Biography
Erik Shonstrom has worked for 20 years in education; teaching in independent, charter and public schools. Currently, Erik, is a professor of rhetoric and interdisciplinary studies at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont. Erik’s path in education, took a course, different from others; he's been a small-town Vermont newspaper reporter, environmental consultant, cook, mentor for incarcerated youth, as well as worked in orchards pruning apple trees. But, mostly, he's been a teacher - pushing boundaries in education. At 19 he became an Outward Bound instructor, guiding youth at risk on 30 day river trips in Florida. He taught students while clinging to cliffs in Joshua Tree National Park; swimming frigid rivers in the High Sierra; snorkeling jellyfish infested waters off Mexico; paddling tippy kayaks amid the orcas of Puget Sound; trudging up narrow trails in the Adirondacks; and, occasionally, in the classroom. Much of his life and educational experience led him to Author, Wild Curiosity: How to Unleash Creativity and Encourage Lifelong Wondering, which explores the relationship between curiosity and learning, and examines ways in which curiosity can be mobilized in and out of school. His second book (released; Nov. 2017), The Indoor Epidemic: Why Parents, Teachers, and Kids Need to Start an Outdoor Revolution, is an accessible, readable book that educators, parents, policy makers, and general readers can use to develop an in-depth understanding of the role the outdoors has played in our evolutionary and cultural history—and how it affects their own daily life. Currently, Erik is working on his third book which explores how mind-body approaches to learning can be used in schools. Erik has written articles for The Chronicle of Higher Education and Education Week, and his writing has been featured in Forbes Magazine and on NPR. Erik holds a Master in Fine Arts from Bennington College.
Speech Topics
Living in the Land of Wonder and Learning to Love It
The Radical Power of Curiosity and How to Embrace It
Wild Curiosity, The Indoor Epidemic
The Wisdom of the Body and Old Dogs, New Tricks and Pay Attention!
I Probably Should've Brought A Tent
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
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You can inquire about Erik Shonstrom'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 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 Erik Shonstrom for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Erik Shonstrom'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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.Why book Erik Shonstrom 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 Erik Shonstrom
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Meagan Johnson
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Mike Adams
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