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.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Mark Devolder: Standing O and Top 5 Management Speaker Nomination

Huge congratulations to Change Management speaker Mark Devolder who received a standing ovation when he recently spoke to 90 of Bogota, Colombia's Top CEO's and prepared them for the implementation of the new Free Trade Agreement with the U.S.

To add to the excitement, DeVolder has been nominated once again for the Speakers Platform Top5, which recognizes the top five speakers within ten popular speaking areas.

Mark received a Top5 Speaker for Change Management in both 2010 and 2011. This year, DeVolder is nominated in the Management/Business category.

You can may go to http://speaking.com/top5/  and vote for your faves!

For more information, or to inquire about Mark Devolder's fees & availability, go here: fivestar@fivestarspeakers.com | http://www.fivestarspeakers.com/ | 913.648.6480

Great New Video from Aaron Davis

Aaron Davis just launched a great new video with Johnny Schrunk--'How to Help Entrepreneur's Through Mobile Marketing'.

Both Davis and Schrunk talk about the law of attraction, just how powerful it is,  and how to reach as many people as possible through your message via mobile marketing.

Watch their video for some time saving techniques that everyone (not just entrepreneurs) could use!

Davis is known as “The Enthusiator” because of his contagious enthusiasm to equip others to perform like champions. His powerful and high-energy presentations are interactive, fresh and yet simple so that anyone can use his tips and techniques to attain greater success professionally and personally

Aaron is not just a speaker 'telling' other companies and individuals how to succeed, he's in the trenches everyday as the President of his own consulting firm, ADP, Inc. and understands firsthand what it takes to perform like a champion.

For more information, or to inquire about Aaron Davis' fees & availability, go here: fivestar@fivestarspeakers.com | http://www.fivestarspeakers.com/ | 913.648.6480

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Chip Bell: Texas Sized Showcase Mingling

Rounding out our showcase was the ever charismatic Chip Bell--who, if you remember, made us giggle with glee and LOL this summer on one of our weekly speaker calls.  With a heart as big as Texas and a Texas sized accent, the FIVE STAR team couldn't wait to meet him in person.

Bell worked the crowd during our showcase lunch break, mingling with our clients and chit chatting about the day. I thought that was very representative of how he would be at a speaking engagement--hands on.

Most recently, The Chip Bell Group  was ranked number 14 in the North American category of Independent Consultants/Trainers/Coaches in their Leadership 500 ranking. The Leadership 500 is an annual ranking of the best individuals, teams, and organizations in leadership development practices and employee motivation-productivity.

His latest book, Wired and Dangerous: How Your Customers Have Changed and What to Do About It', with John R. Patterson, is currently on the Inc. Magazine top 25 best-selling books list. It is also the #1 best-selling customer service book on Amazon.com.

When asked what made him stand out from other keynotes, he replied 'I have fun with the audience, I'm engaging and well prepared...and I'm darn good looking!'. Chip also says his favorite group to speak to is 'the after lunch time group', which alludes to his enthusiasm and energy level.

For more on Chip, go here: http://bureau.espeakers.com/5str/speaker.php?sid=19186&showreturntoresults=true

For more information, or to inquire about Chip Bell's fees & availability, go here: fivestar@fivestarspeakers.com | http://www.fivestarspeakers.com/ | 913.648.6480

Monday, November 28, 2011

Dee Wallace and FIVE STAR


                                         Thanks to Dee Wallace for stopping by the FIVE STAR offices last Wednesday!

FIVE STAR Team L to R:  James Bauchum, Dee Wallace, Charlotte Raybourn, Kasey Klugman, Jennifer Cook, Mary Anne McNeish, Glenna Beytien, CEO Steve Gardner and Sarah Whitten, front row.

Showcase Speaker Profile: Jim Jacobus, CSP

Jim Jacobus is just one of those people who lights up a room. While joking about his son's college pranks and wondering where in the world he could get a few Snicker's bars for his presentation (luckily I had a few stashed in my car, don't ask) you'll find Jacobus to be about the nicest guy on earth.

For almost two decades Jim Jacobus, CSP has shared that message with his audiences around the world. For at least one brief moment each of us has experienced the incredible potential that lies inside. Some experience it more often than others and some for longer periods of time. But every one of us has experienced it and long to make it an every day occurrence.

Jacobus is an international expert on extraordinary performance or what it would take for us individually and collectively, personally or professionally, to experience our immense potential. He is a trusted resource for organizations looking to get maximum results in today's competitive environment. What does it take to be considered an expert in performance? How about the following for starters?

Jacobus is not only a world-class speaker...but is the 6 times Chrysler National Long Drive regional champion with a personal best in competition of 426 yards! WOAH.

For more information, or to inquire about Jim Jacobus' fees & availability, go here: fivestar@fivestarspeakers.com | http://www.fivestarspeakers.com/ | 913.648.6480

Cyber Monday.... Smart Marketing or the Real Deal

Ever wonder how marketing phenon Cyber Monday began?  It's grown incredibly since it began in 2005...but how?
In 2010, sales topped 1 BILLION dollars, and I laugh at the thought of all my friends shopping in secret in their cubes/offices/workspaces today.

Mashable takes a peek into the smartest online marketing campaign of all time.

Nerd Alert: Check out their super cool infographic.

A Holiday Visit with Dee Wallace

The FIVE STAR team was lucky enough to have Kansas City native and award winning actress Dee Wallace stop by our offices just before our Thanksgiving vacation!

The ever inspirational Dee, spoke to us about her must-read book, 'Bright Light', her latest project with Rob Zombie, 'The Lords of Salem' and her words of wisdom about life, love and being the best that we can be.

Dee is not only an accomplished actress and author, but an amazing motivational speaker!

To learn more about Dee Wallace, go here: http://bureau.espeakers.com/5str/speaker.php?sid=16110&showreturntoresults=true

For more information, or to inquire about Dee Wallace's fees & availability, go here: fivestar@fivestarspeakers.com | http://www.fivestarspeakers.com/ | 913.648.6480

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Hop Aboard the Gravy Train With FIVE STAR's Talented Speakers!!!

This Thanksgiving don't just gobble up your turkey, tators & pumpkin pie... hop aboard the gravy train with FIVE STAR Speakers & Trainers!


We know it's that time of year to give thanks, spend time with family & friends & (over) eat some amazing food... but it's also a great time to wrap up the calendar year and focus on how you'll grow your business as we enter a new year!

Check out a few of the amazing FIVE STAR business growth speakers below. Perhaps one may be the perfect ingredient to your gravy success train! All aboard!




CHIP BELL: JUST ranked#14 for the Leadership Excellence Award - 2011 Best in Leadership Development! Chip Bell is also a best-selling author of books: Take Their Breath Away, Wired and Dangerous, Customers as Partners & Magnetic Service. Fee: $10,000
Travels From: Atlanta, Georgia
Read Chip Bell's Full Bio & Watch his Demo Video
Request More information on Chip Bell

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STEVEN S. LITTLE: Despite the ongoing challenges of an often choppy economic recovery, growth-oriented leaders everywhere are once again eager to learn about new and better ways to build their businesses. Steven S. Little can help! . Fee: $10,000
Travels From: Atlanta, Georgia
Read Steven S. Little's Full Bio & Watch his Demo Video
Request More information on Steven S. Little




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SHEILA MURRAY BETHEL, PhD: Best-selling author, a global expert on leadership & customer service. Business savvy & people smart, Sheila understands how & why people perform at their best & what it takes to build & sustain a successful business. Fee: $15,000 - $20,000
Travels From: San Francisco, California
Read Sheila Murray Bethel, PhD's Full Bio & Watch his Demo Video
Request More information on Sheila Murray Bethel, PhD

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SAM RICHTER: An award-winning marketing and sales professional, Sam Richter is one of the world's foremost experts on finding online information and using it to improve relationships, close more deals, and build better relationships.
Fee: $5,000 - $15,000
Travels From: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Read Sam Richter's Full Bio & Watch his Demo Video
Request More information on Sam Richter

Why Not Bring the Pro Football Hall of Fame to Your Next Meeting?

Last month, FIVE STAR Speakers & Trainers excitedly announced the launch of their partnership with the Pro Football Hall of Fame and our exclusivity as the official speakers bureau for the Hall of Fame.
Football season is really heating up and fresh on the minds of many. Why not bring a triad of Hall of Famer inductees to speak at your next meeting?

The speakers will be supported with a multi-media video screens and interactive format where audience members will be able to ask the Hall of Famers questions on topics including motivation, leadership, team building, risk management and communications.

FIVE STAR Speakers & Trainers is one of the country’s leading speakers bureaus for athletes, celebrities, keynote speakers, and trainers. With more than 23 years and over 18,000 events in their experience, FIVE STAR’s clientele is vast, ranging from Fortune 100 companies to non-profits, governmental agencies, associations and educational institutions, nationally and internationally.

For information regarding the Pro Football Hall of Famers availability, please contact FIVE STAR Speakers & Trainers here: fivestar@fivestarspeakers.com | http://www.fivestarspeakers.com

Monday, November 21, 2011

From Am Ex Open Forum: 8 Legendary Business Predictions that Missed the Mark

Ever have a great idea shot down that you knew would make a difference? We all have.
From Microsoft's take on the smart phone (that it would never take off) and that Japanese automakers
would fail in the US market, to overnight parcel delivery not being feasible and copiers not being useful, sometimes we have to take our ideas to the next level.

Check out these predictions from Am Ex Open Forum.

Gregg Gregory : Showcase Speaker Profile

We had the pleasure of meeting Gregg Gregory at our November Showcase, as he told the story of his poor dog, Hollywood, his untimely death, and the heartwarming story that surrounded it. The death of Hollywood had a major impact on the Gregory family, and has an interesting twist of amazing customer service which we all enjoyed.
Certified Speaking Professional Gregg Gregory comes to the table with one thing in mind -- making your program and event a monster success. Gregg has developed three programs designed to improve the culture of any organization from a culture of medirocity, to a culture of can do, and greatness. In other words -- Gregg gets everyone to play nicely in the sandbox while improving the quality and quantity of work at the same time.

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.

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

Friday, November 18, 2011

Cool Infographic & The Essential Stats You Need To Know About Face To Face And Virtual Events

Face-to-Face vs. Virtual Events: The Essential Stats and What You Need to Know...
via the Jeff Hurt Blog!

Tim Gabrielson: The Magic of Inspirational Comedy

Tim Gabrielson is just plain funny. Period. From his facial expressions to pulling a showcase attendees $100 bill out of a tomato, Gabrielson woke up the after lunch crowd with 20 minutes of non-stop laughter.
A winning entertainment experience is hard to gauge...some say it's by applause, others by audience interaction. Regardless of the measurement, inspirational Keynote speaker and comic magician Tim Gabrielson takes his audience on a captivating adventure every time he steps on stage.

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. He masterfully weaves his uplifting message throughout his presentation and leaves the audience thoroughly entertained, enlivened, and inspired.

Recent testimonials from Carlson Companies who said, "Tim Gabrielson is all you need to make your event a huge success" and Jostens who exclaimed, "Our Conference was a success the minute Tim took the stage" are true testaments of how great Tim is in person.

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

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Ross Bernstein: Showcase Speaker and Our BFF

We had the opportunity to hang with Ross Bernstein at our showcase amid wine, some interesting taquitos and some fun impersonations by staff and speaker alike.
Not only is is Ross super nice and pretty much the marketing department's BFF, but we found out he got bumped from a hockey team spot after walking on with much enthusiasm at the University of Minnesota, went on to be the actual Golden Gopher, then wrote an amazing 50 books on sports and is a best selling author.

Ross' program at the showcase was content rich, full of practical takeaways, and overall it's very visually engaging and entertaining.   

We also found out his best selling book, ;The Champion's Code: Life Lessons of Values & Integrity From the Sports World to the Business World', is a hit with Canadians!

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



15 Most Innovative Gadgets

Bendable touch screens might let you roll up your iPad and put it in your pocket... Siri broke the mold, and will only get smarter (cool), you WILL be on the CLOUD, Ice Cream Sandwiches will unlock your phone and self-driving cars will maybe make roads safter (what the whhhat!).

Here are the 15 Most Innovative Gadgets of the Year via Business Insider.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Congrats to Chip Bell and His Leadership 500 Ranking

Congratulations to Chip Bell and the Chip Bell Group!

The Chip Bell Group was ranked number 14 in the North American category of Independent Consultants/Trainers/Coaches in their Leadership 500 ranking. The Leadership 500 is an annual ranking of the best individuals, teams, and organizations in leadership development practices and employee motivation-productivity.

We look forward to his showcase program, 'Innovative Service - Strategies for Creating Growth and Bottom Line Impact' and had a great time with him a few weeks ago on our weekly speaker call.
His book, 'Wired and Dangerous: How Your Customers Have Changed and What to Do About It' is his newest book, with John R. Patterson, and is currently on the Inc. Magazine top 25 best-selling books. It was the #1 best-selling customer service book on Amazon.com.

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



Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Patty Duke Speaker Testimonials and More!

Patty Duke, Academy Award winning actress, past President of the Screen Actors Guild, and best selling author, has been delighting and challenging audiences for more than 40 years with her work in movies and on television.

Duke is  not only an actress and  author: “A Brilliant Madness: Living with Manic Depressive Illness” she is an advocate for mental health awareness and bipolar disorder, alcohol recovery, people with disabilities, child abuse prevention, adoption, suicide prevention, aging, women’s health, the arts, and much more.

Here are some testimonials from the last few weeks:

'Patty Duke was excellent, she received a standing ovation from the crowd of 2,000. She also stayed for a couple of hours after her talk to greet every person who wanted to meet her.

Thanks again for all of your help, both Patty and Mike were wonderful to work with and very gracious.'

-Peggy


'Patty was fantastic! Thank you so much for working with me to make our event happen. Just as you promised, Patty hugged people, signed autographs and posed for photos. She delivered a wonderful speech that was very funny, but also very serious and warm. She took questions from the audience. She gave interviews to our local media. We sold out our event (they could fit 475 in our venue and that's what we had.) And, her presence in town really brought our agency into the public eye. Her husband, Mike, is also wonderful to know and was quite helpful in escorting Patty and handling the crowd. What a nice couple. We thoroughly enjoyed having them here. Thank you so much--the event was literally, a smashing success!!'
-Anne


Patty Duke is available for speaking engagements. For information regarding  fees and availability, contact the FIVE STAR team: fivestar@fivestarspeakers.com | http://www.fivestarspeakers.com/ | 913.648.6480




5 Most Useful Social Media Tools of Last Week via PR Daily

Great read from PR Daily: http://www.prdaily.com/Main/Articles/e726cbbf-1396-49f2-ad86-b5243946d0a5.aspx

Is Rebranding a Good Idea?

In June the popular online discount retailer, Overstock.com,  rebranded to 'O.co' and the backlash felt lead it to change it back this month.

Is changing it up too much a good idea?

Read more about it on Mashable here:  http://mashable.com/2011/11/15/overstock-com-changes-name/

Christine Cashen.. Stop Global Whining!

One of our favorite humorista's, Christine Cashen made us lol throughout her entire showcase presentation!
Her showcase topic.. 'why can't everyone just get along?' rings true for so many of us.

Cashen delivers a fast-paced, hilarious program with useful content that makes her one of the most sought after speakers worldwide. For more than 12 years, she has jazzed an amazing variety of audiences throughout the United States, Canada, South Africa and Australia. Christine is an authority on sparking innovative ideas to handle conflict, reduce stress and energize employees.

Audiences agree that what makes Christine unique is her 'real' factor and how she combines it with her down-to-earth attitude.

Christine is a co-author of the book, Mission Possible, Volume Eight and Good Stuff: Quips & Tips on Live, Love, Work and Happiness. She has also developed the A Dynamic Speaker series of learning resources.

Christine is available for speaking engagements--for information regarding her fees and availability, contact the FIVE STAR team: fivestar@fivestarspeakers.com | http://www.fivestarspeakers.com/ | 913.648.6480

Monday, November 14, 2011

Good Read from Inc. 10 Tools to Make Life Easier!

I love this article from Inc. 10 Web Tools to Make Life Easier!
Who doesn't need that?

From IDoneThis.com and branding your social profiles to GroSocial--who suggests people to follow and tracks who you back, I think most businesses and event planners could use everything on this list!

What do you think?

Scott Christopher: The Levity Effect

Why of course it pays to lighten up--as Scott Christopher so greatly explained it to us at our recent FIVE STAR speaker showcase.!
Scott Christopher is co-author of the best-selling The Levity Effect: Why It Pays to Lighten Up and Director of Speaking and Training at the Carrot Culture.

He has appeared on NBC’s Today Show, Fox Business Channel, CNBC, National Public Radio, BBC and has been quoted in the New York Times, Washington Post, Boston Globe, New York Post, Newsweek, Economist magazine, Ladies Home Journal and many other publications.

A contributing author of the bestseller A Carrot a Day, a regular columnist for Workplace HR magazine, and a consultant on strengthening work culture with recognition and fun, Scott travels the world speaking to leadership groups at conferences and on-site client meetings. He is a highly sought speaker at SHRM National conventions and has spoken at dozens of state and regional SHRM conferences. With a background in radio, television, and film, Scott’s presenting style is upbeat, witty, and unforgettable, just as we saw last week in person!

For more on Scott Christopher visit his profile here.

Scott is available for speaking engagements--for information regarding his fees and availability, contact the FIVE STAR team: fivestar@fivestarspeakers.com | http://www.fivestarspeakers.com/ | 913.648.6480

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Does Swag Work? Tips to Score with Simple Promo Products.

I love a good swag bag--actually, I love giving a good swag bag and hopefully if you were at our FIVE STAR showcase last week, you were the lucky recipient of one.

An interesting article by Fast Company says that: 'This year, the U.S. promotional products industry is estimated to be a $17.4 billion market. To put that figure in perspective, American wineries have annual revenues of $14 billion, breakfast cereal manufacturers have revenues of $12 billion, and movie ticket sales are about $10 billion. Americans will spend more on swag this year than they do on amusement parks and arcades, more than on dry cleaning, more than on coffee shops including Starbucks and Peet’s.'

From what to put your logo on to product and placement, see why swag makes sense here:
http://www.fastcompany.com/1793498/does-swag-work

Showcase Speaker Profile: Mike Rayburn

One of the FIVE STAR showcase highlights was that of Mike Rayburn, who, with his guitar and hilarious takes on Taylor Swift to sing-alongs to 'Philipe is not a dad' had the whole showcase laughing from start to finish.

Rayburn is a three-time Carnegie Hall headliner, Las Vegas headliner, a member of the Speakers Hall of Fame, and the Speakers Roundtable. In his award-winning keynote, "What If...?" Mike uses amazing guitar and hilarious comedy (instead of power point!), to teach the three tools that took him from playing for seven people in a bar in Virginia, to Carnegie Hall. They work for anyone, in any career, always. Mike gladly tailors his message to your needs and the theme of your conference. This is how you get to YOUR Carnegie Hall.

Mike is available for engagements for your organization. For information regarding his fees and availability, contact the FIVE STAR team.

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

Monday, November 7, 2011

Bill Benjamin's New Video

Bill Benjamin, CEO of The Institute for Health and Human Potential,  just released his new video.

Benjamin, who is one of the leading authorities on the impact of emotions on performance and leadership, speaks on the topics of leadership, sales, peak performance, management relationships
and communication.

Bill is available for speaking engagements--for information regarding his their fees and availability, contact the FIVE STAR team here: fivestar@fivestarspeakers.com | http://www.fivestarspeakers.com/ | 913.648.6480 

 

From Mashable: 11 Tech Savvy Tips for Travelers

As we head into the height of the holiday travel season, Mashable hit the nail on the head with their '11 Tech Savvy Tips for Travelers'.  The list, with a few old school standbys (think Kayak, TripAdvisor) also brings to light some cool newbies like Alfred (an app that suggests nearby restaurants, attractions, etc. based on user tastes) and TripDeck (an iPhone travel datebook app).

While the article makes light of getting to your relatives across the country in a timely manner--the list is helpful to all of us that travel on a regular basis, hint-hint meeting and event planners!

Check out the read here: http://mashable.com/2011/11/07/travel-tools-apps/#326077-TripDeck

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

Friday, November 4, 2011

FIVE STAR Showcase THANK YOU!!!!

Huge thank you to all of our wonderful clients, amazing speakers and  awesome sponsors for making our Kansas City Showcase such a huge success!!!!

We hope you loved it as much as we did, and the FIVE Star team can't wait to see you all again.

HUGE thanks to our sponsor, VISTA Production, and their team for making the event so flawless!

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

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

FIVE STAR Showcase and Networking Event Starts Tomorrow!!

It's hard to believe the FIVE STAR Speaker Showcase is tomorrow! We have an amazing line up, a day full of food, fun and even a happy hour reception afterward benefitting Harvesters!! Who could miss that?

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:

  • 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/