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Space tourism leader & innovator

Stephen Attenborough

Transform space industry perspectives with Stephen Attenborough, speaker and commercial director at Virgin Galactic. Stephen works with organisations to explore commercial spaceflight opportunities, space tourism innovation, and satellite launch applications, leading Virgin's $80m customer portfolio across 50+ countries.

Trusted by Virgin Galactic

Stephen Attenborough
Stephen Attenborough

Stephen Attenborough

London, United Kingdom

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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London, United Kingdom

Starting from

£11k–25k

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Stephen Attenborough's biography

At a glance

  • Commercial Lead at Virgin Galactic, pioneering commercial space travel
  • First full-time employee of Virgin Galactic, shaping the space tourism industry
  • Managed over US$80m in deposits from future astronauts across 50+ countries
Stephen Attenborough leads all commercial activities for Virgin Galactic, part of Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, which is on track to become the world’s first passenger carrying commercial spaceline. Attenborough was invited by Richard Branson to join Virgin Galactic as the company’s first full time employee in 2004 to put in place the commercial foundations of the business and to create a new market for private space travel. He now leads all activities, covering brand management, sales, marketing, customer care, communications, education and outreach, as well as partnerships for the human spaceflight business. This work has now attracted around 700 future astronauts from more than 50 countries along with US$80m in deposits. Attenborough has also been responsible for work-streams, investigating and now building the non-tourism applications for the new space vehicles, particularly science research and the small satellite launch. Stephen Attenborough joined Virgin Galactic following a career in investment management in the City of London, most latterly as a Director at Fund Managers, Gartmore.

Topics, sessions and talks

Making The Impossible, Possible
In this session, Stephen Attenborough explores how to forge a brand-new industry and how to build a purposeful and innovative brand from scratch. Stephen also shares how working with a purpose attracts amazing people to join you on your journey and make it easier to accomplish your end goal.
Opening Access To Space For The Benefit Of Humankind
In this session, Stephen Attenborough shares his lessons learnt from the Virgin Galactic story. Commercial space travel will change humanity’s perspective of our planet by expanding its horizons beyond just industrial applications — Stephen explains why with fascinating insights.
Keeping Wealthy Customers On Your Side
Keeping your top customer on your side and by your side during times of rocky terrain can be challenging for any company. To combat this, Stephen Attenborough is here to share his lessons and top insights from the Virgin Galactic story.
Creating And Maintaining An Entrepreneurial Culture
Learn how Virgin Galactic created and maintained an entrepreneurial culture which survived and thrived on the challenging road to space with its ex-Commercial Director, Chief Customer Officer and founding employee, Stephen Attenborough.

Why we recommend booking Stephen

Stephen brings unparalleled insights from the forefront of commercial space travel, offering a unique perspective on innovation, leadership, and the creation of new markets. With his experience in transforming Virgin Galactic into a pioneering spaceline, he can inspire your team or business to reach new heights and think beyond traditional boundaries. Booking Stephen as a speaker will not only captivate your audience but also ignite a passion for exploration and excellence in your organization.

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Trusted by Virgin Galactic

Testimonials

Our live audience of some of the UK's leading entrepreneurs at our flagship awards event loved Stephen's talk and presentation. He vividly shared both the dream and the reality of Virgin Galactic. A great motivational speaker.

Hamish Stevenson

Founder, Sunday Times Fast Track 100

Fantastic - we'd gladly use him again.

Deloitte Limited

Stephen's presentation was truly remarkable. Not only did he captivate the audience with his inspiring story, but he also delivered it with impeccable storytelling skills. The energy in the room was electric, and everyone left feeling motivated and enthusiastic. Stephen's performance was a standout moment of our event and I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a dynamic and impactful speaker.

Bruno Ocampo

CEO, Katapult Commerce

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Stephen Attenborough for my next event?

What is Stephen Attenborough's speaking style like?

Stephen Attenborough structures his sessions around case study-led narrative, drawing directly from his experience building Virgin Galactic from its first commercial hire. He uses the Virgin Galactic story as a through-line to illustrate principles around brand-building, customer retention, and market creation in an emerging industry.

What topics does Stephen Attenborough specialise in?

Stephen Attenborough speaks on building new industries from scratch, retaining high-value customers through uncertainty, and opening access to commercial space travel. He served as Virgin Galactic's first full-time employee, growing the programme to over 700 future astronauts from more than 50 countries and securing upwards of US$80 million in deposits.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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.

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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.

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?

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