Simone Biles is the most awarded athlete of all time, a pioneer in the sport of gymnastics and also incredibly brave. The author of “Courage to Soar” speaks about motivation, female empowerment and one of the hottest topics around this year, mental health. The following speakers share their vulnerability and grit to rave reviews.
Deborah Gardner, CMP, CVP
From living in a trailer to Olympic glory, from being a real-life wedding crasher to hospitality maven, to pioneering sports broadcaster to Mrs. America, to entrepreneurship with three thriving businesses to gracing international stages, Deborah G. embodies the essence of perseverance, proving that with grit and grace, one can conquer any summit.
Topics: Competitive self-performance, leadership/motivation, teamwork, hospitality, sales/negotiations, women, entrepreneur mindset
Proudest Moment: Every day is my proudest moment! I appreciate any tiny blessings, victories and celebrations. From sealing the deal with a client (high five for business savvy!) to successfully microwaving popcorn without burning it. Every little win deserves its own parade! I’m the MVP of my daily triumphs, proudly shouting, “Keep rocking it! More wins to come!”
Take Aways: Inspired to tap into my audiences’ inner competitiveness, I want them to remember…you can: start late, start over, be unsure, try and fail, and still succeed! Sharing my own struggles and downfalls while navigating the complexities of everyday life doesn’t have to be a lonely sport. Embracing healthy challenges while pursuing their goals with passion and determination, they will understand the impact they bring personally and professionally. To go beyond limits and discover their new potentials that might not have been realized were available before. This impactful opportunity empowers my audiences, igniting their drive for growth and success through the lens of their own lifetime experience.
Need to Know: I’ve got you! Just like my mother, who orchestrated the magic for the tennis icon Billy Jean King and the prestigious World Team Tennis organization, I’ve been immersed in the thrill of meeting and event planning since I can remember. With three decades of hands-on experience in the industry, I’m better known as “The Triple Threat,” embodying the fusion of meeting and event planning prowess, hotel supplier savvy, and dynamic speaking skills.
As a CMP Emeritus, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table that includes prestigious leadership roles in PCMA, SGMP, serving as AZ President, and a lifetime membership with MPI. I’m not just a member; I’m a driving force behind Meetings Mean Business, Director of the EIC Online CMP Study Guide, and a discerning Eventex Judge. Oh, and let’s not forget about my role as the vibrant creator and host of the popular Hospitality Today Live broadcast show!
With me on your team, consider your event logistics covered. Whether it’s crafting the perfect run-of-show or infusing every project with a fresh perspective and tailor-made solutions, I’m here to elevate your meeting or event to new heights. And when I step onto the stage, the energy is palpable – it’s not just an introduction; it’s a rallying: “She’s back!”
Dr. Romie Mushtaq
Topics: Mental Health/Burnout/Workplace Wellness, Women in Leadership, Workplace Culture of Wellness
Board-certified physician, award-winning wellness speaker, and USA Today bestselling Author of The Busy Brain Cure. Dr. Romie Mushtaq has over 20 years of authority in neurology, integrative medicine and mindfulness to deliver programs and create cultural change. Her mission is to revolutionize mental health and wellness in the workplace working with Fortune 500 companies, professional athletes, and global associations. Dr. Romie is also Chief Wellness Officer for Great Wolf Resorts, overseeing the wellness of over 12,000 employees. Her expertise is featured in the national media, such as NPR, NBC, TED talks, and Forbes.
Agency: Leading Authorities, Inc
Proudest Moment: I found the courage to face a life-threatening disease, go on a global journey to find healing and take these lessons to help others heal their Busy Brain through a scientifically researched protocol. In the process, I was one of the first leaders to come out publicly and share my mental health and burnout struggles in a TED talk in 2014 with the mission to normalize the conversation of mental well-being in the workplace.
Take Aways: Before you build your team or your dreams, get the state of your brain straight. When we face and heal our Busy Brains, we restore hope within ourselves and our organizations.
Need to Know: My team and I are here to partner with you to bring the same healing calm energy I share on the stage to your entire event. With clear heart-centered communication, your audience will receive customized content so that they feel uplifted, educated on the latest cutting-edge wellness protocols and leave with actions steps and digital educational materials.
David T. Stevens
Topics: Attendee Experience, Sustainability, Wellness, Events, Marketing
A seasoned event planner and six-time CrossFit Open Fittest Male #EventProf, specializes in integrating wellness into events. With 20 years of experience in planning meetings for various sectors, Stevens holds multiple certifications, including the Delos Wellness for Meetings and Event Certificate and Pandemic Meeting Event Design certification. Co-founder of Olympian Meeting, he has authored a white paper on the ROI of Wellness and hosts the web series Return on Wellness. Since 2022, Stevens has been on the speaking circuit, including IMEX, SXSW, and private institutions, focusing on integrating wellness into event programs to enhance attendee experiences.
Proudest Moment: When I received the “BEST” pin from the CEO and Chairman of Harman’s unexpectedly after presenting to their employees about “Wellness for Everyone.” The “BEST” pin is reserved for people who made a difference in the business and he decided to honor me with this after the presentation.
Take Aways: The scientifically backed reasons events that incorporate wellness holistically leave attendees energized instead of exhausted.
Need to Know: I am a peer and a partner. I have been in their shoes and understand the pain and that’s why I try to make all of this as approachable as possible.
Anca Platon Trifan, CMP, DES, WMEP
Topics: AI for Events, Shattering the Glass Ceiling: Build Your Confidence and Career in a Male-Dominated Industry, Flexing Success: Power-lifting Your Biz with Mental & Physical Fitness, Next-Level High-Value Event Production Tips
Founder of Tree-Fan Events LLC, a thought leader in the event industry, blending AI with event planning and production. Anca is a dynamic and tactical speaker, host of the “Events Demystified Podcast,” and advocate for women in tech and event production. She empowers event professionals and small business owners via AI talks and workshops where she shares tools and strategies, while also promoting mental & physical fitness through the #FIT4Events framework.
Agencies: AAE Speaker Bureau, Speak About AI, I Need a Speaker, SpeakerHub
Proudest Moment: Speaking at SXSW on an AI panel, where I shared insights with a global audience. It was an incredible opportunity to connect with industry leaders and enthusiasts. Additionally, I had the privilege of mentoring women in tech during the event, helping to inspire and guide the next generation of female innovators.
Take Aways: I am all about taking action. My presentations are focused on providing attendees with actionable insights they can put into practice immediately. I aim to empower them with practical tools and strategies to enhance their business operations and personal growth.
Need to Know: I am dedicated and proactive, ensuring every detail is meticulously planned. As a do-er, I take initiative and follow through on commitments. My organizational skills ensure smooth execution, and I maintain clear and consistent communication throughout. I thoroughly prepare for each engagement and actively promote the events I speak at to maximize reach and impact.
Back to Smart Speaker homepage.
