Request Your Copy of LAI's Capabilities Brochure

Request your copy of Leading Authorities' brand new capabilities brochure. This complimentary, full-color book can be a tremendous resource for you as you plan your next event or meeting. Filled with insights and tools for taking your event to the next level, the brochure includes:

*Highlights of the Industry's Best Speakers
*Best Practices on Production and Event Design
*Tips on Buying Entertainment
*New Ideas on using Video

Please drop me a line or a phone call and request your copy of our new capabilities brochure. Our team looks forward to working with you on your events.

Who's Your Favorite Speaker?

Who's Your Favorite? (Dewitt Jones!)

The July issue of "Meetings & Conventions" magazine includes an impressive list of meeting planner's favorite speakers. Planners were asked, "Who is the best keynote presenter you have ever heard or used?"

Dewitt Jones and many other speakers we book frequently are very proud to be included in that list along side such greats as: Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Bill Gates, Al Gore, Lou Heckler, Keith Harrell, Lou Holtz, Charlie Plumb, Colin Powell, Tim Sanders, Tony Robbins and Zig Ziglar.

Take a peek for yourself



For more information on Dewitt's incredible presentations please do not hesitate to reach out

Matthew Slaugther: Op-Ed in Tomorrow's Wall Street Journal

Great article by our friend Matthew Slaughter - The Foreign Investment Solution for American Jobs

 

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703467304575383701666789416.html?mod=WSJ_newsreel_opinion

Paco Underhill Book Review - What Women Want

Paco Underhill Book Review

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/23/AR2010072302541.html

Tony Schwartz on Dylan Ratigan

Tony Schwartz and Dylan Ratigan chatting it up.  Two of my favorites on TV together once again. 

The Way We're Working Isn't Working...

Tim Sanders - Meeting Professionals' Favorite Speaker

 Congrats Tim!

Tim Sanders is a Meeting Professionals Favorite Over the last number of months, planners have been  asked to answer this question: Who is the best keynote presenter  you have ever heard or used? In the July issue of Meetings & Conventions magazine, Tim Sanders was named as one of the best along with such greats as:  Ken Blanchard, Marcus Buckingham, Steven R. Covey, Bill Gates, Rudy Giuliani, Dr. Kjell Nordstrom and Colin Powell.  Call us today to book Tim Sanders! Tim Sanders: More Than a Keynote Speaker Tim's business expertise and deep research capabilities make him an indispensible consultant to some of the biggest brands in the world. He speaks for strong business relationships, both internal and external. "Get them right," he says, "and you'll grow your business during good and bad times alike." Tim's relevant point of view and reputation as a people expert makes him one of the most in demand keynote speakers on the conference and convention circuit. Click here to watch an excerpt from Tim's presentations. Click here to see the entire list.

Fred Suss Provides Cost-Effective Entertainment

A message sent from my friend and entertainment source, Fred Suss. 

I'm regularly asked about the corporate entertainment market, so I thought I'd put together a quick update for our clients.  Today, savvy organizations are finding the current economic climate is to their advantage when it comes to booking entertainment. More and more, top notch acts are embracing private dates. The quality of the acts available for corporate dates is as good today as I've ever seen, as is the value groups are seeing when they are booking them.
Luckily, it's now possible to get a lot of bang for your buck. Quality entertainment and name recognition can still be had with slimmer budgets. Many acts have reduced their normal corporate entertainment fees in an effort to get bookings. For slightly more money than you would spend for a quality dance band, you can actually book a "name" band. Classic rock and 80's pop acts with hit songs are still hugely popular with today's business generation. With a little creativity, we can offer name attractions at any reasonable budget. That is our specialty. 
Sometimes a good entertainment concept can serve as a headline act.  For example, for one client we booked Kara DioGuardi, a judge from American Idol. She performed a couple solo songs, and then emceed an evening of performances by popular American Idol contestants from recent seasons. This made for a wonderful variety-type show at an agreeable price tag for our client.
Here is a handful of great acts in all price ranges who have had success performing private shows. Even better, many offer reduced performing fees.
Smash Mouth, Barenaked Ladies, The B-52s, Foreigner, The O'Jays, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Rob Thomas,  Jason Alexander, Christopher Cross, The Pointer Sisters, Kool & The Gang,  The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Beach Boys,  The Gin Blossoms, Three Dog Night, The Turtles, Little River Band, Jo Dee Messina,  Kenny Loggins,  Blues Traveler, The Spinners, and The World Classic Rockers.
To find the right entertainment act at the right price for your event, call us at 202-783-0300. Leading Authorities has a staff of program consultants who have years of experience booking entertainment.
Read more about LAI's approach to entertainment here.
Best,

Fred

Fred Suss
Director of Entertainment
Leading Authorities, Inc.
1990 M St., NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036

Erik Weihenmayer - Speaker Video of the Day

Erik's on my mind this morning as I work through a potential sponsorship of a wounded warrior. If you don't know Erik, you're missing out on someone special. Enjoy.

Doug Devitre Speaker - Social Media Shortcuts to More Sales, Security, and Success - National Speakers Association Annual Convention NSA

I just dug up this SlideShare Presentation by Doug Devitre from the speech he just gave at the National Speakers Association annual 2010 conference. The speech was on creating a social media campaign for your personal brand. Not bad at all, in fact I think I will be implementing a few of the strategies myself. Check it out...

Social Media Shortcuts to More Sales, Security, and Success - National Speakers Association Annual Convention NSA

View more presentations from Doug Devitre.

If you're interested in having Doug deliver this presentation to your audience at your event, drop me an email at Saul At Lauthorities.com or you can reach me direct at (202) 721-7675.

Mike Allen's Playbook and Politico

So I was working with a client today tracking down journalists to discuss beltway politics with a group of their members, and Mike Allen’s name came up. I can’t believe I didn’t share this article written by Mark Leibovich of the NY Times earlier… So as I forward it to my client, I will share it with you as well…

The following comes from the NY Times back in April. Enjoy:

The Man the White House Wakes Up To

Thank you Mark

Enhance your meeting with comedy!

Here's a way to get the water-coolers buzzing. Bring your team a customized comedy show prepared specifically for your industry, and you'll achieve team-building, inspiration, and motivation in one belly-aching swoop. The trick is finding the right comedian--someone who does their homework, gets to know the clients, and skews smart. Leading Authorities represents the folks that know how to bring the funny:

*Second City is the troupe where everyone from Mike Myers to Tina Fey and Steve Carell honed their improv skills. They'll prepare a live, customized comedy show including original scenes crafted by theirs writers and based on the day-to-day life of your company and business.

*Paul Mecurio is a Wall Street lawyer turned Daily Show scribe who kills with corporate crowds. His work experience means he speaks their language, and clients are consistently impressed by how deeply Paul has researched their organization, and their industry. Each show is completely unique and filled with hilarious observations and banter from the Emmy-winning comedian.

*Dave Werner is another veteran of the nine-to-five world, a former Senate staffer and graduate of Yale Law School. He's now found his niche crafting witty song cycles about current events, presidential gaffes, and life inside the beltway. Each show also includes special material based on pre-event interviews with the client to ensure the show has broad appeal to attendees and guests.

*Kathleen Madigan has been called one of America's funniest comedians by Jay Leno, and her superb timing and polished act has made her a favorite among clients. She starred in her own HBO Half-Hour Comedy Special and has made appearances on Leno, Letterman, and Comedy Central, and more.

*Darrell Hammond is a recognizable face from SNL, and a master of the political impression. He's known for tackling impressions of the entire administration--sometimes in the same sketch. A real pro, Darrell Hammond brings star power combined with an accessible and unpretentious style that keeps audiences cheering.

Enjoy the videos, and drop me a line if you have any Q’s. Have a great weekend!

The Growing Influence of Morning Joe

I wanted to share a recent AP article about Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski; their coverage of the Gen. McChrystal scandal put the story on the national agenda. AP calls it "the growing influence of MSNBC's 'Morning Joe'", and notes that show is a must-see for DC power-players.

When Scarborough first heard about the now infamous Rolling Stone article, he immediately made the story the chief topic of that morning's show. Scarborough and Brzezinski bring this same passion for news and current events to their speaking engagements. As Joe says, "We go where the news takes us... I love news. I love politics. I love foreign policy and I love the fact that we've got a group of people who share that love." The duo is often paired together on stage, giving audiences real insight from two rising stars.

Despite their backgrounds--Joe is a former Republican Congressman from Florida and Mika is the daughter of former National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski--they are praised for being unpredictable with their opinions. With great energy and humor, each speech offers a fast-paced behind-the-scenes perspective into the news of the day.

If you are interested in booking Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, as a pairing, or on their own, please contact drop me line.

Ed Gillespie and Terry McAuliffe

With just three months to go until the 2010 midterm elections, there is still no clear narrative. Incumbents are out...or are they? The Republicans will win 8 Senate seats...or will they? It's 1994 all over again...or is it? To lend insight into what is shaping up to be an exciting election season, Leading Authorities invites you to join Ed Gillespie and Terry McAuliffe for a discussion at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, July 15th.

Two of the most prominent and successful members of the Republican and Democratic parties, Ed and Terry are ultimate insiders who revolutionized campaigning, coalition-building, and strategic communications. Ed, the former chairman of the RNC, and Terry, former chairman of the DNC, are two of the sharpest minds in politics today. They'll assess the major players and policies of the current administration and debate the dominant issues of political discourse.

Demand for our events with Ed and Terry is always strong, so please RSVP as soon as possible. Breakfast and networking will begin at 8:00 a.m. and the presentation will conclude by 9:30 a.m. The event will take place at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce located at 1615 H Street, NW. please contact me at 202-721-7675 or saul@lauthorities.com to secure a seat.

A Tip from Ferrazzi

Keith Ferrazzi is an excellent relationship and communication coach. I thought I’d share a few tips from his recent blogpost. If you’re interested in learning more about him as a speaker please let me know – otherwise enjoy the tips below, I wonder how many relationships would be improved by remembering to use these simple tips.

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Tip 222 - Don't Be a Jerk - SHARPEN Your Communication Skills

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Poor communication skills? You CAN improve them – and you should, because those who don’t often end up getting written off as “jerks.” Your career will suffer, particularly when it comes to your ability to collaborate and lead.

To help you along the way, I asked one of our RMA Coaches, Stephanie Vora, to pull together a list of the top practices she and other coaches use to create productive relationships with clients. One of the first priorities of a coach is to set their clients at ease in the relationship so that communication is never a barrier to finding the best solution.

Here’s my three favorites of the top six she shared with RMAers on their weekly coaching call. My suggestion: Get started by picking one to focus on in the next few days. Once it becomes a habit, move onto the next.

1. Ask for permission: Make sure the person you are speaking with is ready and willing to engage. Always ask people if they have time to talk or if another time would be better. Also ask if it’s OK to talk about sensitive topics ( e.g., Do you mind if I ask you a personal question about your family?).

2. Clarify what has been said: Showing that you have really listened and understood by mirroring a person’s remarks back at him or her builds incredible trust. This is a form of active listening. When mirroring remarks, make sure you capture the essence and be succinct. Also, remember less is more. The focus is on them.

3. Ask great open ended questions: Make them really think with questions that keep the conversation moving. Focus on forward and solution-focused questions; don't harp on the past. Try to challenge people to think things through rather than just giving them an answer.

Thanks to Stephanie for these great tips.

What are your top habits for the very best communication? Hit the blog!

Warmest,

Keith

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Click here to save a spot in the next Relationship Masters Academy class, coming soon.

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Some Recent Event Video Production

I must say that our video producers are extremely talented. I will post more work shortly, but thought that I would share a few of their recent works for now. Enjoy!

If you're curious about we can put similar videos together for your event, incorporating your event marketing strategy and brand personality, just give me a hollar!

CBA LIVE 2010 Theme Graphic from Leading Authorities on Vimeo.

ICI 2010 GMM Event Intro from Leading Authorities on Vimeo.

ICI 2010 GMM Event Promo from Leading Authorities on Vimeo.

Key Insight on the 2010 Midterms

The 2010 midterm elections are 125 days away and the narrative is constantly changing. Leading Authorities represents an unmatched group of political analysts, political leaders, and bi-partisan commentators with key insight into specific issues and races. What will the 2010 midterm elections mean for your industry and your organization? These speakers have the answers:

Bi-partisan Political Outlook

Charlie Cook	John Harris
Stu Rothenberg	Jim VandeHei
Chuck Todd	Mike Allen
Bob Woodward	Kelly O'Donnell
Ron Brownstein	Larry Sabato

Political Leaders

Trent Lott	Andy Stern
John Breaux	Carlos Gutierrez
Nick Burns	Arthur Levitt
Jon Corzine	George Mitchell
John Sununu	Stephen Hadley
Michael Hayden	Dan Christman
Anthony Zinni	Christopher Cox
Tom Ridge

Point-Counterpoint Debate Pairings

On the Left	On the Right
Mika Brzezinski	Joe Scarborough
Terry McAuliffe	Ed Gillespie
Donna Brazile	Dana Perino
Anita Dunn	Dan Bartlett
Peter Beinart	Tony Blankley
Jamal Simmons	Amy Holmes
Eleanor Clift	Ron Christie
Peter Hart	Frank Luntz

To learn more about these speakers you can always call me direct at (202) 721-7675, or if you if you have a simple question that needs answered drop me a note at saul@lauthorities.com