Biography
Dr. Alvy Ray Smith cofounded two successful startups: Pixar – see Pixar founding documents – (sold to Disney) and Altamira (sold to Microsoft). He gave Pixar its name – an invented Spanish verb meaning, “to make pictures,” inspired by his upbringing in New Mexico. •First director of computer graphics at Lucasfilm. Original member of the Computer Graphics Lab of the New York Institute of Technology. First Graphics Fellow at Microsoft. At Xerox PARC for the birth of the personal computer. Received two technical Academy Awards, for the alpha channel and digital paint systems. •Invented the first full-color paint program, the HSV (or HSB) color transform, and the alpha channel. Directed the Genesis Demo in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. •Hired John Lasseter and directed him in The Adventures of André & Wally B. •Proposed and negotiated the Academy-Award winning Disney computer animation production system, CAPS. Instrumental, as a Regent, in initiating the Visible Human Project of the National Library of Medicine. Star witness in a trial that successfully invalidated five patents that threatened Adobe Photoshop. •Holds Ph.D. from Stanford University and honorary doctorate from New Mexico State University. Member of the National Academy of Engineering. Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and Fellow of the American Society of Genealogists. •Published widely in theoretical computer science and computer graphics. Creator of many pieces of computer art, including Sunstone in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Holds four patents. Now writing a book, A Biography of the Pixel. Dr. Smith holds a PhD in computer science from Stanford University (dissertation: Cellular Automata Theory). He received an honorary doctorate from New Mexico State University, his undergraduate alma mater, in Dec 1999. His product, Altamira Composer, introduced the concept of image objects (sprites) to the personal computer imaging world. Sprites are based on the alpha channel concept, which he convened and for which he shares a 1996 technical Academy Award. He was awarded a second technical Academy Award in 1998 for digital paint systems as a fundamental contribution to filmmaking. He was co-awarded the Computer Graphics Achievement Award by the Association for Computing Machinery SIGGRAPH (Special Interest Group on Graphics) in 1990 for: “seminal contributions to computer paint systems,” including the first full-color paint program, the first soft-edged fill program, and the HSV (aka HSB) color space model. His portrait was included in a group of 200 photographs of major contributors to the computer industry, published in the book Wizards and Their Wonders: Portraits in Computing. He was inducted into the CRN Industry Hall of Fame in a ceremony at the Computer Museum in Mountain View CA. He was elected to the National Academy of Engineering for “fundamental changes in the graphic arts and motion picture industries.” And he was elected a Fellow of the American association for the Advancement of Science “for distinguished contributions and leadership in computer science and engineering, particularly for advances in computer graphics, including critical and foundational technical achievements in computer animation.”
Speech Topics
Computer Animation
Computer Engineering
Computer Science
Graphic Art and Motion Pictures
Photography
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Alvy Ray Smith's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Alvy Ray Smith'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 Alvy Ray Smith's speaking fee?
The typical range for Alvy Ray Smith's speaking fee is $15,000–$22,000. 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 Alvy Ray Smith 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 Alvy Ray Smith for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Alvy Ray Smith'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 Alvy Ray Smith 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 Alvy Ray Smith
Scott Galloway
Engagements range from intimate fireside chats to global audiences of 10,000 marketers and business leaders. Prof. Galloway has sat on the boards of Gateway Computer, Urban Outfitters, Eddie Bauer, The New York Times Company, University of California Berkeley, Panera Bread, and Ledger, a crypto wallet. He is the CNN+ host of a business and technology show, No Mercy No Malice.
Fee Range: $100,000–$250,000
Travels From: Intl
Jonas Kjellberg
As co-creator of Skype, Kjellberg worked as Managing Director, helping generate 90 percent of their revenue stream. Currently, Kjellberg runs Gear Up Ventures, a company that focuses on implementing the innovation and entrepreneurship model set out in his book Gear Up. Kjellberg also lectures on the subjects of entrepreneurship and “How to Create a Winning Sales Culture” in his keynote talks and at Stanford University and the Stockholm School of Economics.
Fee Range: $20,000–$50,000
Travels From: Intl
Uri Levine
Uri Levine is a passionate serial entrepreneur and mentor to young entrepreneurs. He is the co-founder of Waze, one of the world’s largest community-based traffic and navigation apps, which was acquired by Google in June 2013 for the outstanding sum of $1.1 billion. He co-founded and is an active chairman of FeeX, which allows users to recover hundreds of thousands of dollars in their retirement savings and long-term investment plans. Levine Delivers highly engaging keynotes to entrepreneurs and companies offering them a recipe for success
Fee Range: $25,000–$60,000
Travels From: Intl
Howard Behar
Howard Behar is the former president of Starbucks North America and Starbucks International. He joined Starbucks in 1989 as vice president of sales and operations, and grew the retail business from 28 stores to more than 400, by the time he was named president of Starbucks Coffee International in 1995. Under Behar's leadership, Starbucks opened its first location in Tokyo in 1996, then introduced the Starbucks brand across Asia and the United Kingdom. He retired as president of Starbucks North America in January 2003, but continues to serve in an advisory capacity and to coach leaders at all levels. Since his retirement he has written a book It's Not About the Coffee that describe his leadership principles. Behar served on several other boards, including Anna's Linens, The Gap Inc., Jewish Family Service of Seattle, Washington State Budget and Policy Center and Board of Advisors at Rosewood Capital. His book, It's Not About the Coffee, describe his leadership principles.
Fee Range: $14,000–$32,000
Travels From: WA
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