Connecting People with People! We will help you find the perfect fit for your event - keynote & motivational speakers, entertainers, comedians, impersonators, emcees, athletes, celebrities, entertainers, musicians... for the same cost as going direct to the person! We have access to over 18,000+ people and can help connect you with the perfect fit for your organization's needs [and keep within your budget!] For more information on booking a speaker or our services, contact us at 913.648.6480 or email at fivestar@fivestarspeakers.com.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

From Wired: Inside Google Plus

With such dramatic changes in Facebook, I often see people posting that they can't wait for people to start migrating to Google +.  For me, I can't handle one social network, let alone 2. Or 1.5. Whatever.
Although, I did jump on the early adopter bandwagon with my first week invite, touche.

With their 'circles' feature and 'Hangouts' (a collective video conference of your pals), Google+ seems to be more appealing than Facebook, who is starting to look a little like MySpace. Eu, where is my tween background?

Wired takes a gander here http://www.wired.com/magazine/2011/09/ff_google_horowitz/all/1 at Google+ and all its bells and whistles--and sits down with Google VP Brad Horowitz.

Will you convert, or are you over social networking?

Joel Harper Interview on Liza Oz/Oprah Radio

Celebrity trainer Joel Harper was interviewed yesterday on Liza Oz's on Oprah Radio, (XM 111 & SIRIUS 204). 

Harper's client list spans from Gold Medalists, Broadway stars, 10-year-old kids to business executives. He can work with your employees individually or in large group to help you make your company even more successful than it is today, since you will have more motivated employees who feel great about themselves physically and emotionally and who want to perform better at all levels in their lives.

For more information on Joel, visit his profile here: http://bureau.espeakers.com/5str/speaker.php?sid=15607&showreturntoresults=true

For information regarding his fees and availability, contact FIVE STAR here: fivestar@fivestarspeakers.com | http://www.fivestarspeakers.com/ | 913.648.6480 

Monday, September 26, 2011

Orbit the Earth in HD

What does it look like to fly over the Earth, astronaut style? Scifi guy James Drake took over 600 images from the astronaut photo archive to bring us this cool piece of goodness via the internets.
Enjoy.

http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2011-09/video-astronaut-photo-mosaic-lets-you-fly-across-earth-hd?cmp=tw

From TED: 'Sunny Brown: Doodlers, Unite!!'

I, for one.. am a doodler, but please don't tell Steve. When I need to get that creativity going, I stare out into the cosmos and doodle on whatever is near. Mostly circles of circles of circles.

Sunny Brown breaks it down in this very cool and interesting TED talks speech:

'Studies show that sketching and doodling improve our comprehension -- and our creative thinking. So why do we still feel embarrassed when we're caught doodling in a meeting? Sunni Brown says: Doodlers, unite! She makes the case for unlocking your brain via pad and pen.'

There IS value in doodling.

fivestar@fivestarspeakers.com | http://www.fivestarspeakers.com/ | 913.648.6480 

Robin Creasman Debuts New TV Show on the CW Network

Robin Creasman, award winning television producer and director (aka 'The Rock Star Producer & Performance Coach), latest project is 'Troubadour' TX'. The 22 episode "docu-reality" debuted nationally on The CW Network last night.

The series revolves around the lives and journey's of Texas based singer/songwriters on their road to success and stardom. Creasman, who produces the show says, 'it's a cool series that talks a lot about the music business and the struggles of talented, but unknown artists traveling their road to building a career in the music business' and adds that it 'sounds similar to the speaking industry'. Creasman is also a nationally known professional speaker.
Creasman speaks to and coaches business leaders, salespeople, entrepreneurs, small business owners, and professional speakers with strategies from the world of entertainment on how to Stand Out, Market, and Perform Like A Rock Star™ whether they are on-stage, in the boardroom, or on a sales call.

For more information on his show, visit http://www.TroubadourTX.com and for more on Creasman, visit his profile here: http://bureau.espeakers.com/5str/speaker.php?sid=15428&showreturntoresults=true

For information regarding his fees and availability, contact FIVE STAR here: fivestar@fivestarspeakers.com | http://www.fivestarspeakers.com/ | 913.648.6480 

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Facebook's f8 Conference... SOS

I logged into my FB account yesterday morning amid confusion, a lot of complaining and one heck of an overnight surprise redesign. It's obvious that Zuckerburg and his technofools have a lot more free time on their hands than the rest of us.

That said, apparently, they are going to unveil many more changes TODAY and should be unveiling them throughout the next few weeks.

I'm all about change, as are many of you...but why is it stressing the world out so much?

Get the latest FB scoop from the Huff Post on their F8 conference live blog, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/22/facebook-f8-conference-live-blog-latest-news_n_975704.html

From TED: Sarah Kaminsky: My father the forger

Great story from Sarah Kaminsky, who t tells the extraordinary story of her father Adolpho and his activity during World War II -- using his ingenuity and talent for forgery to save lives.

See it here: http://www.ted.com/talks/sarah_kaminsky.html

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

FIVE STAR Speakers Showcase Line Up Announced

FIVE STAR Speakers and Trainers are pleased to announce our Fall 2011 Speakers Showcase in Kansas City on November 3rd. Come and preview 17 keynote speakers and corporate entertainers in one amazing event.

The FIVE STAR Speakers Showcase will be held at the Bacchanalia Event Space, in Overland Park, Kansas.

FIVE STAR Speakers Showcase Event Lineup:

David Deboy-Emcee
Steven S. Little - Authority on proven growth strategies for 21st century businesses organizations and communities.
Joel Comm - Fifteen-year Internet entrepreneur, mobile expert, social media strategist, software developer, New York Times best-selling author and international speaker.
Marilyn Sherman- Author and inspirational speaker, Marilyn is known as the go-to motivational speaker in the foodservice industry helping people get out of their comfort zone and get a front-row seat in life!
Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald - Perhaps best known for his 10 seasons on the popular Animal Planet TV show Emergency Vets, Kevin’s passion for making people laugh is surpassed only by his unwavering dedication to all creatures great and small.
Jonathan Edison - Electrifying speaker and best-selling author that delivers high energy presentations and is known as the "Resiliency Expert."
Gregg Gregory, CSP - Gregg works with, and speaks to, organizations to design the cooperative teams they need to produce results they want within a culture of collaboration and teamwork.
 •Cary Hall - America’s Healthcare Advocate - A nationally syndicated talk show host with eight years of broadcast experience and two nationally syndicated show broadcasting coast to coast reaching 3.1 million people a week.
Mike Rayburn - What If...? Carnegie Hall & Las Vegas Headliner teaches possibility thinking... how you to get to YOUR Carnegie Hall.
Scott Christopher - Author of THE LEVITY EFFECT: WHY IT PAYS TO LIGHTEN UP, Keynote Speaker, Trainer and Humorist.
Christine Cashen, CSP - A hilarious speaker on sparking innovative ideas to handle conflict, reduce stress and energize employees.
Ross Bernstein - Best-selling author of nearly 50 sports books! He's interviewed thousands of professional athletes over the years and is truly an expert in understanding what it takes to make a successful team — both on and off the field.
Tim Gabrielson - Using quick wit, interactive magic and a playful spirit to connect with his audience, Tim focuses on his underlying theme of "keeping it funny" and helps audiences choose to live positively, as he takes them on his comedic journey.
Dr. Gregg Steinberg - Hailed by Golf Digest as one of the sports' great masterminds, Gregg is a renowned author, sport psychologist, and media personality, speaks to businesses about change, peak performance, and more!
Jim Jacobus - Real-World People ... World Class Results!
Chip Bell - Best-selling author: Take Their Breath Away; Wired and Dangerous; Customers as Partners; Magnetic Service. Chip Bell has helped many Fortune 100 companies dramatically enhance their bottom lines and marketplace reputation through innovative customer-centric strategies.

Additional Showcase Info:

  • Registration & Breakfast: 7:45am-8:25am:
  • SPEAKERS SHOWCASE: 8:30am-4:30pm
  • Client Appreciation Reception & Networking Happy Hour: 4:30pm-6:30pm

The cost is free to attend, and you may register here: http://kc2011showcase.eventbrite.com/







Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Bill Rancic Speaks: FIVE STAR on the Move

We were all excited to see Bill Rancic speak this morning at the OP Convention Center. Among us, a sprinkling of people in bright orange highway construction vests (?) and a few delish poppyseed muffins.

Rancic is exactly how he is on TV--poised, laid back, genuine, highly relatable.  You get the feeling that he really was/is portrayed as himself on reality tv.  This made me ponder this question for 3.2 seconds:  What does that say about Omarosa?  I forgot about her until today.

While the audience, a collection of project managers, listened to Bill speak about his time with The Donald, managing the famed Trump building in Chicago and his entrepreneurial endeavors--he questioned why some of us are super successful in life and while the majority of us are not. Are we afraid of failure?  Probably so.

One of his final quotes, appropriate for today's current economic situation (and a book by Robert Schuller),  'Tough times don't last, but tough people do', couldn't ring more true.

Bill Rancic was amazeballs (to quote his wife, Giuliana) and is currently available for speaking engagements.

For information regarding his fees and availability, contact FIVE STAR here: fivestar@fivestarspeakers.com | http://www.fivestarspeakers.com/ | 913.648.6480 

Monday, September 19, 2011

From Fast Company: How Windows 8 Will Help You Crank @ Work

Using Windows (any version) pretty much scares me as bad as the dreaded blue computer screen. I took a look at Windows 8 last week and amid it's tiles, the Metro (isn't that a fancy name for underground transportation and the KC Metro bus system?), apps and green screen... it scares the bajeezus out of me.

Whereas I look forward to cranking work out @ work on my ipad in an incubator space, the folks @ Microsoft swear it's the latest and greatest and won't freeze up on you like Windows 98, Vista, or whatever you currently use.

I'm not sold, but the tecnhocool guys @ Fast Company are believers.

Read it here:  http://www.fastcompany.com/1780754/how-windows-8-will-help-you-crank-at-work

Friday, September 16, 2011

W Mitchell: "If Not How, When'

Listening to the awe inspiring story of W Mitchell--who was not only a burn victim due to a horrific motorcycle accident, only to turn around and be paralyzed due to an airplane accident, you can't help but be inspired.

Mitchell talked about the most difficult struggle of his entire recovery was learning how to transfer from his wheelchair to the couch and back. He asked us as an audience, 'what transfer are you avoiding?' Which makes you think. Mitchell also went on to remind us that your dreams should never get pushed away and it's never too late.

We are all the captains of our own destiny, and it's never too late  to dream your dream.

W. Mitchell is currently available for speaking engagements.

For information regarding his fees and availability, contact FIVE STAR here: fivestar@fivestarspeakers.com | http://www.fivestarspeakers.com/ | 913.648.6480

Thursday, September 15, 2011

I Have a Showcase Secret....

The FIVE STAR gang has a secret and we are giggling with glee (not the show, but you know what I mean).

The Speaker Showcase is set in stone and we could not be more excited with the speakers we have in store for you on 11/3!!!

Don't forget that the showcase is FREE to attend, and you get breakfast, lunch, snacks and even an after show networking happy hour!!!

SAVE THE DATE!

FIVE STAR Speakers and Trainers are pleased to announce our Fall 2011 Speakers Showcase in Kansas City on November 3rd. Come and preview 16 keynote speakers and corporate entertainers in one amazing event.

The FIVE STAR Speakers Showcase will be held at the Bacchanalia Event Space, in Overland Park, Kansas.

FIVE STAR Speakers Showcase Event Lineup:
  • Registration & Breakfast: 7:45am-8:25am:
  • SPEAKERS SHOWCASE: 8:30am-4:30pm
  • Client Appreciation Reception & Networking Happy Hour: 4:30pm-6:30pm

The cost is free to attend, and you may register here: http://kc2011showcase.eventbrite.com/

The showcase lineup will be announced the 1st of September.

fivestar@fivestarspeakers.com | http://www.fivestarspeakers.com/ | 913.648.6480


Monday, September 12, 2011

From Mashable: 7 Ways to Improve Your Event Planning with Facebook

Great read from Mashable: 7 Ways to Improve Your Event Planning with Facebook
I also think this is a great take-away:
'According to recent Eventbrite data, 10% of those purchasing tickets through Eventbrite share the event on Facebook. Including social sharing options at the point of purchase is helpful, however, event planners may find more value by following Eventbrite’s step-by-step guide to creating a Facebook event that syncs up with Eventbrite’s ticket-selling platform. Friends and contacts can view event details on Facebook and then register by clicking on the event link, which takes them back to the original Eventbrite page.'

How would you use Facebook differently for your next event?

'America Now' with Leeza Gibbons & Bill Rancic Premiers Today

'America Now' with Leeza Gibbons and Bill Rancic premiers today nationwide, mainly on local Fox stations.

'America Now' has a great format, taking each segment which runs from 2-3 minutes, and then pushes them to the web for more information. That way, viewers can see what peaks their interest and dive deeper if they choose. The show focuses on on lifestyle topics and everything from health and beauty--to finance, family and home.

Both Bill Rancic and Leeza Gibbons are currently available for speaking engagements.

For information regarding their fees and availability, contact FIVE STAR here: fivestar@fivestarspeakers.com | http://www.fivestarspeakers.com/ | 913.648.6480

Friday, September 9, 2011

Dr. Peter Diamandis: Innovation Speaker

When the FIVE STAR head honcho says 'check out this speaker', we all do.
Meet Dr. Peter Diamandis, one of the game changers of the innovation world. Peter is focused on driving breakthroughs in products, companies and industries. He is passionate about solving some of the world’s grand challenges. If you’re interested in driving and incentivize breakthrough thinking within your company or industry; or if you’re interested getting experts around the world motivated to solve your insolvable problems, you need to create the proper incentives and establish clear, measurable and objective goals.

Diamandis inspires and moves audiences to action. His message is clear: there is no challenge that cannot be overcome. It is a matter of having a clear objective goal, clarity of what you are measuring and incentivize the right community to solve your challenge. Using personal, in-depth and inspirational stories, Diamandis has been called “one of the best speakers ever” by numerous CEO-level audiences. He has received accolades from an impressively diverse list of listeners: Google, Microsoft, the United Nations, Facebook, TED, PhRMAs CEO Conference, Autodesk and Activision-Blizzard to name a few. Diamandis is a frequent contributor to CNN, CNBC and MSNBC.

The founder of the X PRIZE foundation, best known for the $10 million Ansari X PRIZE (www.xprize.org) for private spaceflight, Diamandis and X PRIZE have been hired by the following groups to create incentivize innovation: Google, Cisco, Shell, Progressive Insurance, NASA, US Department of Energy, and the US Department of Transportation to name a few.

For more information regarding fees and availability, contact FIVE STAR here: fivestar@fivestarspeakers.com | http://www.fivestarspeakers.com/ | 913.648.6480

Vince Papale: 'Be Invincible'

The FIVE STAR gang headed to breakfast this morning to see Vince Papale (oldest NFL rookie and subject of the movie 'Invincable') speak. While I snuck bacon from Sarah's plate, Mr. Papale made us ask ourselves,  'What is your invincible moment'?

You would think making it to the NFL, would be Vince's invincible moment...but in actuality, it was earning a college track scholarship in pole vaulting (and learning about it on Father's Day).

Former KC Chief head coach, Dick Vermeil, gave Vince a shot at his dream and like he said, 'happy are those who dream dreams', which could not be more true.

Papale stopped by the office and dropped of copies of his book, 'Be Invincible', which he co-authored with wife, Janet Cantwell-Papale.

For more information regarding fees and availability, contact FIVE STAR here: fivestar@fivestarspeakers.com | http://www.fivestarspeakers.com/ | 913.648.6480