The Leading Speakers Bureau

Technology Pioneer, Inventor

Ray Kurzweil is one of the leading inventors of our time. He was the principal developer of the first CCD flat-bed scanner, the first omni-font optical character recognition, the first print-to-speech reading machine for the blind and the first text-to-speech synthesizer. He also designed the first music synthesizer capable of recreating the grand piano and other orchestral instruments, and the first commercially marketed large-vocabulary speech recognition.

“The ultimate thinking machine” Forbes

[expand title=”In detail”] Among Ray’s many honours, he is the recipient of the $500,000 MIT-Lemelson Prize, the World’s largest for innovation and in 1999 he received the National Medal of Technology, the USA’s highest honour in technology, from President Clinton in a White House ceremony. Most recently he was inducted into the National Inventor’s Hall of Fame, established by the US Patent Office in recognition of his inventions.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]With unparalleled insights into what the future holds and how new technologies will affect the way we work and develop, Ray Kurzweil offers audiences an invaluable sneak preview of what is just around the technology corner.[/expand]
Continue Reading »

Expert on IT Security and eBusiness

Tim Cole is an experienced publicist, author and TV moderator in the field of eBusiness and IT security. As editor of the business magazine Net Investor he has a proven track record for journalistic objectivity, as well as the ability to critically evaluate the impact of technology on business processes and markets. His book ‘Management Challenge Security’ has become a standard textbook for non-technical managers involved in IT security decision-making.

“Tim Cole is one of the 30 most influential Internet professionals”
FOCUS Online

[expand title=”In detail”] He is also founder and editor of Internet Report, the first German language newsletter for the online industry. Tim was responsible for several magazines including Connect, a popular telecommunications magazine. His role as head of the multimedia group also involved developing new concepts for multimedia publishing and online communication. He frequently contributes to Internet related magazines.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]With a wealth of knowledge and unparalleled expertise in the IT and the Automobile navigation systems, Tim Cole offers audience’s great insights and useful guidelines on the future of IT security and related fields. He is also an experienced moderator and excellent event host.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]A true professional, Tim Cole prepares meticulously for all events and engages audiences with his witty repartee and thorough subject knowledge.[/expand]
Continue Reading »

Leading World Authority on Communicationsand Electronic Media and Commerce

Patrick Vittet-Philippe is an expert advisor on e-business; information and communication technologies; B2B and B2C; and m-commerce for the European Commission (EC). He has been responsible in the elaboration and implementation of the main European Union (EU) policy initiatives on e-business and for drafting a number of EC policy papers and reports. He also represents the EC at international negotiations and conferences.

Patrick offers privileged insight into EU policies and regulations on information and communication technologies; and e- and m-commerce. Combined with his vision for navigating the security challenges of the e-economy, he provides the vital knowledge to keep any business on top of the e-revolution.

[expand title=”What he offers you”]In October 1995, he joined the Expert-Advisor Team to the Director General (DGXIII) at the European Commission. Currently he is with DG Enterprise where he is responsible for Internet policy, e-business and digital economy issues. Previously he was Executive Director of the Association for Commercial Television in Europe where he represented European commercial broadcasters at industry conferences and official hearings[/expand]
Continue Reading »

Social Networking Expert & Former Nokia ES EMEA Channel Marketing Manager

Erik Jan Koedijk (EJ) is an expert on channel sales and marketing, especially in combination with the integration of social media and CRM. He is also an experienced branding expert and a recognised leader in the field of building strategic networks. Erik was Country Manager in The Netherlands for Nokia, General Manager Benelux for Surfcontrol/Websense and EMEA Channel Marketing Manager at Nokia’s enterprise division. EJ is a managing partner at Into Marketing working with partners around the globe.

“Doing business nowadays is all about building communities.”

[expand title=”In detail”] In the last 10 years EJ has built and managed local and European sales, marketing and channel teams for large companies and start-up networking organizations, with a specific focus on the internet and mobile communications. One of EJ’s expertise is Social CRM & networking and how to integrate these new areas into the current “go to market” of any organisation. EJ often arranges brainstorm and workshop sessions with senior managers about social CRM, Channel marketing plans and partner accreditation. Community building, web 2.0 and mobility eco system building are often included during these brainstorms & workshops.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]During his presentations he explains how today’s successful businesses need to adapt to new technologies & possibilities and shows how to implement new successful marketing strategies. He also explains how to tap into individual strengths, combining and connecting those strengths at the right moment, at the right place, with the right technology to empower individuals and organisations alike. EJ has developed strategic channel sales and marketing plans to open new channels to deliver sales growth and above all transform strategy into action and to turn the individual into action.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]EJ is energetic and highly motivated and has become a business professional who unfailingly combines a keen eye for sales with a solid knowledge of technology and internet advances. His feel for and interest in innovation, social media and virtual media has made him a popular figure in visionary brainstorming sessions, workshops and presentations.[/expand]
Continue Reading »

Authority on the Future of Management/IT, Professor of Forecasting

James Woudhuysen is one of Europe’s best-known independent speakers and writers on the future. James helps clients master new trends in society and innovation, so as to implement major shifts in corporate strategy and innovation. He frequently broadcasts about the future of the workplace on Radio 4’s You and Yours, and writes for spiked (London) and Novo (Frankfurt). He is also on the editorial board of the Journal of Consumer Behaviour.

In 1996 staff at Phillips nominated James as ‘Motivator of the Year’

[expand title=”In detail”] A physics graduate and author of several books, James is Professor of Forecasting and Innovation at De Montfort University, Leicester. In the 1980s he co-directed Britain’s first major study into the future of e-commerce (‘teleshopping’ in those days). He then moved to the Henley Centre, Britain’s best-known think-tank on EU markets, where he built up the firm’s forecasting on the broader future of IT and proposed, in 1992, that the Internet be delivered over TV. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]He offers a highly visual, very witty, but deadly serious alternative to myths about the future of work, consumers and IT. An inspirational opponent of politically correct trends in management and beyond, he spells out what to do and how to do it in controversial but deeply insightful style.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]James is a master at explaining ‘The Big Picture’ in a way that convincingly suggests ‘What To Do Next’. Reinforced by brilliant visuals, he first makes complex issues simple and then makes them sizzle.[/expand]
Continue Reading »

Former CEO of Burger King

Barry Gibbons earned the title of ‘Turnaround Champ’ from Fortune Magazine thanks to his phenomenal success in boosting Burger King’s fortunes. Within a year of taking on the role, Burger King was opening two new restaurants a day around the world. Having retired from big business, he is now a successful author, speaker and is co-founder of the UK publishing business Infinite Ideas.

Believing that managing isn’t enough he debates what it really takes to be distinct in your leadership, product development, service delivery and customer relationships

[expand title=”In detail”] During Barry’s 5 years as the US-based Chairman/CEO of Burger King he received international acclaim. He has since co-founded and invested in a variety of ventures including a branded food service business, a magazine-CD publishing company, speciality coffee bars and a Latin theme restaurant that opened in Disneyland. He was also Executive in Residence at the University of Miami School of Business and is a regular on the BBC’s Bottom Line business broadcast.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Barry has made over 250 speeches to blue-chip corporate audiences on four continents. His aim is to show audiences – internal and external – how to stay ahead in fast changing and unpredictable markets.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]With his Anglo-Irish charm he shows how to lead (not manage), and how to energize people who work for you, with you and above you. He illustrates how, in a world of virtually unsatisfiable customers, to develop a connection with them that is beyond satisfaction, exploring ‘intuitive marketing’. Above all, he offers ideas on how to bring it all together to get distinction and excellence in all that you do. Wit and energy are in plentiful supply from this refreshingly alternative thinker and business leader.[/expand]
Continue Reading »

Expert in Virtual Reality and Computer Engineering

Michael Zyda is Director of the USC GamePipe Laboratory, and a Professor of Engineering Practice in the USC Department of Computer Science. At USC, he created the ‘Batchelor of Science’ (BA) in Computer Science (Games) and ‘Master of Science’ (MS) in Computer Science (Game Development) cross-disciplinary degree programs and doubled the incoming undergraduate enrolment of the Computer Science Department. He was the Founding Director of The MOVES Institute, located at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California and a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at NPS as well.

“Michael Zyda opens up the world of virtual reality and 3 dimensional networks”

[expand title=”In detail”] From 1986 until the formation of the MOVES Institute, he was the Director of the NPSNET Research Group. His research interests include computer graphics, large-scale, networked 3D virtual environments, modelling human and organisational behaviour, interactive computer-generated story, video production, and entertainment games. He holds a lifetime appointment as a National Associate of the National Academies, an appointment made by the Council of the National Academy of Sciences in November 2003. He is a member of the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Professor Zyda is a pioneer in the fields of computer graphics, networked virtual environments, modelling and simulation, and defence entertainment collaboration. Drawing upon his considerable expertise, Michael offers great insights into the future of computer applications and decision makers from all fields are able to benefit from his highly informative presentations.[/expand]
Continue Reading »

Professor of Strategic and International Management at LBS

Costas Markides is Professor of Strategic and International Management at London Business School. A native of Cyprus, he received his BA (Distinction) and MA in Economics from Boston University and his MBA and DBA from the Harvard Business School. Prior to joining London Business School he has worked as an Associate with the Cyprus Development Bank and as a Research Associate at the Harvard Business School. In 2009 and 2007 Thinkers 50, the global ranking of management gurus, placed him among the list of most influential thinkers.

“Costas Markides is an expert on creating breakthrough strategies with proven results”

Costas Markides has been ranked among the top 50 most influential business thinkers. In 2009 Thinkers 50, the global ranking of management gurus, placed him among the list of most influential thinkers.

[expand title=”In detail”] His work has been has published in a wide range of journals such as the Harvard Business Review, Sloan Management Review, Directors & Boards, Long Range Planning, British Journal of Management, Journal of International Business Studies, Strategic Management Journal and the Academy of Management Journal.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Having taught on many in-company programmes Prof. Markides is without a doubt one of Europe’s most experienced and respected business strategists. His presentations are ideal for decision makers keen to sustain and develop superior competitive performance by implementing and understanding new business strategies.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Costas Markides is a captivating and engaging speaker and he has designed his lectures with just the right blend of humour and useful actionable information. His appearances are consistently well-received making him one of the most sought-after and prized speakers currently available.[/expand]
Continue Reading »

Former Member of the European Commission

During his 10 year tenure as one of Europe’s most senior Commissioners in Brussels, Dr Martin Bangemann was instrumental in shaping Europe’s telecommunications and IT policy in a world of rapid technology developments. He stepped down from this position in June 1999. From 2000 to 2005 he was a non-executive Advisory Board Member of Telefonica, Spain. He is currently writing a new book.

“Dr Bangemann has a firm grasp on the future of the information industry”

[expand title=”In detail”] He received a doctorate in law from the University of Munich and became a practising lawyer in Germany in 1964. He entered the European Parliament in 1973 on the Budget Committee and became Chairman of the European Parliament Liberal Democratic Group in 1979. From 1984 to 1988 he was Federal Minister of Economic Affairs for Germany.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]In his presentations Dr Bangemann deals with the social and economic impact of new information technologies. He identifies the enormous growth potential of new technologies and shows organisations how to benefit from these technologies[/expand]
Continue Reading »

Entrepreneur, Model and Media Personality

Caprice became a household name around the world through her modeling and media appearances. Arriving in England from Southern California she became one of the most photographed women in the world appearing on over 300 magazine covers. Following her success as a model she added a variety of television appearances to her media portfolio. Voted GQ Magazine’s Woman of the Year and Maxim’s International Woman of the Year 3 years running she appeared in a documentary for Channel 4 “ Being Caprice “ and featured in many other prime time shows.

Caprice is an Ambassador for the Princes Trust

[expand title=”In detail”] Following her success as a Model and Media Personality Caprice moved into roles on the West End stage and received rave reviews, later she produced her own version of a popular musical in which she also starred. Recently she has become a business entrepreneur developing and financing her own range of lingerie and swimwear which achieved instant success in Debenhams stores, Next and Littlewoods plus many countries around the world. Her future objective is to achieve continuing global success with the By Caprice brand and as she develops further product ranges her determination is to be “ hands on“ in every respect of the business. [/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Caprice has developed a successful business through a close examination of the market for ladies lingerie and swimwear and the success of the business has much to do with her close attention to detail in all departments including design, distribution and finance. Her entrepreneurial attributes have convinced her to avoid licensing arrangements and continue to expand the business and the brand by continuing an innovative and creative approach to product and the efficiency of merchandising and distribution[/expand]
Continue Reading »