009, using his skills as a performer, writer, and interviewer.

4. In 2010, Conan started a comedy road show called the Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television Tour.

5. Conan, a show on TBS, a comedy cable channel, debuted in 2010.

Erik Wahl

1. Erik Wahl is an artist, innovator, and communications expert.

2. Wahl is a TED speaker and #1 bestselling author.

3. He is known for being a unique keynote speaker, taking a new approach to the endeavor and captivating audiences.

4. Wahl is an in-demand corporate speaker, presenting to audiences from companies such as Microsoft, Forbes, Disney, and AT&T.

5. His book, Unthink, was a bestseller and praised by Forbes Magazine.

Michael Bonner

1. Michael Bonner is an author, speaker, and educator.

2. He has appeared on NBC Nightly News and The Ellen Show.

3. Bonner has appeared at more than 100 leadership development stages, school district meetings, and education conferences.

4. He shares the lessons he learned while teaching at a Title I school, working with children dealing with difficult situations and trauma.

5. Bonner is known for providing highly engaging and illuminating seminars. Both educators and administrators appreciate the information and insight he provides.

Tina Fey

1. Tina Fey served as head writer, Executive Producer, and star of 30 Rock, a unique comedy series that appeared on NBC. The show won Emmy Awards for three years (2007, 2008, and 2009).

2. She was a cast member, head writer, and co-anchor for Saturday Night Live’s “Weekend Update.”

3. In 2009, Tina’s portrayal of Sarah Palin won an Emmy for Guest Appearance by an Actress in a Comedy Series.

Sekou Andrews

1. When Sekou Andrews won the Grammy nomination for Best Spoken Word Album, he was the first contemporary poet in 12 years to do so.

2. He is known for delivering emotive keynote speeches that bring together content and performance. Sekou is skilled at conveying complex business messages in this way.

3. Sekou assists leaders in embracing disruptive, creative, and innovative behavior and thinking.

4. He encourages businesses in making a more profound connection with their employees and customers.

Sarah Robb Ohagan

1. Sarah Robb Ohagan is an expert on disruption. She has done notable work in creating change within legacy products at famous brands such as Gatorade and Nike.

2. Forbes has been included on Forbes “Most Powerful Women in Sports” list twice.

3. Sarah successfully blends lessons she has learned from fitness and sport in boosting business performance.

4. She is an entrepreneur, activist, and executive. She is founder of Extreme Living, a company focusing on assisting organizations, teams, and individuals in fulfilling their highest levels of potential.

Scott Harrison

1. Scott Harrison is founder of Charity:Water. He is CEO of that organization, as well. Charity:Water is an organization devoted to addressing the fact that more than 50% of disease throughout the developing world is caused by dirty water.

2. Scott is known for creating an entirely new business model that transformed the concept of charity.

3. He is known for his engaging storytelling skills and ability to inspire, as well as the way that he harnesses technology.

Van Jones

1. Van Jones is a political contributor on CNN, as well as an author, social entrepreneur, and advocate for education, human rights, and clean energy.

2. He hosts two TV shows: The Redemption Project and The Van Jones Show.

3. Van Jones frequently appears on shows such as Real Time with Bill Maher and The Daily Show.

4. He is the founder of Dream Corps, a non-profit justice incubator. This organization houses initiatives such as #LoveArmy, #GreenForAll, and #YesWeCode.

5. Van Jones is an attorney and alumnus of Yale University.

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