After Dinner Speakers

Keep your attendees engaged with comedians, facilitators, business experts, and entertainers as your after dinner speaker. We represent a wide range of after dinner guest speakers including awards host, celebrity speakers, motivational speakers, and those who speak on current affairs. Working with Leading Authorities we'll help find the right speaker for group and corporate events. Take a look at these after dinner speaker options, if you can't find what you're looking for, fill out our online contact form here.

Let us know if you are interested in one of our after dinner speakers for your event.

Legendary British Skier, Four-Time Winter Olympian; BBC “Ski Sunday” & Olympic Presenter

Fees
  • Local: Under £10,000*
  • US East: £10,001 - £20,000*
  • US West: £20,001 - £35,000*
  • Europe: Under £10,000*
  • Asia: Please Inquire
Widely regarded as one of Britain’s greatest-ever skiers, Chemmy Alcott is a four-time Winter Olympian who has defied the odds in sport and life to inspire the world and show people that anything is possible when they’re willing to take risks. She represented Team GB throughout her 20-year sporting career, during which she became the eighth ranked skier in the world and the first British ski racer to win a run in the World Cup.

Chief Political Commentator, Sunday Times

Fees
  • Local: Under £10,000*
  • US East: £20,001 - £35,000*
  • US West: £20,001 - £35,000*
  • Europe: Under £10,000*
  • Asia: Please Inquire
Tim Shipman has been a national newspaper journalist for sixteen years and has more than a decade of experience reporting on British and American politics and international relations. Currently the Political Editor of the Sunday Times, Tim was previously the Deputy Political Editor of the Daily Mail, Washington Correspondent for the Sunday Telegraph and held several posts, both Political and Foreign, at the Daily and Sunday Express. Tim’s experience is diverse and has seen him coordinate a wide range of news, from the war in Kosovo to Bill Clinton's impeachment, as well as writing extensively on security issues

Fastest Woman to Complete a Solo Expedition to the South Pole

Fees
  • Local: Under £10,000*
  • US East: £20,001 - £35,000*
  • US West: £20,001 - £35,000*
  • Europe: £10,001 - £20,000*
  • Asia: £20,001 - £35,000*
Described as “a trailblazer, and the most determined, tenacious, and motivated woman,” Preet Chandi holds the record of being the fastest woman to complete a solo unsupported ski expedition to the South Pole, as well as the distinction of being the first woman of colour to complete a solo expedition on the continent. Driven by an unending desire to push her mental and physical boundaries, Preet is any Army officer, physiotherapist, Nordic skier, ultramarathon runner, and endurance athlete with an iron will that has led to her making history and breaking barriers in the world of adventuring.

Record-breaking Mountaineer, Award-winning Motivational Speaker, and Bestselling Author of The Girl Who Climbed Everest

Fees
  • Local: Under £10,000*
  • US East: Please Inquire
  • US West: Please Inquire
  • Europe: Under £10,000*
  • Asia: Please Inquire
When she was 20 years old, Bonita set her sights on the summit of Mt Everest, despite never having climbed a mountain before. In the process of getting to Everest, she climbed the world's 8th highest mountain in the Himalayas, Mt Manaslu, becoming one of the youngest people ever to climb it. The following year, she secured nearly £50,000 in corporate sponsorship after cold calling countless British businesses and was able to fulfil her dream of reaching the summit of Everest. Upon successfully completing the expedition, Bonita set a record as the Youngest British Woman to reach the top of the world. The following year, Bonita skied to the North Pole, finishing the expedition aged 23, she became the youngest person ever to reach both "tops of the world: the summit of Everest and the North Pole". Not content with her performance on Everest (she fell on the descent), Bonita set herself the challenge of climbing another 8000m peak- the formidable Mt Lhotse, the world's 4th highest mountain. Lhotse is a much more committing and dangerous climb than Everest and it took Bonita another year to train for the mountain, in doing so, she climbed Ama Dablam, a peak in the Himalayas often described as the world's most beautiful mountain. Finally, Bonita reached the summit of Mt Lhotse at the age of 24, becoming only the third British woman in history to climb it. From there, she has also attempted K2 in Pakistan and guided multiple teams to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro, the world's highest freestanding mountain. Bonita began speaking about her experiences in the mountains in schools but quickly found herself invited to speak on stages all over the world. In 2024 she became an award winning motivational speaker, winning "Best Speaker Storyteller" at the Speaker Awards in London. Bonita is also the bestselling author of her memoir, The Girl Who Climbed Everest, which reached the top of the mountaineering book chart in 2022.

BAFTA-Nominated Interviews Producer on BBC Newsnight

Fees
  • Local: Under £10,000*
  • US East: Please Inquire
  • US West: Please Inquire
  • Europe: £10,001 - £20,000*
  • Asia: Please Inquire
As the BAFTA-nominated interviews producer on BBC Newsnight, Sam McAlister has successfully negotiated with everyone from Buckingham Palace and The White House to Facebook and Tesla. With skills honed through more than a decade in the BBC's elite news programmes, she has mastered the art and science of persuasion, as evidenced by her ability to build rapport with people and positively influence them to participate in a news programme that is renowned for its rigour and bite. Exclusives include, most famously, that interview with HRH Prince Andrew — but also interviews with Sheryl Sandberg, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, President Bill Clinton, Elon Musk, Prime Minister Netanyahu, James Comey, Stormy Daniels, Julian Assange, Trevor Noah, Amy Schumer, and Eric Schmidt — to name a few. She has the inside scoop on what interviews like this say about leadership, reputation, and communication in the modern age and knows how to avoid making terrible mistakes and deal with the media. She also speaks about the art of negotiation — honed over years and years — and “how to convince a Prince.” Described as “indefatigable” and having “silky smooth persuasive skills,” when speaking to groups, McAlister outlines best practices for developing trust and understanding, as well as mistakes to avoid for more effective communication and negotiation in the modern age.

Mental Health Advocate & Consultant, Renowned BBC Journalist & Storyteller

Fees
  • Local: Under £10,000*
  • US East: Under £10,000*
  • US West: £10,001 - £20,000*
  • Europe: Under £10,000*
  • Asia: £10,001 - £20,000*
Laura Hearn is a renowned BBC journalist and storyteller with a keen eye for finding the extraordinary in the ordinary, and channelling those nuggets of inspiration into tangible outcomes — no matter the endeavour. She is also the host of the immensely popular Flip It podcast, which explores the depth of the human experience through the intricate stories that define who we are and aims to support listeners as they navigate life’s highs and lows. Having endured and overcome her own struggles with mental health, Hearn has long been an advocate for enhancing workplace happiness and wellness, and combines her storytelling ability with science-based tools and resources to advise leading organisations on how to optimise their mental health strategy to foster happier, high-performance teams.

Actor, Moderator, and After-Dinner Speaker

Fees
  • Local: Under £10,000*
  • US East: Please Inquire
  • US West: Please Inquire
  • Europe: Under £10,000*
  • Asia: Please Inquire
Alex Macqueen is an actor, best known for his roles as Julius Nicholson in the BBC’s Thick Of It and Neil’s Dad in the Channel 4 comedy The Inbetweeners. He was a member of the National Youth Theatre and President of the Cambridge University Theatre Company, before qualifying as a Barrister at the Middle Temple. In 2017, he was elected by the Inn as a Master of The Bench.

Entrepreneur, Forbes’ 30 Under 30, Bestselling Author of "The Third Door"

Fees
  • Local: £20,001 - £35,000*
  • US East: £20,001 - £35,000*
  • US West: £20,001 - £35,000*
  • Europe: £35,001 - £55,000*
  • Asia: Please Inquire
Alex Banayan is an entrepreneur and author of The Third Door, which chronicles his five-year quest tracking down Bill Gates, Lady Gaga, Warren Buffett, Maya Angelou, Steven Spielberg, Jane Goodall, Steve Wozniak, Jessica Alba, Larry King, and dozens more of the world’s most successful people. An acclaimed keynote speaker, Banayan has presented the Third Door framework to business conferences and corporate leadership teams around the world, including Apple, Google, Nike, IBM, Snapchat, Salesforce, and Disney. Banayan’s keynotes have had far-reaching effects, acting as the catalyst for a new way of thinking. The Third Door framework has helped individuals discover unconventional routes to achieve their biggest dreams and has aided Fortune 500 companies to take new approaches to sales, marketing, and exponential growth.

Professional Poker Player and US Champion Chess Player

Fees
  • Local: £10,001 - £20,000*
  • US East: £10,001 - £20,000*
  • US West: £20,001 - £35,000*
  • Europe: Please Inquire
  • Asia: Please Inquire
Jennifer Shahade's accomplishments are a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication. She made history in 1998 as the first female to win the U.S. Junior Open, and later won the U.S. Women's Chess Championship in 2002 and 2004. She holds a degree in comparative literature from New York University, and her writing has been featured in prominent publications such as the LA Times, The New York Times, Chess Life, and New In Chess.As an accomplished poker player, she won the TonyBet Open Face Chinese Poker Live World Championship High Roller Event in 2014. Jennifer hosts the award-winning poker podcast The GRID and has served as the women's program director at the U.S. Chess Federation, bringing chess programming to thousands of girls across the country. Her journey and advocacy continue to inspire and empower individuals worldwide.

Global Innovator & Entrepreneur; Co-Founder & CEO of Highclere Castle Spirits

Fees
  • Local: £10,001 - £20,000*
  • US East: £20,001 - £35,000*
  • US West: £20,001 - £35,000*
  • Europe: £20,001 - £35,000*
  • Asia: £35,001 - £55,000*
Adam von Gootkin is a globally recognized innovator and risk-taker who has revolutionized the spirits industry with his unique approach to traditional business principles. Carrying on his family’s entrepreneurial legacy in the spirits industry, which began in the 1800s and continued through the prohibition era and into the present day, von Gootkin is the co-founder and CEO of Highclere Castle Spirits and the co-founder of Highclere Castle Cigar Co. A visionary in every sense of the word, von Gootkin has built an empire on foundations of authenticity and has re-written the rules for how organizations can spark innovation on the path to radical success.

Olympic Gold Medalist and BBC Sports' Correspondent

Fees
    Please Inquire
A 2000 Olympic gold medalist, Denise Lewis is one of the "golden girls" of British athletics, having established the British record of 6831 in 200 and has twice, in 1998 and 2000, been runner up in the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year awards. She was inducted into the UK Hall of Fame in 2011. Outside of her athletic endeavors, Denise is an accomplished television personality, working with BBC as a presenter, commentator, documentarian.

World-Class Blind Adventurer

Fees
  • Local: £55,001 - £75,000*
  • US East: £55,001 - £75,000*
  • US West: £55,001 - £75,000*
  • Europe: £75,001 and up*
  • Asia: £55,001 - £75,000*
Erik Weihenmayer is a world-class adventurer, the first blind man to summit Mount Everest, and one of only 150 mountaineers to climb the Seven Summits. His latest and most demanding adventure is kayaking the 277 miles of the Grand Canyon. One of the most exciting and well-known athletes in the world, he never let his lack of vision interfere with his quality of life. Weihenmayer’s feats have earned him incredible press coverage and dozens of awards. He is also the author of two books and addresses leadership, teamwork, overcoming adversity, motivation, and inspiration.

Benefits of After Dinner Speakers

1. Facilitate Networking: Encouraging networking and thought-provoking conversations is essential to a successful event. A keynote speaker who fosters a collaborative and engaging atmosphere can help create a warm environment that invites attendees to connect and share insights. A skilled after dinner speaker not only entertains but also sparks interactions, making your event more enjoyable and memorable for everyone involved.

2. Educate and Keep Attendees Engaged: After dinner speakers bring compelling stories and a lively presence that keeps audiences entertained and engaged. The right speaker can elevate the evening with anecdotes that resonate with your event theme and keep guests captivated. Additionally they can be utilized to educate your attendees on your organization, sponsors, or relevant issues that they may not be aware of in a unique way.

3. Reinforce Event Themes: Concluding your event with an after dinner speaker offers a powerful opportunity to solidify your event’s message. A motivational speaker or TV presenter who shares compelling stories aligned with your theme can leave your audience not only inspired but also eagerly anticipating future events. The right speaker can make a profound impact, connecting the evening's content in a way that resonates long after the event ends.

Types of After Dinner Speakers

Comedians

With humor tailored to your audience, a comedian brings lighthearted and joyful energy to your event. Perfect for keeping the room lively after a hearty meal or breaking the ice before upcoming sessions, comedians add an enjoyable, relaxed vibe that works especially well in after-dinner settings.

Awards Host, TV Presenters & Media

Highly recognized and appreciated hosts, TV presenters and other media personalities bring a unique perspective to your event. Often weaving in current affairs and timely insights, these keynote speakers keep audiences grounded and optimistic about the future, offering an engaging and relatable experience.

Celebrity Speakers

Adding star power to your event roster will keep attendees in their seats even after dinner. Celebrity speakers provide exclusive behind-the-scenes stories, unique insights, and memorable takeaways that add glamour and excitement to your gathering.

Motivational Speakers

Known for their ability to inspire audiences, motivational speakers are the perfect choice to engage your audiences. Whether they are a best selling author, adventurer, mental health advocate, or resilient athlete, booking a motivational after dinner speaker will leave your attendees empowered well after your event.

What to Expect When Booking Leading Authorities

Booking with Leading Authorities means gaining access to a globally diverse keynote speaker roster. Our teams takes the time to understand your event goals and provides tailored professional speaker recommendations to match you with the ideal speaker. These after dinner speakers provide canned or bespoke talks that are sure to resonate with your audience

We take a white glove approach, managing all logistics from start to finish, making the booking process stress-free so you can focus on your stakeholders. Every speaker we propose is vetted, ensuring they deliver impactful and memorable talks that engage and inspire your audience.

Book An After Dinner Speaker With Leading Authorities

We represent a wide range of industry experts, professional speakers, and guest speakers who are guaranteed to deliver memorable motivational talks. Whether you're looking to utilize after dinner speakers for team building, entertainment, or facilitation of open conversations we'll acquire the perfect speaker for you.

Leave the procurement and vetting to Leading Authorities and request a custom proposal using our online contact form below. Otherwise: