Seattle-based Extreme® Emcee Brian Walter is the co-founder of Extreme Meetings Inc – providing customized infotainment to make meetings memorable. For over 25 years, he has specialized in transforming meetings from boring to exciting.

He can explain your brand to employees at All Hands meetings, test your salespeople's product knowledge with a custom game show, facilitate Extreme® Panels, interview execs, and produce videos that even your millennial employees will be impressed with.

Building on a degree in Communications from UCLA, Brian has been an advertising director, award-winning television and radio commercial producer, management trainer, consulting firm marketing director, freelance video producer, copywriter, speaker, internal communications director, and adjunct college professor at Seattle Pacific University.

He’s repeatedly delivered for this-had-better-be-great-or-else clients like Microsoft, Starbucks, Genentech, T-Mobile, Costco, BECU, Roche, the American Payroll Association, AAA, the University of Washington, UMass Memorial Health Care, and Bank of Hawaii.

Brian gets event attendees pumped about…whatever it is you want. He’s been relied on to celebrate accomplishments, humanize executives, generate buy-in to initiatives, reposition bad news, and bring everyone to their feet with good news.

Brian Factoids

• Past Guinness Book of World Records holder for producing the world’s shortest TV commercial
• Past President of the National Speakers Association, 2017-2018
• Holds elite Certified Speaking Professional designation (CSP)
• Inducted into the Professional Speakers Hall of Fame, 2013 (CPAE)
• 20-year member of Meeting Professionals International
• Award-winning video, commercial and podcast producer

Mimi Brown isn’t just your emcee—she’s your energetic tour guide through connection, confidence, and a little bit of chaos (the good kind). As a seasoned keynote speaker and influence expert, she’s mastered the art of mixing insight with fun, leaving audiences entertained, inspired, and ready to 'own their swag'

Our species is defined by the brain. It dictates everything we do from blinking to breathing to behaving. It’s where the emotional regulation takes place that allows us to be human and not just animals – it is the source of emotional intelligence. The more we understand it, the more we can actually influence the inputs and the outputs to lead more fulfilled, successful lives and careers.

Scott Halford is a professional speaker, educator and advisor working worldwide, educating about emotional intelligence, the neuroscience of achievement, effective performance and the success we create when we understand the intricacies of human interaction. He is the author of two bestselling books: “Be a Shortcut: The Secret Fast-track to Business Success”, based on emotional intelligence and influence; and the Wall Street Journal best-selling book, “Activate Your Brain: How Understanding Your Brain Can Improve Your Work and Life” which is based on some of the brain and business elements you’ll hear today.

Scott is an Emmy Award writer and producer and he was inducted into the National Speakers Hall of fame in 2014…

Get ready to learn about the one thing that defines you as uniquely human and full of possibilities and gives you the stamina and focus to live a life of no limits.

Considered by many as a leading authority on leadership and influence, René Rodriguez is an entrepreneurial CEO, best-selling author, keynote speaker, leadership advisor, and transformational speaker-coach. For the last 27 years, René has been researching and applying behavioral neuroscience to solve some of the toughest challenges in leadership, sales, and change. René integrates a practical business approach that inspires people to take action.

Through his keynote, boot camps, workshops and proprietary AMPLIFII™ course, he helps others own their backstory to build the frame for not only the unique value propositions but also a beautiful picture of life. Prepare to be spellbound as René takes center stage to share his secrets, strategies, and insights that will transform your keynote presentations into unforgettable experiences and revolutionize your speaking businesses!

Brent Adamson is a world-renowned researcher, author, presenter, trainer, and advisor to B2B commercial executives around the world. Known as having the “biggest crystal ball in B2B sales,” Brent is the co-author of the best-selling, industry changing The Challenger Sale and The Challenger Customer.  

He is also a frequent contributor to well-known business publications, including the Harvard Business Review, featuring his recent articles, “Sensemaking for Sales” and “Traditional B2B Sales and Marketing Are Becoming Obsolete.” Across the last 19 years, Brent has been privileged to work with some of the greatest thought leaders in B2B and B2C sales and marketing, building and leading exclusive communities of highly progressive commercial executives.  

Known as a world-class facilitator and speaker, Brent has presented to tens of thousands of commercial leaders both in-person and virtually all over the world, ranging from executive leadership teams to large keynote audiences.  Especially well known for his passion for “productive disruption,” Brent served as the “chief storyteller” for CEB, now Gartner’s, sales, marketing, and customer service practices from 2003 to 2022.  Across that time, Brent’s research has focused most closely on the critical, boundary-spanning intersection of selling and buying, seeking to understand the rapidly changing nature of effective commercial collaboration.  

Most recently, Brent and his colleagues at CEB, now Gartner, have introduced industry-leading concepts such as Buyer Enablement, Sense Making, and Customer Decision Confidence.   As of June 1, 2022, Brent now serves as the Global Head of Research and Communities at Ecosystems, a cutting-edge SaaS platform designed to help companies identify and track dimensions of value creation with their customers. A native of Omaha, Nebraska, Brent received his MBA with distinction from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. Prior to that, he served on the faculty of Michigan State University as a Professor of German and Applied Linguistics. In addition to his MBA, Brent holds a B.A. with distinction in political science from the University of Michigan along with M.A.s in political science and German, and a Ph.D. in applied linguistics from the University of Texas. Brent resides in Leesburg, VA with his wife, two daughters, and rescue dog.

Chad Littlefield is the co-founder of We and Me (www.weand.me), helping leaders and educators make connection easy. With 3M+ YouTube views, his We! Connect Cards™ are used in 80+ countries. Forbes calls him a “global expert on asking questions that build trust and connection in teams.”

Christine is a powerhouse on stage, delivering fast-paced, laugh-out-loud programs that fire up speakers with fresh ideas to elevate their businesses. With over 20 years of speaking experience around the globe, she’s a CSP, a CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame inductee, and a Certified Virtual Presenter—a triple threat of credibility, creativity, and connection.

As the award-winning author of THE GOOD STUFF and It’s YOUR Business, Christine draws on a rich background that includes a bachelor’s in communication, a master’s in adult education, and an honorary doctorate from Central Michigan University. Before stepping into the spotlight full-time, she worked as a university admissions officer, corporate trainer, and broadcaster—roles that shaped her into a storyteller with a knack for blending relatable insights with laugh-out-loud moments.

She’s a proud member of the NSA North Texas Chapter, loved co-chairing the 2017 Influence conference alongside Michael Hoffman, and has had a blast creating fun dance videos with her bestie, Tami Evans, for Thrive over the years.

Off stage, Christine is mom to college kids, wife to her “hottie engineer,” and a spirited (though she could use a short-game lesson) golfer. Her blend of humor and practical wisdom will leave you inspired, recharged, and ready to take your business to the next level.

Dr. Lisa Jenkins Brown is a cultural strategist and author.  Formerly the Voice of the American Stock Exchange, she is a former HR professional for two Fortune 100 Companies as well as an academic. Named one of New York State's Top 100 Influential Faith Leaders, Dr. Brown's passion is to help shift our world toward unity while helping organizations change the world and their bottom line at the same time

Dr. Shirley Davis is president and CEO of SDS Global Enterprises, a strategic development solutions firm that specializes in human resources strategy; talent management; leadership effectiveness; high performance; and culture transformation. Dr. Davis has over thirty years of experience in a variety of senior executive leadership roles in Fortune 100 & 50 corporations in financial services, banking, manufacturing, and retail sales, as well as in non-profit leadership at the world’s largest human resources association, the Society for Human Resource Management. Her work has been featured by the Wall Street Journal, Forbes Magazine, NBC’s Today Show, USA Today, CBS News, Fox News, CNN.com, Fast Company, CEOWorld Magazine, Harvard Business Review, and many others.

In May 2022, her story was featured on the front page of Oprah Daily. As a result of her contributions and expertise in the HR, Leadership, Business, and DEI fields, she was inducted into Inclusion Magazine’s Hall of Fame in November 2021, and in August 2022 in Nashville, TN she received The Golden Gavel Award which is Toastmasters International’s highest and most prestigious award given to only one person each year. Additionally, she was nominated for Forbes 2021, and 2022 Women 50 Over 50 list.Dr. Davis has worked in more than 30 countries on 5 continents and delivers more than 100 speeches a year to a wide range of industries, sectors, and sizes. She continues to consult, coach, and train leaders at all levels, including Corporate CEOs, C-Suite executives, and Board of Directors. She served on the Board of Directors and the Foundation Board for the National Speakers Association (2017-2021). She is currently a member of the NSA Million Dollar Speakers Group, Black NSA, and the Global Speakers Federation.

In 2021, she was named to the national board of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She holds a Bachelor’s in Pre-Law, a Master’s in Adult Education; a second Master’s in Human Resource Management, a Ph.D. in Business and Organizational Leadership, and holds more than 10 certifications.Dr. Shirley Davis is the author of the Amazon bestseller, “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Dummies” and Living Beyond “What If?” Release the Limits and Realize Your Dreams. She’s also the author of Reinvent Yourself: Strategies for Achieving Success in Every Area of Your Life and The Seat: How to Get Invited to the Table When You're Over-Performing but Undervalued. Additionally, she is a popular author for eight LinkedIn Learning courses on Leadership and Business/Career Development.She is a former Miss District of Columbia National Teenager, Mrs. Oklahoma-America, Ms. Richmond Virginia, Ms. Virginia, and in 2000 she won the national title of Ms. American United States.

Among her many accomplishments and titles, the one she holds dearest is “mom” to her beloved daughter, Gabrielle Victoria. In 2023 they both launched the Dr. Shirley Davis Foundation where they give individuals and minority-owned businesses the hope and help they need to achieve their vision and goals, produce at higher levels, and experience success and fulfillment in every aspect of their lives!

Lois Creamer is an industry expert who works with speakers who want to book more business, make more money, and fully monetize their message. She is the author of the newly released, updated “Book More Business: Make MORE Money Speaking”, and “The Speaker Author: Sell More Books and Book More Speeches”.Clients include Hall of Fame Speakers - Chicken Soup’s Jack Canfield, author of The Sales Bible Jeffrey Gitomer, Cy Wakeman, Mike Staver, and more. Her clients also include many whose names may not be familiar but who do very well in the speaking industry.Her expertise and no-nonsense style have led her to present at NSA national meetings and chapters, The Canadian Association Of Professional Speakers national meetings and chapters, and to members of the Global Federation. In 2021, the Professional Speakers Association United Kingdom and Ireland named her an “Honorary Fellow.”Lois has appeared in Forbes, Bloomberg Business, Speaker Magazine, INC Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal.

John is a globally recognized expert with over 30 years of experience coaching professional speakers to deliver presentations that captivate and influence their audiences. He is known for his humor, energy, and expert storytelling!

He is the former Faculty Chair at the prestigious NeuroLeadership Institute.

As a CSP, John has helped countless individuals across the globe to elevate their presentation skills and become truly influential speakers.

Shari Levitin is an internationally recognized sales expert, speaker, and author – renowned for her energetic and wickedly-funny approach to sales training. As the founder of the Shari Levitin Group, she has grown from a one-person operation to a multi-million dollar firm with clients in 40 countries around the world – generating over $1 billion in increased revenue.

Shari’s bestselling book, “Heart and Sell: 10 Universal Truths Every Salesperson Needs to Know”, is the official textbook for Harvard University’s “Strategic Selling” course. She is recognized as one of the most influential leaders on social media – with her posts on Instagram and LinkedIn reaching over 20 million accounts in the last 90 days. Shari is a frequent contributor to top publications such as Forbes, CEO Magazine, and Huffington Post. And she is on the board of the National Speakers Association.  

Shari has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to sales with numerous accolades, includingTop Ten Voices in Sales by LinkedInMember NSA’s Board of Directors and member NSA’s Million Dollar Speaker Group Top 50 Keynote Speakers by Top Sales WorldOne of 10 sales experts featured in the Salesforce documentary film "The Story of Sales"Cast in Fox Business’ new reality show: America’s Real DealShari lives in Park City with her husband. When not helping companies transform their sales performance, Shari can be found skiing, rock climbing, reading, or standing on her head!

With over 3,500 presentations behind her, decades of speech consulting for executives, engineers, sales teams, & speakers who want to elevate their game, Fripp’s expertise is proven.She is a three-time Cicero Speechwriting Award winner, the creator of FrippVT Powerful, Persuasive Presentations online learning program and coauthor of Deliver Unforgettable Presentations.

Robert Kennedy III is a keynote speaker, workshop facilitator and coach in business communication and presentation strategy. Over the past 15+ years, he has worked executives and business leaders on bringing their communication to life. He specializes in Public Presentation Skills, Speech Preparation & Structure, Business Storytelling and Video Presentation & Engagement.

Robert’s workshops and training sessions are known for being high energy and interactive, yet thought provoking and insightful.In addition to classroom delivery and training, Robert also brings years of experience as a radio news anchor, podcast host and voiceover talent, working with clients such as Nature Valley and Panda Restaurant Group.

In this presentation, he’s working with the one and only CSP, CPAE, Cavett Recipient, Terry Brock, to bring you up-to-date, profound ideas that Communicators who Solve Problems (CSPs) can use to build their businesses.

You’ve heard about AI. You’ve heard it is changing our world for professional speakers (it is).

Terry Brock is ideally suited to help you make the right decisions and build your business. Terry has been known as a tech guru in NSA since he joined in 1988. He earned his CSP in 1999 and was induced into the Speaker Hall of Fame in 2009 (CPAE). He received the Cavett Award in 2018. He has spoken to many NSA chapters as well as PSA UK, Ireland, and Scotland, CAPS (Canada), PSA (Australia), PSA (France) the German Speakers Association, PSA Holland, and the Latam Speakers Association.

He served as the Chief Enterprise Blogger for Skype, The Editor-in-Chief for AT&T’s largest blog, and as the Chief Retail Advisor for Ace Hardware’s International Division. He now is focusing on how individuals and businesses can build Relationship Marketing using AI to better connect with key stakeholders.

In this presentation, he’s working with the one and only Robert Kennedy III (RK3) to bring you up-to-date, profound ideas that Communicators who Solve Problems (CSPs) can use to build their businesses.

Anne Bonney, CSP® is a fun, energetic international keynote speaker and emcee. She uses her 20 years of corporate and non-profit leadership experience, education, expertise to ignite Courage, Confidence and Resilience in the face of the chaos of change.

This spunky little redhead is armed with relatable and hilariously memorable stories from her life’s shenanigans. From growing up overseas, running international marathons, animal training, morale building tours to the military in Iraq, volunteering at an elephant sanctuary and singing opera at a performing arts school and more, she plucks vital business and life lessons so others can thrive in today’s ever-erratic world.

As your THRIVE EMCEE, Anne will escort you through dynamic presentations, then weave together mind-shifting content to help you pinpoint the immediate actions you will take to help build your speaking business and be a better speaker!

Have you ever wondered if there IS an app for that? Meet Your New Nerdy Best Friend...Beth Z: Author. Speaker. Nerd. She has the answer.

Since her first Motorola RAZR flip phone, Beth has made a verb out of the word "nerd." She’s here to help you filter through thousands of apps, gadgets, widgets and doodads to find the perfect free and bargain technology tools for work and home. Although the only real trophy she ever won was for making perfect French fries at McDonald’s in high school, Beth Z has been featured on Best Speaker lists by several organizations who write best speaker lists.

She has written a whole shelf of books on apps and has spoken to more than 100 thousand audience members just like you. And if you're puzzling over why she goes by "Beth Z"... it's because she only finds about three people a year who can pronounce her last name.

Martinus Evans is a proud fat marathon runner, certified running coach, author, and award-winning speaker who helps plus- sized people get active without a focus on weight loss.

A native of Detroit MI, he’s the founder of the Slow AF Run Club, an online community connecting tens of thousands of slow runners around the globe. Slow AF was built to inspire, educate, and celebrate the grit and grind of runners at “the back of the pack.” He’s also the host of two podcasts–The 300 Pounds and Running Podcast and The Long Run with Martinus and Latoya.

Named One Of The Top 15 Business Growth Experts To Watch, Top 50 Sales Speakers, and Top 40 Motivational Speakers, Meridith Elliott Powell is passionate about helping her clients learn to sell, lead and turn uncertainty to competitive advantage. Booking more than 80 speaking engagements a year, she credits everything she has learned about building a speaking business to NSA.

Today, she is a solidly booked speaker, a Certified Speaking Professional, a Member of the Speakers Hall of FAME Speaker, a Member of the Million Dollar Speakers Group, and your incoming chair – becoming chair of the National Speakers Association in January of 2024.The author of 9 books, Meridith is an award-winning and best-selling author, and she was recently named as the Business Growth and Leadership Expert in Residence for High Point University.

When she is not speaking, Meridith can be found riding her mountain bike, hiking her favorite trail and endlessly chasing little white balls on golf courses 'round the country.