Bruce Himelstein
Former Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company
Biography
• The Ritz-Carlton executive who transformed customer service for one of the world’s most recognizable luxury brands • Recognized as “One of The Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales & Marketing” by The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) • Recognized for his ability to identify and implement strategies to maintain relevance in today’s rapidly evolving business world Recognized as “One of The Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales & Marketing” by The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI), Mr. Himelstein has transformed multi-billion-dollar companies into game-changing industry innovators. During his illustrious career, Bruce Himelstein has been credited with leading some of the travel/hospitality industry’s most prestigious brands into the new era, including Loews Hotels, The Ritz-Carlton, and Oceana Cruises. As Corporate Vice President of Sales and Marketing for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, he successfully implemented the renewal and transformation of the trusted luxury brand, with his groundbreaking “Blow The Dust Off The Lion and Crown” campaign. This campaign effectively reinforced the hotel’s prestigious appeal to longtime clientele while opening up a whole new market by attracting a new generation of guests to the global brand. Mr. Himelstein and this campaign are featured prominently in Joseph Michelli’s New York Times bestseller, The New Gold Standard. An inductee into the American Marketing Association Hall of Fame, Himelstein also sits on many prominent industry boards, including the Luxury Institute Advisory Board. In addition to a full book of speaking engagements, Mr. Himelstein participates in interviews such as those with the Wharton Business School on XM Sirius radio and as a part of the Forbes’ CMO Series. Recognized for his ability to identify and implement strategies to maintain relevance in today’s rapidly evolving business world, Bruce Himelstein delivers valuable insight to help marketers, corporate executives, and diverse organizations in any industry build and maintain a successful brand, develop a culture of successful service, and efficiently harness talent to effectively foster innovation.
Speech Topics
Blowing the Dust off the Lion and Crown: Staying Relevant in a Changing Marketplace
How do you make your brand relevant? Bruce Himelstein, the man behind the Ritz-Carlton's journey to the top of the luxury world, reveals the secrets behind his award-winning and groundbreaking strategies to revitalize the brand, while staying true to its roots. From harnessing the talents already within your organization to embracing new ways of thinking, Himelstein reveals the secrets to brand success.
Branding
Everything your organization does adds or detracts from your brand equity. Himelstein shares his experience from his days at Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, and Loews Hotels. Bringing the firewalls down within your organization actually strengthens your brand and increases your share of the market. Be clear on who you are for the internal and external customer. Himelstein will share his board room presentations to accomplish this goal.
Customer Service
Customer service IS your brand. We all come to expect it, but very few organizations embrace the strategy. As Bruce led the Ritz-Carlton brand, customer service was squarely in the center of all strategies. Learn the secrets of unleashing a powerful method to transform your team to be more customer centric.
Change
Bruce has lived through numerous changes in his award winning career and shares examples of what to expect. Change disrupts an organization, but it never has to be painful. We know change is inevitable, but a strong culture and focused communication strategy can navigate the shifts. Think Uber, TripAdvisor, Minute Clinic – these are examples of major change not only in an organization, but entire segments of business. Bruce articulates the needs of a team to see it through.
Leadership: “Take Your Work Seriously, Not Yourself.”
Bruce Himelstein’s leadership experience and style has propelled his career from bellman to Chief Marketing Officer of a global, iconic brand – The Ritz-Carlton. He shares his learning’s from what produces positive results, focused individuals, and team dynamics. Leadership is about resiliency and no fear of change. He crushes the myth “we don’t do that here” and offers personal examples from his vast experience.
The Great Reset: Brand Reset in These Turbulent Times
Remaining relevant in a constantly evolving environment is crucial to making it in today’s world. Bruce shares the importance of branding and the use of its equity in an ever-shifting marketplace, and believes that organizations should think about how their brand has evolved during COVID and how it will affect their future. . Companies can use their existing culture to work towards the necessary elements of change that will not only delineate how to move forward in the shifting global landscape, but define how well they will thrive.
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Bruce Himelstein's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Bruce Himelstein'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 Bruce Himelstein's speaking fee?
The typical range for Bruce Himelstein's speaking fee is $10,000–$20,000. 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 Bruce Himelstein 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 Bruce Himelstein for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Bruce Himelstein'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 Bruce Himelstein 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 Bruce Himelstein
Daniel Levine
Daniel Levine is an international social trends expert with an uncanny ability to help consumer-oriented brands and businesses be more relevant, innovative and profitable. Global Trends Expert The author of over 20 bestselling books, and regularly featured in newspapers and magazines, Daniel is the Executive Director of the Avant-Guide Institute (AGI) and the hands-on leader of a huge international team of "trend-hunters" -- over 9000 spotters who track the latest ideas and experiences from around the globe. As a corporate consultant, Daniel has worked with numerous companies, brands and destinations who seek his trends expertise to help them be more relevant, innovative and profitable. Daniel is an award-winning speaker and presenter who is known for delivering highly praised keynotes for select major businesses and conferences worldwide, including World Travel Market (England), Mandarin Oriental Hotels (Worldwide), BrandMarker (Europe), International Luxury Market (France), Jumeirah (Dubai), EIBTM and others.
Fee Range: $15,000–$25,000
Travels From: NY
Micah Solomon
Micah Solomon is one of the world's leading authorities and hands-on consultants specializing exclusively in customer service, company culture, and the customer experience. He’s been named by The Financial Post “The New Guru of Customer Service Excellence,” and he specializes in creating five-star customer service with an eye toward bottom line results. Micah is a bestselling author, consultant, and keynote speaker, and his books have been translated in more than a half-dozen languages and are the recipients of multiple awards.
Fee Range: $12,000–$16,000
Travels From: PA
Pamela Danziger
An internationally renowned expert on the psychology of consumers, Pamela Danziger plugs marketers and retailers into the collective mindset of the consumer. Danziger specializes in the ever-changing high-end marketplace, calling on her expert knowledge of consumer psychology, behavior, and the economy, as well as her in-depth research into the trends and patterns of the American shopper. Danziger is the author of three ground-breaking books on the consumer-mindset. Her first book, Why People Buy Things They Don't Need, was called "a roadmap" for investors in the retail market by USA Today. A highly-sought after keynote speaker, Danziger has recently addressed large conference audiences, speaking in support of ideation, innovation, corporate sales and advertisers’ meetings. Pam brings a passion for data, coupled with a need to understand what drives and motivates consumers to her audiences.
Fee Range: $5,000–$10,000
Travels From: PA
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