Tourism, Travel & Leisure speakers

Adam Richman grew up in the food Mecca of New York City and began his love affair with food early on, sampling all of the diverse culinary specialties The Big Apple had to offer. From samosas to sushi, even at a young age, Adam had a desire to taste it all. A self-educated food expert and trained sushi chef, since 1995 he has kept a travel journal including each of the restaurants he visited and what he learned from the trip. Adam has subsequently worked in nearly every echelon of the restaurant world coast-to-coast. The nature of his work allowed him to feed his appetite for discovering the best local dishes across America, all of which found their way into his ever-expanding food journal. Although described as a bit on the husky side, to maintain his health while indulging for his show on The Travel Channel’s Man v. Food (which he began hosting in 2008), Richman exercises twice a day while he is on the road.

Alan’s history, as a rock ‘n’ roll promoter from the 1960′s to the present day, lends a unique understanding and experience of this particular field, as well as specialising in early tinplate toys.

Alex Polizzi is an English hotelier and the presenter of the British television series The Hotel Inspector on Channel 5.

Amar became known to millions through the groundbreaking BBC2 reality show ‘Beyond Boundaries’ (series 1), and despite losing 95% of his sight by the age of 18, through determination, he managed to turn an unpromising loss into a truly inspirational achievement.

Andrew McMillan spent 28 years working for the John Lewis Partnership, starting as a management trainee to becoming responsible for customer experience across the department store division. Andrew's aim is to make individuals and organisations happier and more fulfilled through a sense of collective purpose, so they engender trust, loyalty and advocacy from their customers while becoming more productive and, as a consequence, more profitable. He helps organisations join up their own internal dots to create their unique link between employee engagement and consistently great customer experience.

Ms Cassani is a regular speaker and commentator on leadership and managing for growth. She is known for her straight-talking approach to leadership that keeps the focus on clear objectives and building teams.

Ben Fogle has rowed the Atlantic Ocean, crossed Antarctica on foot, run across the Sahara and crossed the Empty Quarter on camel. He has presented numerous hit programmes on the BBC, ITV and Channel 5 including, New Lives in the Wild, Extreme Dreams, Countrywise, Harbour Lives, Through Hell and High Water and Crufts. He writes regularly for the Sunday Telegraph and has written six Sunday Times bestseller books. He is an ambassador for WWF, Medecins Sans Frontier and Tusk, Centrepoint and the Princes Trust, a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and patron of The Royal Parks Foundation. Ben is a special correspondent for NBC News in the United States, reporting from all over the world for Today, Dateline and MSNBC Nightly News.

Zoo Director, journalist, and author Benjamin Mee is the man behind bestselling book and Hollywood movie "We Bought A Zoo". His inspirational story is of one man's leap of faith, triumphing over personal tragedy, and the battle to succeed, whatever obstacles stand in the way.

Captain Brian Nibbs draws upon his several years’ experience of a sea-going career and his marine-related experiences in positions ashore. His talk is specifically tailored to the audience and is interspersed with maritime anecdotes and memories.

Bruce delivers world-class speeches to corporations around the globe. He compares the challenges of operating in the world of rock music and commercial aviation with those in the business world; from teamwork, forward planning and the ability to learn from setbacks and move on successfully. Bruce’s speeches are a whirlwind of ideas and inspiration that will energize and intellectually refresh listeners with a world-class delivery of the spoken word.

Charlotte Smith is a Radio Presenter with experience as a reporter, producer and presenter.

Christian Wolmar is a British journalist, author, politician and railway historian of Swedish and Russian descent.

A born and bred Northumbrian, Conrad has enjoyed the outdoors since he was a boy. Conrad is the first and only Briton to have achieved the ‘Polar Grand Slam’ – completing the World’s recognised three hardest Polar journeys, crossing Greenland; the Antarctic plateau to reach the South Pole and the Arctic to the North Pole, all unsupported. Conrad became a Captain during his Short Service Commission in the Army and specialized in Arctic Warfare whilst training in Norway. In 2011 Conrad trained the BBC film crew and Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton for her successful trip to the South Pole.

Dallas is one of the most versatile and well travelled factual presenters working in the industry. He has filmed in some of the most extraordinary & challenging locations all over the world - Sewer diving in Mexico City, scaling the world’s tallest building in Dubai, exploring secret chambers in Egypt’s Great Pyramid, filming rocket launches to the International Space Station in Kazakhstan and diving for lost Spanish treasure off the coast of Cuba.

As star of the Food Network's hit show Rescue Chef, Danny Boome is a superhero in the kitchen, able to solve any kitchen crisis while pleasing the pickiest of eaters. Incredibly charismatic and energetic, Boome provides practical eating advice for aspiring cooks of any skill level. A strong believer that a healthy meal enhances both body and mind, his handy tips are designed to provide essential nutrition on the go.

David Aaronovitch is one of the best-known journalists and current affairs broadcasters in the UK, winning awards for political journalism and being named 'Columnist of the Year' by What The Papers Say. David’s fascination with some of the more arcane aspects of public life and debate led to the Voodoo Histories book on the impact of conspiracy theories.

Deborah Meaden is a British multi-millionairess who launched her own glass and ceramics export company whilst still in her teens and straight out of business college, before setting up one of the first Stefanel fashion franchises in the UK. She became a household name through her presence on BBC2's Dragons Den.

DP combines the adaptability and professionalism of an experienced presenter with the lighthearted wit and humor of a curious worldly Irishman.

Felix Baumgartner broke three World Records by base-jumping from a capsule in Space down to Earth: the first human to break the sound barrier without the assistance of a vehicle, the highest manned balloon flight, and the highest skydive. Outside of his penchant for daredevil acts, Felix was named to Vienna's Street of Champions and nominated for a World Sports Award and two categories in the NEA Extreme Sports Awards, Felix is also an advocate for the nonprofit Wings for Life Spinal Cord Research Foundation.

Fiona "Fi" Glover is a British BBC journalist and presenter and, until March 2011, the host of BBC Radio 4's Saturday Live.

A botanist and biologist, Francis is specialised in tree architecture and the ecology of the tropical rainforests. An outstanding professor and researcher, he led the Radeau des Comes scientific missions from 1986 to 2003. He has written several books including "In Praise of Plants", "Advocacy for the Tree" and "The Tropical Condition". Far from a technocratic speech, Francis Hallé knows how to get his audience interested in tree science, floral structures and even the architecture of vascular plants.

Gavin Duffy is best known for taking businesses from concept in the Den to success in retail or online in just a matter of months.

Harriet Green OBE has a proven track record for developing and implementing strategies for profitable growth and increasing shareholder value in global technology, logistics, travel and consumer sectors. Harriet received her OBE for services to electronics in 2010.

Howard Davies is Chairman of the Phoenix Group and of the International Advisory Council of the China Securities Regulatory Commission. Davies is also Professor of Practice at the Paris Institute of Political Science.

As Founder of Plant for Peace, James has overseen its strategy since early 2007. James passionate journey determining the Plant for Peace strategy involves farmers, Taliban and Government of Afghanistan. James’ drive and motivation stem from the environment and nature and understanding people and a natural food chain.

Jay Rayner is a British journalist, writer, broadcaster and food critic. His television appearances have earnt him the nickname Acid Rayner due to his sour demeanour.

Jennifer Basannavar loves travelling, and has travelled extensively in the USA, Europe and India. As an expert private guide, Jennifer’s goal is to give her clients a memorable, informative, and enchanting experience as they walk along the streets of the dynamic city of London. She has extensive broad ranging speeches that can be very technical to highly entertaining.

Every Sunday, millions tune in to John Craven OBE as he highlights rural and environmental issues in Britain on the BBC broadcast CountryFile. John has been a part of the CountryFile team for nearly 25 years. However, what made John a household name was his role in presenting and editing John Craven's Newsround - the first TV news show for children.

After beginning a career training as an accountant, John was forced to give up his apprenticeship and focus his efforts on rescuing his father’s business, working as a minicab driver to make ends meet during this period. Having helped his family firm and following the birth of his two sons, John was inspired to start his own business and came to the conclusion that he could run his own minicab business a lot more successfully than the companies he had worked for. Founded in Battersea in 1975 with just one car, Addison Lee now carries 10 million passengers and couriers 1 million deliveries a year.

John has worked for BBC all of his life, and since becoming the BBC News World Affairs Correspondent, he has reported from more than 120 countries, including thirty war zones, and has interviewed many world leaders. His impressive reporting career has seen him avoiding bullets in Tiananmen Square Massacre, being one of the first reporters in Afghanistan in 2001 disguised by wearing a burka, and being hunted by Robert Mugabe's forces in Zimbabwe. With over 40 years experience in international journalism he has the ability to cover topics from highly factual and intense World Affairs to more light-hearted and amusing tales from his extensive travels.

Kay Alexander MBE was a BBC Midlands news presenter, working as Anchor on the Midlands Today flagship programmes. She is very proud to have been the face of Midlands Today News for 40 years. In 2013, Kay was awarded an MBE for services to broadcasting and charity, and given an Honorary Doctorate by Birmingham University, recognising services to broadcasting. Kay won the Royal Television Society Award in 2003 which marked 30 years in the business. In 2016 she presented a feature film "The Path of Inspiration" premiered at the Venice Film Festival.

Liz Bonnin has worked on television in both Ireland and the UK and currently presents Bang Goes the Theory and Countrywise.

Louise Minchin is a British journalist and news presenter who currently works freelance within the BBC.

Michael Finkel is the author of the New York Times bestseller “The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit,” about a highly intelligent man who lived alone in the forest of Maine for 27 years, as well as the book “True Story,” about Finkel’s bizarre and unhealthy friendship with a murderer, which was adapted into a 2015 major motion picture produced by Brad Pitt and starring James Franco and Jonah Hill.

Since leaving politics, Michael has devoted himself to writing and broadcasting. Charming and charismatic, he is a regular on both BBC 1's "This Week" programme and Radio 4's "The Moral Maze". He has made radio and television documentaries on a wide range of subjects, including three series of "Great British Railway Journeys" for BBC 2.

Nick's passion for running is clear, but his meaningful topics are the basis of some truly inspirational messages too. He covers areas such as understanding potential; embracing failure; perseverance and determination, and how to value the time we have on our planet. His personal stories bring these issues to life with enthusiasm and character. Nick may be a runner first and foremost, but his messages reach further. He’s not on a crusade to get everyone into lycra, but simply to spread the message that everyone, regardless of age, background, and commitments can excel at anything they put their minds to.

Championing dyslexia through a dynamic and diverse career that encompasses the world of the agile entrepreneur, international exploration, high altitude elite adventures, and innovation in aerospace and humanitarian aid. Mentor for the UK charity Heropreneurs.

A man at the front line of exploration and one of the world’s most experienced divers and polar travellers, Paul Rose has been helping scientists unlock global mysteries for the past 30 years in the most remote and challenging regions of the planet. Paul’s other ventures include a series of television presenting credits, which include; Oceans, Voyages of Discovery, Take One Museum, Meltdown and Wind. He reports for BBC News and has made live appearances on BBC Breakfast, BBC 24 News, Sky News and local TV News. With unique access across a wide range of expert fields, Paul is constantly working to raise awareness of global issues such as the understanding and protection of our ecosystems and biodiversity, climate change and sustainability. He is an award-winning champion for inspiring and motivating the next generation of field scientists and explorers.

As the founder & CEO of Trunki, the brand behind the much loved children’s ride-on suitcase, his award winning company has pioneered a whole range of innovative travel gear and is fast becoming recognised as a global brand for families on the go After his famous rejection on BBC’s Dragons Den, Trunki is now widely regarded as ‘the one that got away’, having sold 3.5 million suitcases, exporting to 100 countries and winning over 120 awards. The Den was just one of the many setback’s Rob faced during his inspirational story to success. If you want a Keynote to motivate, inspire and entertain yet give audiences practical advice to empower, ask for the Trunki Daddy.

Having started his career as an actor, Ross Kemp has gone on to prove himself as a successful documentary maker having received a BAFTA for his series on gangs and many other nominations and awards for his television work. Ross now has his own production company so if you're looking for a speaker with a diverse career experience and equipped with motivational and teamwork skills, then Ross will be the perfect speaker for you.

Mumpreneur, Investor and Dragon, Sarah has won multiple entrepreneurial and business awards and has appeared on television programmes as a business expert including 'The Restaurant' and Dragon's Den. Sarah is a popular speaker in the UK and internationally on topics including all aspects of money saving, Leadership and Teamwork, Business Turnarounds, Food, Restaurant, Retail, Leisure industries and Entrepreneurism.

Simon Calder is an English travel writer and broadcaster, currently senior travel editor for The Independent newspaper.

Simon is the presenter of the BBC TV series Indian Ocean and has been around the world three times for the BBC series Equator, Tropic of Capricorn, and Tropic of Cancer. He has travelled extensively in more than 110 countries.

Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou is a British entrepreneur of Greek origin, resident in Monaco. Stelios is the founder of easyJet, a low-cost airline and the Stelmar shipping line. EasyJet's foundation in 1995 marked the beginning of a series of ventures marketed under the "easy" brand, managed by easyGroup and chaired by Sir Stelios.

Sophie has enjoyed a long globetrotting career as a travel journalist but moved closer to home when she trained as a London tour guide and wrote a book on the English summer season. She now combines writing and guiding with travelling at home and abroad and spends as much time as she can in her home town of London.

In 2002, William was appointed as the editor of Waitrose's magazine that was then named 'Food Illustrated', where his work led to a string of awards for his editorials, writing, photography, and stories. William still writes for Waitrose and a host of other magazines, even making his was onto our TV screens as a food critic and journalist.

William joined the Virgin Group in 1987, progressing his way through the ranks to eventually becoming Sir Richard Branson's Special Adviser and 'right hand man'. In his time at Virgin, he projected the Virgin brand into new ventures, including telecoms and financial services. He later became the President of Virgin Galactic, the companies spaceline business venture. Since leaving Virgin in 2011, Will went on to being non-executive director of Stagecoach Group plc., and then most recently appointed as Chairman of the British Government's Transport Systems Catapult, developing new transport technology.