Dave Sanderson
Miracle on the Hudson Survivor - Inspiring audiences that Turmoil can be turned into Triumph
Biography
Dave is an inspirational survivor, author, and nationally sought-out leadership speaker. When US Airways Flight 1549, or ‘The Miracle on the Hudson,’ ditched into the Hudson River on January 15, 2009, Dave Sanderson knew he was exactly where he was supposed to be. As the last passenger off the back of the plane on that fateful day, he took responsibility for the well-being and safety of others. He risked his own life in the frigid water to help other passengers off the plane but despite the hazards to himself, Dave thought only of helping others. He emerged from the wreckage that day with a mission to encourage others to do the right thing. This profound experience changed his life and today he travels the globe sharing his inspirational and motivational leadership messages to help people make a difference in how they do business and in how they live their lives. Named one of Inc.com’s Top 100 Leadership speakers, Dave travels the world to share his inspirational leadership lessons, raising over $14.8M USD for the American Red Cross over the last ten years through his talks.
Speech Topics
Moments Matter
In this stirring presentation, Dave Sanderson reveals the lessons and strategies that helped guide his decisions following the crash of US Airways Flight 1549, or “The Miracle on the Hudson”. Dave not only survived the “crash” but realized that there were key moments in his life that prepared him for how he came through the events of that day. In this 45-minute presentation, Dave shares practical and implementable strategies on resiliency, leadership, and state management anyone can use to not only survive their “personal plane crash” moment but grow and thrive.
Your Distinct Advantage
In his highly acclaimed keynote, Dave guides C-Suite, management teams and conferences attendees through his nine personal leadership lessons to help them discover their DISTINCT ADVANTAGE. Using his signature PITTChE program, that Point in Time That Changes Everything.
From Turmoil to Triumph
For over thirty years, Dave Sanderson was a top producer in some of the largest sales organizations in the world. On January 15, 2009, he was one of the last passengers off the plane that crashed into the Hudson River, best known as The Miracle on the Hudson, considered the most successful ditching in aviation history. (Book release Jan 2022!)
100 Days to Triumph
Change is inevitable; progress is not. Have you ever been presented with an opportunity that could change the direction of your life? From my experience from the Miracle on the Hudson, I have learned that everyone has more than one lifetime in their life; when you have opportunities, that could be your date with destiny.
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Dave Sanderson's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Dave Sanderson'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 Dave Sanderson's speaking fee?
The typical range for Dave Sanderson's speaking fee is $5,000–$10,000. 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 Dave Sanderson 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 Dave Sanderson for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Dave Sanderson'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 Dave Sanderson 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 Dave Sanderson

Rocky Bleier
Legendary member of the four-time World Champion Pittsburgh Steelers, Rocky Bleier is one of America's most courageous sportsmen. Crippled by enemy fire during the Vietnam conflict, he fought overwhelming odds and demonstrated the courage and determination to overcome his injuries, becoming one of the NFL's premier running backs. His remarkable story became the subject of the book, Fighting Back, which was recreated in the 1980 ABC-TV movie of the same name. In his presentations, he motivates audiences to keep on striving for greater accomplishments, employing a dynamic style with real-life stories and an appropriate injection of humor.
Fee Range: $7,000–$11,000
Travels From: PA

Mike Adams
Mike Adams is an author, speaker, consultant and expert in transformation and performance excellence. Mike's keynotes and presentations cover 30 years of lessons learned in theme areas of performance excellence, Industry 4.0, operating discipline, business planning and alignment, customer satisfaction, and quality and change management. A highly rated speaker driven by real, no sugar coated examples with high energy and humor. Mike has authored a series of collaborative reports on answering global CEO challenges and was contributing writer to Leadership Prescription for the Future of Quality and Answering the CEO Challenge: Innovation Leads, Uncertainty Lingers reports published by The Conference Board.
Fee Range: $5,000–$8,000
Travels From: FL

Dave Carey
During the Vietnam era, Captain Dave Carey, U.S.N., was a P.O.W. living one day at a time in a Hanoi prison. His story of personal survival and experiences shared with other prison comrades serves as a real-life example of the irrepressible American spirit and human triumph over adversity. Dave uses the simple, yet profound lessons of his P.O.W. experience as the groundwork to help individuals and organizations redefine priorities, grow, achieve higher performance, and meet personal and professional challenges - one day at a time. His book, The Ways We Choose focuses on these issues.
Fee Range: $8,000–$11,000
Travels From: TX
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