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Available to book

Award-winning mentalist & magician

Ryan Oakes

Corporate magician, mentalist, and live marketing consultant Ryan Oakes fuses psychology-driven illusion with brand strategy. He works with Fortune 500 clients across the US, delivering bespoke entertainment recognized by national media coverage and a White House performance.

Trusted by General Electric, Visa, Hermès

Ryan Oakes, Entertainer | Magician & Mentalist
Ryan Oakes

Ryan Oakes

New York City, United States

Typical fee range

$11k–25k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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New York City, United States

Starting from

$11k–25k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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Ryan Oakes's biography

At a glance

  • Award-winning magician and mentalist
  • Youngest winner of SAM National Magic Competition
  • Corporate entertainer for Fortune 500 companies
Ryan Oakes is a magician, mentalist, and corporate entertainer whose work sits at the intersection of performance, psychology, and marketing strategy. He has performed at thousands of events across the US and internationally, averaging over 100 shows a year for Fortune 500 clients. In 1990, he became the youngest person to win the Society of American Magicians National Magic Competition. He co-starred in The Real Hustle on truTV, has appeared on The View, CNN, ESPN, and The Disney Channel, and has been profiled in Forbes and The New York Times. He also holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. Ryan draws on two decades of performance experience to create entertainment that achieves specific client outcomes, whether that means building brand recall at a trade show, energising a sales meeting, or producing a CEO onstage. His consulting work has spanned product launches, theatrical productions, and interactive media for clients including Sony, Disney, Scholastic Books, and Hermes of Paris. Audiences leave Ryan's performances having seen what happens when psychology, persuasion, and misdirection are applied with precision, a lens that maps directly onto marketing, sales, and communication challenges. If your next event needs to leave a lasting impression, Ryan Oakes is the performer to deliver it.

Ryan's showreel and videos

Why we recommend booking Ryan

Ryan Oakes is an award-winning magician and mentalist whose blend of psychology, mind-reading, and sleight-of-hand leaves even the most skeptical audiences with an experience they simply cannot explain. Trusted by Fortune 500 companies and global brands like Disney and Sony, Ryan turns any corporate event into an unforgettable talking point.

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Trusted by General Electric, Visa, Hermès

Testimonials

He’ll amaze and mystify your friends. Ryan Oakes is the hottest magician working today.

Forbes

Thank you so much again for such an awesome event! …Definitely impressed.

Google

Amazing!!! He made the evening – Ryan is a total pro! He blew all our minds!

AOL

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Ryan Oakes for my next event?
Email ryan.oakes@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Ryan's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.

Ryan Oakes delivers close-up magic and mentalism rooted in psychology and persuasion, structured to produce specific client outcomes such as brand recall at trade shows or audience engagement at sales meetings. His performances function as live demonstrations of misdirection and influence, giving corporate audiences a direct experience of the psychological principles that underpin marketing and communication.

What is Ryan Oakes's stage presence like?
Ryan Oakes delivers close-up magic and mentalism rooted in psychology and persuasion, structured to produce specific client outcomes such as brand recall at trade shows or audience engagement at sales meetings. His performances function as live demonstrations of misdirection and influence, giving corporate audiences a direct experience of the psychological principles that underpin marketing and communication.

Ryan Oakes delivers close-up magic and mentalism rooted in psychology and persuasion, structured to produce specific client outcomes such as brand recall at trade shows or audience engagement at sales meetings. His performances function as live demonstrations of misdirection and influence, giving corporate audiences a direct experience of the psychological principles that underpin marketing and communication.

What topics does Ryan Oakes specialise in?
Ryan Oakes performs close-up magic, mentalism, and corporate entertainment for trade shows, sales meetings, and Fortune 500 events, with consulting work spanning product launches and interactive media for clients including Sony, Disney, and Hermès of Paris. In 1990, he became the youngest person to win the Society of American Magicians National Magic Competition, and he has since co-starred in The Real Hustle on truTV and appeared on The View, CNN, ESPN, and The Disney Channel.

Ryan Oakes performs close-up magic, mentalism, and corporate entertainment for trade shows, sales meetings, and Fortune 500 events, with consulting work spanning product launches and interactive media for clients including Sony, Disney, and Hermès of Paris. In 1990, he became the youngest person to win the Society of American Magicians National Magic Competition, and he has since co-starred in The Real Hustle on truTV and appeared on The View, CNN, ESPN, and The Disney Channel.

What information do I need to provide to book a speaker?

To get the sharpest shortlist, share your event date, audience, format, key objectives, and budget. A rough idea is enough to start. The more context PepTalk has, the more precisely the team can match a speaker to your brief. Send it via getapeptalk.com.

Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.

How do I book a speaker with PepTalk?

Booking a speaker with PepTalk starts with a short brief: your event, audience, date, budget, and format. Send it through getapeptalk.com or hello@getapeptalk.com and you'll get a shortlist within 24 hours. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, fees, travel, and logistics end to end.

I need a last-minute speaker. Can PepTalk help?

Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.

How much does it cost to book a speaker through PepTalk?

Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.

Can I book a speaker who isn't listed on the PepTalk website?

Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.

How quickly will I get a speaker shortlist?

You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a booking?

Most bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker and are set out clearly in the contract before you confirm, so there are no surprises. PepTalk's team supports you through any change. Contact hello@getapeptalk.com as soon as plans shift.

Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a speaker booking?

Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

How can I report an issue or make changes to an expert profile?

If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, please email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Can I book a speaker for a virtual or hybrid event?

Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.

How do I brief an insights speaker on my organisation's strategic context?

Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.

Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.