Alex Honnold
World-Renowned Rock Climber & Star of Academy Award-Winning "Free Solo" and Netflix’s Ppecial, “Skyscraper Live”
Biography
Alex Honnold is one of the most accomplished and widely recognized rock climbers in the world, celebrated for his bold free solo ascents of America's most iconic cliffs—performed without ropes or safety equipment. His unparalleled ability to manage fear, maintain focus under extreme pressure, and pursue audacious goals with methodical discipline has redefined the limits of human achievement. Alex’s Netflix special, “Skyscraper Live,” captured his daring free solo climb of Taipei 101, one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world, without ropes or safety equipment, streamed in real time for viewers worldwide. Alex’s historic free solo climb of El Capitan’s 3,000-foot Freerider route in Yosemite National Park—captured in the Academy Award-winning documentary Free Solo—is regarded as one of the greatest athletic feats of all time. His other groundbreaking accomplishments include the free solo ascents of Zion’s Moonlight Buttress, Yosemite’s Half Dome, and the Yosemite “Triple Crown”—scaling Mt. Watkins, Half Dome, and El Capitan alone and within 24 hours. In 2024, Alex led a pioneering expedition to Greenland, completing the first ascent of Ingmikortilaq, a 3,750-foot remote sea cliff. This climb, documented in the National Geographic series Arctic Ascent with Alex Honnold, reflects his ongoing commitment to exploration and environmental advocacy, as well as his focus on raising awareness around the impacts of climate change. Beyond his climbing career, Alex is a New York Times bestselling author and the founder of the Honnold Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting solar energy initiatives to create a more equitable and sustainable world. He also hosts two popular podcasts, Climbing Gold and Rolex’s Planet Visionaires. As a speaker, Alex draws on his extraordinary experiences to deliver compelling lessons on risk management, decision-making under pressure, disciplined preparation, and resilience. His presentations offer audiences a rare insight into performing at the highest levels in the face of uncertainty—and inspire individuals and organizations to pursue their own “impossible” goals with vision, courage, and precision.
Speech Topics
Achieving the Impossible
What does it take to attempt and complete a goal that has never been achieved—and how do you balance ambition, preparation, and self-belief in the process?
Sustainability and Purpose-Driven Impact
How can individuals and organizations drive meaningful change in their communities and industries?
Preparation, Focus, and Execution
How does unseen preparation underpin “impossible” achievements—and how do these practices apply to leadership and business?
Calculated Risk - Decision-Making When It Matters Most
What distinguishes reckless behavior from calculated risk-taking, and how can organizations build cultures of smart, sustainable ambition?
Managing Fear and Performing Under Pressure
How do you train your mind to overcome fear and focus on execution in the most extreme, high-risk environments?
Videos
Testimonials
"“Alex was awesome at our event! His humbleness and authenticity won over the group along with, of course, his sheer perseverance and amazing skill to do what he does. He was a pleasure to work with, and went above and beyond to make the day a success for us.”"
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Alex Honnold's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Alex Honnold's availability or get a customized quote by contacting Key Speakers directly. Our team will help you determine fit, logistics, and budget options for your upcoming event.What is Alex Honnold's speaking fee?
The typical range for Alex Honnold's speaking fee is $75,000–$156,000. The low end of the fee range represents their standard virtual fee. The high end of the fee range represents their standard fee for a US-based in-person speaking engagement. Appearances which require an extended schedule of activities or international travel will possibly exceed this fee range. Speaker fees update frequently. To receive a personalized quote for Alex Honnold to speak at your event, please consult with a Key Speakers advisor for up to date information and assistance.What factors influence the speaker's fee?
Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?
Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.How do I book Alex Honnold for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Alex Honnold's availability, fees, and any unique requirements (we can also help negotiate fees and terms); submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker, with the details used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts; coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions; and confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors: the speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry; their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages; past client testimonials, reviews, or references; and the speaker's availability and fee within your budget.What are the payment terms and conditions?
A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?
Yes, we can assist you with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation. We stay actively involved during pre-event planning to coordinate with you and ensure that the necessary audiovisual equipment, staging, lighting, and other technical aspects are in place for a successful presentation.Are there any special requirements or accommodations that need to be considered for the speaker?
Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?
Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?
Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.How long is a typical keynote speech?
The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
Yes, we encourage and appreciate feedback about the speaker's performance as well as our services. You can share your feedback via email after the event, or via our survey feedback form. Your feedback can help us improve our services and assist other clients in making informed decisions.Are there any discounts or special offers available for booking multiple speakers or multiple events?
Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.Why book Alex Honnold through Key Speakers?
We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker — from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event.
Speakers Like Alex Honnold

Jimmy Chin
Jimmy is a leading storyteller of his generation and a world-class professional mountain athlete. A National Geographic photographer, Academy Award–winning director, and New York Times bestselling author, he’s equally known for his groundbreaking climbing, skiing, and filmmaking — from Free Solo to Nyad.
Fee Range: $50,000–$110,000
Travels From: WY

Shaun White
Shaun White is a dual-sport professional athlete who maintains some of the highest accolades within snowboarding and skateboarding. Off the board, Shaun has also achieved major accomplishments in the business world through clothing lines, signature products, music festivals, and brand partnerships
Fee Range: $75,000–$175,000
Travels From: CA
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