Austin, a city renowned for its vibrant music scene, innovative tech industry, and eclectic cultural landscape, has emerged as a hub for inspiration and creativity. Known for its motto "Keep Austin Weird," this dynamic city is not only a breeding ground for artistic expression but also a thriving center for thought leadership and motivational discussion.
Inspirational Speakers in Austin
When you find yourself in the vibrant city of Austin, there are countless occasions where a speaker can elevate your event to new heights. Whether you're organizing a corporate conference, a tech summit, or a creative workshop, a dynamic speaker can captivate your audience and deliver insightful perspectives.
From the bustling halls of the Texas State Capitol to the energetic atmosphere of South by Southwest, Austin is a place where ideas flourish and voices resonate. Explore some of the best motivational speakers who call Austin home, individuals who are igniting change and empowering audiences with their compelling stories and transformative insights.
Austin's thriving music and arts scene also makes it an ideal location for cultural festivals and community gatherings, where a speaker can inspire and engage attendees with compelling stories and thought-provoking discussions. Additionally, if you're hosting a university lecture or a panel discussion, a knowledgeable speaker can provide expertise and spark meaningful conversations. In a city known for its innovation and creativity, having a speaker can transform your event into an unforgettable experience.
Motivational Speakers in Texas
If you're organizing an event and need a local speaker who can ignite passion, drive change, and foster engaging conversations, explore our selection of Texas' top motivational speakers and thought leaders.
Al Comeaux
Al Comeaux is a brilliant leader and expert on organizational change, with decades of experience guiding companies like Travelocity, Sabre, and GE Aviation through significant change management journeys. His insights are rooted in real-world challenges, making his talks highly relatable and practical for business leaders. Al’s unique combination of research, strategy, and hands-on leadership makes him a compelling choice for anyone looking to drive change effectively in their organization. His book, Change (the) Management, further cements his reputation as a thought leader in this space.
PepTalk Fact: Al once helped Travelocity become the 5th largest U.S. travel agency in just five years ✈️
⮕ Learn more and book Al Comeaux as a speaker.
Erik Qualman
Erik Qualman brings unmatched expertise in digital leadership and innovation, having shared his knowledge with over 50 million people across 55 countries. Known as the “Digital Dale Carnegie,” he combines academic rigor with practical insights to help businesses thrive in a tech-driven world. His energetic presentations, supported by engaging visuals, leave audiences inspired and ready to embrace digital transformation. Erik’s groundbreaking book Socialnomics continues to influence leaders across industries.
PepTalk Fact: Erik created the popular board game Kittycorn to combine fun with creativity 🐱
⮕ Learn more and book Erik Qualman as a speaker.
Alison Canavan
Alison Canavan is a transformational coach specializing in stress management and holistic well-being. Recognized as a top coach by USA Today, she helps organizations foster healthier, happier workplaces. Alison’s engaging talks focus on practical tools to combat stress, anxiety, and burnout, making her an essential resource for companies navigating today’s complex workplace dynamics. Her 360-degree approach to health is as inclusive as it is effective.
PepTalk Fact: Alison is a former international fashion model turned well-being advocate 💃
⮕ Learn more and book Alison Canavan as a speaker.
Trent Shelton
Trent Shelton delivers transformative messages rooted in personal growth and resilience. A former NFL wide receiver, Trent uses his journey of self-discovery to inspire audiences worldwide. His viral videos and nonprofit, RehabTime, emphasize the importance of faith, mindset, and leadership. Known for his powerful delivery, Trent is a must-have speaker for anyone seeking authentic and impactful inspiration.
PepTalk Fact: Trent reaches over 60 million people weekly through his social media content 📱
⮕ Learn more and book Trent Shelton as a speaker, or explore more NFL speakers.
Cy Wakeman
Cy Wakeman is a dynamic speaker who challenges traditional leadership paradigms with her reality-based approach. By focusing on eliminating workplace drama, she helps organizations reclaim lost productivity and foster innovation. With clients ranging from Google to NASA, Cy brings world-class expertise and actionable strategies to her talks, ensuring measurable business results.
PepTalk Fact: Cy’s book Reality-Based Leadership is a must-read for leaders wanting to reduce workplace stress 📘
⮕ Learn more and book Cy Wakeman as a speaker.
Christine Hassler
Christine Hassler blends psychology, leadership, and spirituality to guide individuals and teams toward clarity and purpose. Her unique ability to address generational diversity and workplace challenges makes her an invaluable asset to modern organizations. Christine’s relatable style and actionable insights empower leaders to transform their teams from within.
PepTalk Fact: Christine hosts the popular podcast Over It and On With It, featuring live coaching sessions 🎙️
⮕ Learn more and book Christine Hassler as a speaker.
Deah Berry Mitchell
Deah Berry Mitchell is a historian and cultural advocate dedicated to preserving Black heritage through storytelling, technology, and education. A fifth-generation Texan, she connects audiences to history through her innovative Freedom Trail app and engaging Soul of DFW tours. Deah’s expertise in food history and cultural preservation makes her a standout speaker for organizations seeking unique, meaningful perspectives.
PepTalk Fact: Deah is the official Historian in Residence for the City of Dallas 🌟
⮕ Learn more and book Deah Berry Mitchell as a speaker.
Jim Carroll
Jim Carroll is a futurist and innovation expert who helps organizations stay ahead in a rapidly changing world. With decades of experience and an engaging style, Jim provides audiences with actionable insights into trends and technologies that shape the future. His thought-provoking talks challenge conventional thinking, making him a top choice for visionary organizations.
PepTalk Fact: Jim’s book What I Learned From Frogs in Texas offers creative lessons on innovation — "If they don't get off that road, there is going to be a big problem and it's going to be ugly!" 🐸
⮕ Learn more and book Jim Carroll as a speaker.
Austin Celebrity Speakers: Hometown Heroes
Austin has been home to a remarkable number of well-known artists, actors, musicians, sportspeople, and more over the years. Here are just a few of them:
- Matthew McConaughey: An Academy Award-winning actor known for his roles in films like Dallas Buyers Club and Interstellar. McConaughey is also a professor at the University of Texas at Austin and a prominent figure in local philanthropy.
- Lance Armstrong: A former professional cyclist who won seven consecutive Tour de France titles. Although a controversial figure due to his doping scandal, Armstrong remains active in the Austin community through his foundation, Livestrong.
- Willie Nelson: A legendary country music singer-songwriter. Nelson is an iconic figure in Austin's music scene and a vocal advocate for marijuana legalization and environmental causes.
- Joe Rogan: A comedian, podcast host, and UFC commentator. Rogan moved to Austin in 2020 and has since become a significant influencer in the city's cultural and media landscape.
- Kendra Scott: A successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. Scott founded her eponymous jewelry company in Austin and is known for her commitment to empowering women and supporting local charities.
- Gary Clark Jr.: A Grammy Award-winning musician and guitarist. Clark is celebrated for his blues and rock performances and is a prominent figure in Austin's vibrant live music scene.
- Michael Dell: The founder and CEO of Dell Technologies. Dell is a major business leader whose company has deep roots in Austin, contributing significantly to the city's tech industry growth.
These top Austin keynote speakers capture the city's vibrant culture, creativity, and resilience, making them inspiring choices for events. Book an Austin motivational speaker today by emailing hello@getapeptalk.com. We also offer corporate comedians and event hosts, making it a one-stop shop!
Austin Speaker Agency
As an experienced Austin speaker bureau and talent agency, the PepTalk team excels in sourcing motivational Austin speakers for events of any size — from 10 to 500, whether internal or external. We can also book and coordinate a speaker for you from almost any corner of the planet, including the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.
Book a motivational speaker in Austin today — email hello@getapeptalk.com with your request.
Top Event Venues in Austin
Explore some of the best venues for events, exhibitions, and conferences in Austin:
- The Long Center for the Performing Arts: Overlooking Lady Bird Lake, this venue offers versatile spaces for corporate events, combining stunning architecture with state-of-the-art facilities.
- Fairmont Austin: Known for its luxurious accommodations and expansive meeting spaces, the Fairmont Austin provides a sophisticated setting for large-scale conferences and corporate gatherings.
- Austin Convention Center: Located in the heart of downtown, this venue boasts over 370,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, making it ideal for conventions and trade shows.
- The LINE Austin: With its modern design and scenic views of Town Lake, The LINE offers unique indoor and outdoor spaces perfect for creative corporate events.
- Hotel Van Zandt: This boutique hotel in the Rainey Street District combines a vibrant atmosphere with elegant meeting rooms, ideal for both formal and informal corporate events.
- The Driskill: As a historic landmark, The Driskill offers a blend of classic elegance and modern amenities, providing a memorable backdrop for corporate functions.
- Brazos Hall: Featuring exposed brick and wood rafters, this converted warehouse offers a rustic yet chic setting for corporate events in the heart of downtown Austin.
- JW Marriott Austin: With its extensive meeting facilities and prime location, the JW Marriott is a top choice for hosting large corporate events and conferences.
- The Belmont: Known for its retro charm and spacious outdoor patio, The Belmont is perfect for hosting relaxed corporate gatherings and networking events.
- The Bullock Texas State History Museum: Offering a unique cultural experience, this venue provides a distinctive setting for corporate events with its impressive exhibits and event spaces.
One of these is sure to be the ideal setting for your next team or corporate event in Austin!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book a keynote or motivational speaker in Austin, Texas?
Booking a keynote or motivational speaker in Austin is straightforward. Start by identifying your event's theme, audience, and objectives. Browse reputable speaker agencies or directories, or reach out directly to 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 for recommendations or assistance in securing the perfect speaker for your event in Austin.
What do keynote or motivational speakers in Austin cost?
The pricing for keynote or motivational speakers in Austin varies based on factors such as 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 speakers in this area from $4,000. Selecting a local speaker in Austin 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 Austin 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 Austin event theme or topic?
Absolutely! PepTalk has extensive experience assisting clients with their Austin team events or conferences. We’re eager to share our expertise and provide tailored recommendations from our network of over 300 speakers.
💡 Would you book an Austin 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!
Culture Calendar
Success favours the prepared. That’s why we’ve compiled a free calendar of awareness days and weeks to support your business.
From health and wellbeing to culture and DEI, adding the calendar will keep you on the pulse of what’s happening and ahead of the game. Plus, it works across all platforms.