The Top Motivational Speakers in New York

Freshly updated for 2026! We can help event planners identify and book speakers in the New York 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.

Motivational Speakers in New York

Here are three standout speakers PepTalk works with who are well suited to a New York audience, spanning sport, customer experience and resilience.

Mark Teixeira

A three-time All-Star and former MLB first baseman, Mark brings first-hand experience of peak performance, leadership and business strategy under pressure. He has built a successful second career in broadcasting and investing, giving him a rare view of both elite sport and corporate life. A strong fit for teams looking for lessons on resilience, teamwork and performing when it counts.

Learn more and book Mark Teixeira →

Brittany Hodak

A customer experience strategist and author whose SUPER Model™ framework has helped brands including KISS, Taylor Swift and Dolly Parton turn customers into superfans. Brittany delivers a high-energy keynote packed with practical tactics for retention, loyalty and organic growth. A great choice for teams focused on customer experience and word-of-mouth growth.

Learn more and book Brittany Hodak →

Antwone Fisher

A bestselling author and foster care advocate whose life story became the basis of the film Antwone Fisher, directed by Denzel Washington. He speaks on resilience, self-worth and overcoming adversity, drawing on his own journey from the foster care system to lasting success. A powerful choice for audiences who need a genuine story of perseverance.

Learn more and book Antwone Fisher →

Why Use a New York Speaker Agency?

Hiring a keynote speaker can elevate your event, but finding the right one requires expertise, connections, and logistical coordination. A New York speaker agency like PepTalk streamlines this process, offering several key advantages:

Benefits of Using a Speaker Agency in New York

• Access to top talent. NYC is home to world-renowned business leaders, entertainers, athletes, and industry experts, and agencies have direct relationships with high-profile speakers, securing talent that may not be available through public channels.
• The right fit for your audience. Agencies understand what works for different audiences, whether it's a corporate conference, leadership summit, or brand event, and match speakers to your theme to ensure relevance, impact, and engagement.
• Contracts and logistics handled for you. Speaker agencies handle negotiations, contracts, and travel arrangements, reducing administrative burden, and ensure clear agreements on fees, deliverables, and expectations to avoid last-minute issues.
• Support beyond the stage. Many agencies offer speaker coaching, panel moderation, and post-event engagement strategies, helping tailor the speaker's message to align with your company's goals and audience needs.
• A safety net if plans change. If a speaker cancels, agencies can quickly provide an alternative without disrupting your event, drawing on established processes for handling unforeseen circumstances.

Booking a Speaker in New York

New York's event calendar peaks in spring and autumn, when the city's biggest conferences and corporate summits compete for the same headline speakers. The earlier you lock in a date, the more availability you'll have to choose from, particularly for speakers based outside the five boroughs who need travel time built in.

New York Celebrity Speakers: Hometown Heroes

Notable people currently living in New York City; these well-known icons represent a mix of entertainment, arts, and cultural influence in NYC today.

• Robert De Niro: Acclaimed actor known for his roles in classic films, residing in Manhattan.
• Al Pacino: Iconic actor famous for The Godfather, living in Central Park Place.
• Denzel Washington: Celebrated actor and filmmaker, residing at 15 Central Park West.
• Taylor Swift: Popular singer-songwriter, owns a townhouse in Tribeca.
• Jay-Z: Billionaire rapper and entrepreneur, originally from Brooklyn.
• Lin-Manuel Miranda: Award-winning playwright, composer, and performer, best known for Hamilton and In the Heights.
• Chloë Sevigny: Actress, model, and fashion icon known for her independent film work and avant-garde style.
• Misty Copeland: First Black principal ballerina at American Ballet Theatre, a trailblazer in the dance world.
• Jeanine Tesori: Tony Award-winning composer behind Fun Home and Caroline, or Change, shaping modern musical theater.
• Amanda Gorman: Poet, author, and activist, known for her moving inaugural poem The Hill We Climb.

Notable athletes currently in New York City — these athletes represent a diverse range of sports and bring inspiration to NYC.

• Aaron Judge: Star outfielder for the New York Yankees, known for his impressive home runs.
• Sabrina Ionescu: WNBA All-Star and point guard for the New York Liberty, recognized for her elite playmaking and shooting.
• Kyrie Irving: Point guard for the Brooklyn Nets, known for his skill and clutch performances.
• Coco Gauff: US Open champion and rising tennis star, training and residing in NYC part-time.
• Saquon Barkley: Running back for the New York Giants, celebrated for his athleticism and speed.
• Francisco Lindor: Shortstop for the New York Mets, known for his defensive prowess and offensive contributions.
• Ilya Sorokin: Goalie for the New York Islanders, acclaimed for his performance in net.
• Erin Matson: U.S. field hockey star and advocate for women's sports, involved in NYC training initiatives.

Which comes first, the speaker or the venue? If you've already secured talent for your event, and are looking for a great location to match your exciting line-up, these local options can help:

Top Corporate Event Venues in New York City

• Lavan 641: A luxurious space in Midtown with high-tech features, accommodating 10 to 800 guests.
• The Glasshouse: Offers stunning views and versatile spaces, ideal for various corporate events.
• Pier Sixty: A waterfront venue with 20,000 square feet of flexible space and beautiful views of the Hudson River.
• Gotham Hall: An Art Deco venue with a grand ballroom for up to 1,500 guests, located in Midtown.
• Capitale: Features a majestic ballroom that can host up to 1,500 guests, perfect for large gatherings.

Top Conference Venues in New York City

• The Farm Soho: Offers versatile meeting spaces in a cozy setting, ideal for smaller corporate events.
• NYC Seminar and Conference Center: Known for its high-tech facilities and accommodating staff, suitable for larger gatherings.
• Apella: A modern venue on the East River, perfect for conferences with multiple meeting rooms.
• Convene 101 Park Ave: Features spacious layouts with natural light, catering to diverse corporate events.
• Jay Conference Fifth Avenue: Provides flexible meeting spaces with advanced technology for corporate needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book a keynote or motivational speaker in New York?

Start with your event's theme, audience size and budget, then reach out to a speaker agency or directly to the speaker you have in mind. PepTalk's team will check availability across Manhattan, the outer boroughs and the wider New York State area, confirm fees and any customisation to the session, and handle the contract, schedule and technical requirements from there. Get in touch with PepTalk and we'll shortlist the right speaker for your event.

What do keynote or motivational speakers in New York cost?

Fees vary widely depending on the speaker's profile, experience and how long you need them for, and can run from a few thousand dollars to considerably more once travel and accommodation are added. We typically start booking speakers for New York events from $3,000. Choosing a speaker who already lives in or near the city is one of the easiest ways to keep costs down. Contact us for a quote tailored to your budget.

Are there additional costs besides the speaker's fee, such as travel or accommodation?

Travel and accommodation are usually the main extra cost on top of a speaker's fee. Booking someone already based in New York can reduce or remove this entirely, since there's no flight or hotel to factor in.

Can I get advice or recommendations for speakers that match my New York event theme or topic?

Yes. PepTalk has helped organisations across New York plan conferences, offsites and team events for years, and we're happy to talk through your brief and suggest speakers from our network of over 3,000 experts who fit your theme, audience and budget.

💡 Are you looking to secure a New York 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!