Biography
•Jason Silva is a filmmaker, futurist, philosopher, television personality, and speaker who uses technology to excite audiences about science and philosophy. •Silva is the host of the eight-part National Geographic series, Origins: The Journey of Humankind. •He hosted the Emmy-nominated series Brain Games, which premiered to the highest ratings in National Geographic's history. •Described as “a Timothy Leary of the viral video age,” Silva speaks internationally with a riveting on-stage delivery style. His keynotes share hyper-enthusiastic insights on creativity, innovation, technology, philosophy and the human condition that are equally unique and mind-blowing. •He is the creator of Shots of Awe, which “play like movie trailers for ideas,” according to The Atlantic, and have spread like wildfire across the internet with over 40 million views. •Silva has spoken at TEDGlobal, Google's Zeitgeist Conference, Microsoft, IBM, Adobe, Oracle, Electronic Arts, Honeywell, PEPSICO, Intel, Dolby, and many more all over the world. Jason Silva is a Venezuelan-American filmmaker, futurist, philosopher, television personality, and public speaker whose stated goal is to use technology to excite people about science and philosophy. Described as “a Timothy Leary of the viral video age,” Silva lectures internationally on such topics as creativity, disruptive technologies, and humanity, writes and produces short films, and co-hosts National Geographic's #1 rated series Brain Games. He can most recently be seen as the host of the eight-part National Geographic series Origins: The Journey of Humankind. A self-professed wonderjunkie, Silva is the creator of the web series Shots of Awe, micro-documentaries exploring creativity, innovation, technology, futurism, metaphysics, existentialism, and the human condition. In short: Philosophy, Science, and Art for the YouTube generation. The videos, which “play like movie trailers for ideas,” according to The Atlantic, have spread like wildfire across the internet and have been viewed more than 13 million times. Influencers such as Ron Howard, Richard Branson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tribeca Films Co-founder Jane Rosenthal, actor Mark Ruffalo, NASA, and many others have tweeted Jason's videos. Silva also created the web series Future of Us for AOL, exploring exponential technology and the future of humanity. From 2005 to 2011, Silva was a presenter on Current TV, the Emmy-winning, independent cable network started by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, where he hosted, wrote, and produced more than 100 hours of original content. He left the network to become, according to The Atlantic, “a part-time filmmaker and full-time walking, talking TEDTalk.” The Imaginary Foundation wrote of Silva, “like some kind of Ontological DJ, he recompiles the source code of Western philosophy by mixing and mashing it up into a form of recombinant creativity, which elevates understanding from the dry and prosaic, to a sensual cognitive romance.” Others have described Silva as “a modern performance philosopher, a Digital DJ, a re-vitalizer and remixer of optimism, and above all, a curator: of ideas, of inspiration, and of awe…like a trumpet player or modern-day digital Mingus, he jams, riffs and rhapsodizes through a tumbling thicket of ideas with such a sharp and vital alacrity that it can take the breath away.” An active and prolific global speaker, Silva has spoken at TEDGlobal, Google's Zeitgeist Conference, keynoted multiple events for Microsoft, IBM, Adobe, Oracle, Electronic Arts, Honeywell, PEPSICO, Intel, Dolby, and many more all over the world. Silva has been featured in such publications as The Atlantic, Vanity Fair, The Economist, Forbes, and Wired, among others. He was also keynoted at the Tribeca Film Festival, The Sydney Opera house, The Economist Ideas Festival, The DLD Conference, The Singularity Summit, the PSFK Conference, Mexico’s Ciudad De Las Ideas, Seattle’s Interactive Conference, Chicago Ideas Week, the main stage at SXSW Interactive, and the MainStage at CANNES LIONS Festival of Creativity.
Speech Topics
Innovation
Jason has presented his work twice at The Economist Ideas fest, including giving a presentation on "innovation and inspiration" at their Berkeley event. Jason elucidates the relationship between 'out of the box thinking' and innovation- and highlights the role of "inspiration" in de-conditioning our thinking" in order to arrive at these innovative, insightful moments. He has spoken at numerous advertising agencies on this topic as well, including at Berlin/Cameron United and Saatchi and Saatchi's 7 X 7 event.
Creativity
People say 'creativity is just putting things together"… and this is exactly what Jason addresses when explaining creativity His talks focus on "expanding our associative net" and teaching ourselves to look for patterns across seemingly disparate areas.. He talks about the importance of removing ourselves from habituated mental patterns and pulling ourselves drastically out of context in order to "gawk in amazement at the ubiquitous everyday wonder's we're culturally conditioned to ignore" and have creative insights.
Awe / Wonder
People are always looking for inspiration and AWE, but only recently did a study from Stanford confirm that TRANSCENDENT AWE has numerous health benefits. But how do we put ourselves into these states of Wonder and Awe? Jason's highly viral series of short films have literally ignited a conversation about the role of content and media in creating "awe-inspiring" experiences. His video and talk look at AWE as a pivotal ingredient in making ideas resonate and disseminate. As a self-professed "epiphany addict and wonderjunkie", Jason has been compared to Carl Sagan for his unique ability to convey a sense of awe with this talks and work.
The Future of Everything: Disruption for Good, Exponential Technologies and Massive Innovation
Technology is upending the world. Acceleration is the new normal... disruption has gone mainstream. There is a sense of vertigo and disorientation. Jobs may become obsolete. Artificial intelligence is superseding human capacities. Biology is becoming a programmable medium. Anxiety is running high. Mental health is in turmoil. These are mind-blowing transformations — and humans don’t like change. How to respond? How do we leverage these exponentially emerging technologies to impact the world in a positive way? Furthermore — what is the mindset, the creativity, and the consciousness required to thrive in the 21st century? Positive psychologists tell us “the cave we fear holds the treasure we seek”. It turns out, moving past our comfort zones is cognitively beneficial. Blowing our minds boosts cognitive flexibility. We become more resilient. More creative. More adaptable. Join Jason Silva on a mind-blowing journey into the future of technology, of imagination, and humanity.
Artificial Intelligence and The Imagination Age
We are living through an intelligence explosion — artificial intelligence is suffusing every aspect of our lives. From generative AI empowering us with imaginative superpowers to create instant works of art, to Large Language Models like ChatGPT allowing us to engage the resources of a super mind, we have crossed a significant threshold that will change the world forever. So what exactly is going on? How did we get here? To grasp this, we must first understand the nature of exponential technologies - the same forces behind the digital transformations that have remade the modern world are behind the current AI revolution, creating a very real acceleration of progress, or “weeks when decades happen”… We need not be afraid. Instead we need a reframing, a proper contextualization that articulates precisely why we are living in the age of imagination: “as we imagine so it becomes”. More than at any time in human history, AI gives us the capacity to fix everything. From protein folding, to organ printing, to cleaning the environment to addressing the digital divide, AI can be a gargantuan problem solving machine. But it will require humans to take the lead to steward this power in the right direction. Jason Silva will show you this vision and take your breath away.
Technology
The rapid, exponential growth rate of technological development is transforming our world, disrupting established industries and leading us towards a radical transformation in many key areas. There are 3 overlapping revolutions occurring in biotechnology, nanotechnology and artificial intelligence, all of which game-changers. Jason's unique approach towards placing these transformations in context and "looking at the big picture" has made him a sought after speaker who brings an enthralling vision of what's next.
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Jason Silva's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Jason Silva'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 Jason Silva's speaking fee?
The typical range for Jason Silva's speaking fee is $30,000–$50,000. 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 Jason Silva 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 Jason Silva for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Jason Silva'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 Jason Silva 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 Jason Silva
Mike Walsh
Mike Walsh is the CEO of Tomorrow, a global consultancy on designing business for the 21st century. He advises leaders on how to thrive in this era of disruptive technological change. Rather than focusing on the distant future, Mike focuses on the next five years – scanning the near horizon for disruptive technologies and consumer innovations on the verge of hitting critical mass – then translating these into usable business strategies. As a global nomad, speaker and consumer trend scout, Walsh brings a truly global perspective to every event.
Fee Range: $30,000–$40,000
Travels From: NY
Jim Carroll
As a leading futurist, Jim Carroll wakes people up to the trends that will affect them, and challenges them to cope with a world that continues to witness constant, relentless, dramatic change. He is recognized for his critical thinking and business-oriented view of issues related to emerging technologies, social, consumer attitude, workplace, demographic and lifestyle issues, as well as economic and business trends. Jim's programs are delivered with his signature humor, high-level energy, deep insight and challenging observations, and are based on extensive research and customization. He has authored and co-authored some 34 other books, including the critically acclaimed books Surviving the Information Age, The Future Belongs to Those Who are FAST; Ready, Set, Done and What I Learned from Frogs in Texas: Saving Your Skin with Forward-Thinking Innovation.
Fee Range: $25,000–$30,000
Travels From: Intl
Check Jason Silva’s Availability
Tell us about your event and we’ll be in touch shortly.