Choosing the right speaker can significantly influence an audience's perspective and lead to impactful change. Motivational speakers offer new insights, enthusiasm, and encouragement at various events, including corporate conferences, leadership summits, and personal growth seminars. Virginia stands out in areas such as defense and cybersecurity (Pentagon, Booz Allen Hamilton), finance (Capital One HQ), and technology (Amazon HQ2). Here’s our selection of the top inspirational keynote speakers in Virginia.
Motivational Speakers in Virginia
Virginia is home to exceptional keynote speakers specializing in leadership, innovation, resilience, foreign policy, and business strategy. Whether you're looking to enhance leadership skills, navigate complex global challenges, or inspire resilience, these thought leaders provide powerful insights and actionable strategies to help individuals and organizations thrive.
Carla Harris – Leadership & Workplace Transformation Expert
A senior executive, leadership expert, and best-selling author, Carla Harris is known for her strategic insights on revenue generation, client connectivity, and career advancement. Her keynotes focus on workplace transformation, leadership development, and equipping professionals with tools for long-term success.
Alan Levinovitz – Cultural & Religious Studies Expert
A professor of religion and author, Dr. Alan Levinovitz explores how the concept of “natural” shapes culture, business, and public perception. His keynotes provide thought-provoking insights on ethics, belief systems, and how we interpret the world around us.
Dave Ungrady – Decision-Making & Youth Development Expert
A veteran journalist and founder of the Born Ready Project, Dave Ungrady helps young adults develop critical decision-making skills, personal responsibility, and resilience. His keynotes focus on building confidence, navigating life challenges, and fostering success in the next generation.
Jessica Buchanan – Resilience & Overcoming Adversity Expert
A best-selling author and former humanitarian worker, Jessica Buchanan shares her harrowing story of survival after being kidnapped in Somalia. Her keynotes offer powerful lessons on resilience, overcoming trauma, and finding strength in the face of adversity.
Jim Detert – Communication & Workplace Culture Expert
A professor at the University of Virginia, Jim Detert is a leading expert in psychological safety, courage, and leadership communication. His keynotes help organizations foster a culture of open communication, empower employees, and drive innovation through constructive feedback.
José Morey – AI & Emerging Technologies Thought Leader
As the Chief Medical Innovation Officer and a recognized AI expert, José Morey helps organizations understand the impact of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies on industries like healthcare, business, and space exploration.
Leland Melvin – Astronaut & Overcoming Adversity Speaker
A former NASA astronaut, NFL draftee, and STEM advocate, Leland Melvin shares inspirational stories of perseverance, problem-solving, and leadership in extreme environments. His keynotes encourage individuals to embrace challenges, innovate, and reach for new heights.
Raquel Bono – Leadership & Public Health Transformation Expert
A retired Vice Admiral and distinguished medical leader, Dr. Raquel Bono provides insights on leadership, public health strategy, and navigating healthcare transformation. Her keynotes offer strategic guidance on crisis leadership, medical innovation, and policy change.
Wess Mitchell – Foreign Policy & Global Strategy Expert
A renowned foreign policy expert, A. Wess Mitchell provides in-depth analysis on U.S.-European relations, strategic challenges, and global security. His keynotes help business leaders, policymakers, and organizations understand international dynamics and navigate geopolitical shifts.
Whitney Johnson – Executive Leadership & Business Innovation Expert
A top business thinker and executive leadership coach, Whitney Johnson specializes in helping leaders and organizations embrace change, develop high-performing teams, and unlock innovation. Her keynotes offer practical tools for success, inspiration, and clarity for achieving professional and personal growth.
Leading Voices in Virginia
From leadership and resilience to AI innovation and foreign policy, Virginia’s top keynote speakers provide groundbreaking insights and strategies to help organizations thrive. Whether your focus is on workplace transformation, overcoming adversity, or global business strategy, these experts offer compelling messages that inspire action and long-term success.
At PepTalk, we can help event and meeting planners identify and book speakers in the Virginia area. Whether you're looking for a business speaker, corporate speaker, leadership speaker, sales speaker, health speaker or something else, PepTalk covers over 300 different topics. No matter if you're in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, or Chesapeake, we promise to match you with the ideal speaker for your event at a price that suits your budget.


Why Hire a Speaker for Your Virginia Event?
Whether you're organizing a corporate event, team-building session, or educational seminar, a great speaker can captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact. They help foster resilience, leadership, and innovation among attendees.
How to Choose the Right Speaker
Selecting the right speaker depends on your event goals, audience demographics, and industry. Consider speakers with experience in your niche, strong engagement skills, and proven results. Review past testimonials and videos to ensure they align with your event's vision.
Speaker fees can vary based on location, with some offering discounts for local events. Additionally, requirements may differ between East Coast and West Coast engagements. In general, the less travel involved and the more convenient the event, the greater the likelihood of a reduced fee.
Booking a Speaker in Virginia
Working with a Virginia speaker bureau can streamline the booking process by providing access to a curated list of experienced speakers. Agencies can help match the perfect speaker to your event's needs, handling logistics and contracts along the way.
Benefits of Using a Speaker Agency in Virginia
- Access to top-tier speakers across various industries.
- Assistance with contracts, logistics, and negotiations.
- Expert recommendations based on event goals and audience profile.
Elevate Your Event with a Dynamic Speaker
An inspiring keynote speaker can turn an ordinary event into a transformative experience. Whether for a corporate retreat, industry conference, or leadership workshop, booking a speaker in Virginia can make all the difference in engaging, educating, and inspiring your audience.


Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book a keynote or motivational speaker in Virginia?
Booking a keynote or motivational speaker in Virginia is straightforward. Start by identifying your event's theme, audience, and objectives. Browse reputable speaker agencies or directories, or contact a speaker you’re interested in. Once you've found the right speaker, discuss availability, fees, and any customizations needed for their presentation. Many agencies handle the logistics, including contracts, schedules, and technical requirements, making the process seamless. Contact PepTalk (hello@getapeptalk.com) for recommendations or assistance in securing the perfect speaker for your event in Virginia.
What do keynote or motivational speakers in Virginia cost?
The pricing for keynote or motivational speakers in Virginia varies based on the speaker's background, recognition, and the event's duration. Fees can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands, with additional considerations like travel and lodging expenses. Generally, we start booking in-person speakers in this area from $2,000. Selecting a local speaker in Virginia might help reduce extra costs. For a customized quote and assistance in finding a speaker that fits your budget, feel free to reach out to us.
Are there additional costs besides the speaker's fee, such as travel or accommodation?
One benefit of hiring a motivational speaker from Virginia is that travel and lodging expenses could be minimized or even waived if the speaker is based near the event venue.
Can I get advice or recommendations for speakers that match my Virginia event theme or topic?
Absolutely! PepTalk has extensive experience assisting clients with their Virginia team events or conferences. We’re eager to share our expertise and provide tailored recommendations from our network of over 3000 speakers.
💡 Do you want to book a Virginia motivational speaker for your next team event or conference? Let us know, and we’ll find the perfect PepTalk expert for your organisation. Email us at hello@getapeptalk.com or send us a message via chat. You can also call us on +1 737 888 5112 (US). Remember, it’s always a good time to get a pep talk.

