Miles O’Brien
Renowned Broadcast Journalist & CNN's Former Science & Tech Correspondent
Biography
What can you say about a man who has done it all? He’s hiked the Denali glacier, trekked to the Ebola hot zone of Western Africa, done an aerial interview with John Glenn while piloting a small plane, toured the damaged reactors of Fukushima, anchored a CNN morning show, and trained with NASA to become the first reporter in space. No, this isn’t a Dos Equis' commercial for The Most Interesting Man in the World, this is the real life dedication to science, technology and aerospace journalism that Miles O’Brien lives every day. For thirty years, Americans have tuned in to watch, learn and be amazed by the most important and interesting stories happening in science today told with the insight, honesty and humor that only Miles brings to his work. For nearly seventeen of those years, Miles was a staff correspondent for CNN and the anchor of various programs, including American Morning. After CNN, he started MOBProd as an independent way to pursue science storytelling. He became the science correspondent for the PBS NewsHour and began to grow the MOBProd team. Since then, he’s produced and directed independent science documentaries for NOVA, been a correspondent for PBS documentary series FRONTLINE and produced the Science Nation series for the National Science Foundation. And, not surprisingly, he’s picked up a few awards along the way including several Emmys, a Peabody, and a DuPont for his coverage of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. While on assignment in 2014, a heavy equipment case fell on Miles’s forearm. He developed acute compartment syndrome, which necessitated the emergency amputation of his left arm above the elbow. But if you think that’s slowed him down, you’d be sorely mistaken. Not only has his reporting and producing continued to grow steadily, he’s taken on new physical challenges completing numerous “century rides” on his bicycle, running two marathons, and recently finishing a triathlon. Still, it’s safe to say that whatever Miles is doing, he’d rather be flying. An avid aviator, he’s logged over 2,500 hours of flight time and looks forward to returning to the skies on his own soon.
Speech Topics
Overcoming Adversity & Dealing with Change
Miles O’Brien is the perfect person to address your audience and motivate your people as they grapple with the sea of change that surround them every day. From the anchor desk to the field, for more than two decades, Miles has made it his business to cover the leading edge of scientific and technological change, no matter the challenge in reporting the story. Dealing with enormously shocking tragedy live on air during the Columbia disaster, getting tipsy on the job to report on the genetics of alcoholism, battling secrecy and exposure to radiation to report on the impact of the Fukushima Daiichi meltdown after the Japanese tsunami- it's all in a day's work for Miles. He approaches every challenge and obstacle he faces with poise, professionalism, humor and most of all a great strength of character and conviction. Most recently, Miles' reporting has turned personal. Shockingly, while reporting overseas he suffered a seemingly small injury that lead to the emergency amputation of his left arm. He's now drawing deeply from his past experiences and his personal strength to overcome the challenges of dealing with the sudden loss of a limb. Miles' compelling stories are sure to engage any audience. The bottom line theme: change really can be good – even though it doesn’t always feel that way when it happens. And, even the most seemingly insurmountable obstacles can be overcome with perseverance.
Moderator and Master of Ceremonies
O’Brien’s experience and background in the fast-paced world of television news -coupled with his passion and knowledge about space, aviation, science and the need to improve STEM education in the United States - make him a perfect master of ceremonies or moderator for meetings or galas that focus on science and technology policy. He is used to thinking on his feet and can make your meeting more memorable.
Fun & Engaging Customized Multimedia Talks
Miles is open to crafting custom speeches in the areas of space, aviation, science, technology, media & journalism. Please inquire if you have a specific topic you would like to have him speak on.
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Miles O’Brien's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Miles O’Brien'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 Miles O’Brien for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Miles O’Brien'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 Miles O’Brien 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 Miles O’Brien
Erin Brockovich
• Iconic environmental activist and consumer advocate • Real-life inspiration for Oscar-Winning film Erin Brockovich • New York Times Bestselling Author • President, Brockovich Research & Consulting
Fee Range: $25,000–$32,000
Travels From: CA
Chad Pregracke
The Mississippi River was literally Chad Pregracke’s backyard while growing up. Chad and his older brother, Brent, spent the majority of their time on, in, and around the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. During his summer breaks Chad worked on the river–primarily as a commercial shell diver for the cultured pearl industry, but also as a commercial fisherman and barge hand. It was during this time that Chad began to realize how neglected the rivers were, with the unsightly and toxic accumulation of trash along their banks. At age 17, he started making calls to government agencies, alerting them to the problem. As the problem worsened, Chad , took matters into his own hands. At 23 years of age, Chad founded Living Lands & Waters, which has grown to 70,000 volunteers, collecting 8 million pounds of debris. In 2013, he was named CNN Hero of the Year.
Fee Range: $5,000–$11,000
Travels From: IL
Andrew Winston
Andrew Winston is a globally-recognized expert on megatrends and how to build companies that thrive by serving the world. Named to Thinkers50 list of the top management thinkers in the world, he is the author of the bestsellers Green to Gold, The Big Pivot, and most recently, Net Positive: How Courageous Companies Thrive by Giving More than They Take (co-authored with renowned CEO Paul Polman). Net Positive was one of the Financial Times’ Best Business Books of the Year. Andrew received degrees in economics, business, and environmental management from Princeton, Columbia, and Yale.
Fee Range: $20,000–$30,000
Travels From: NY
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