In what conference organizers are calling their “best catch ever,” Guy Kawasaki joins the team of keynoters and presenters at the 2015 Presentation Summit, September 27-30 in the French Quarter of New Orleans. The former chief evangelist at Apple and current chief evangelist at Canva, Kawasaki has a long and storied history with public speaking and public speakers.

Guy Kawasaki“I was deathly afraid of public speaking when I started in 1986,” he recalls. “Working for Steve Jobs was hugely intimidating — how could you possible compete with Steve? It’s taken me 20 years to get comfortable with it and I want to share some of what I’ve learned along the way.”

The author of a dozen books on communication and business strategy, Kawasaki is widely regarded as one of the most recognizable figures in international business today. “We have been inviting Guy to come speak for nearly a decade,” notes conference host Rick Altman. “In that regard, this business is a lot like real estate — you have to expect to get turned down 50 times before you make the sale. I’m glad we were patient.”

“This conference is one of the premiere events for presentation designers and communications experts,” Kawasaki says. “It connects a talented network of people committed to influencing and inspiring through beautiful design. People come from around the world to collaborate and innovate, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”

Guy KawasakiKawasaki’s keynote is entitled, “Ten Things All Presenters Should Do,” and promises to offer his trademark blend of the simple and profound. Here is a sampling of his writings on creating connections and engagement:

and perhaps his most well-known gem of all:


The Presentation Summit is in its 13th season as the most notable user conference in its industry. Attendance is limited to 200. Visit the conference website for complete information — the other keynote speakers, the technical sessions, the design seminars, and a detailed schedule of events. Online registration is available now.

6 Responses

  1. Congratulations Rick!

    I recall you mentioning when we were at the 2011 summit that Guy was on your radar. Your persistence has paid off.

    Olivia and I would love to be with you and know it will be a fabulous event.

    Warmest, Tony

    1. I remember that too! It was a pipe dream then, it was a pipe dream now, but sometimes the planets just insist on aligning. We all appreciate the well wishes, Tony!

  2. Wow! Way to go Rick! Congrats. Wish I could be there. Miss you all!

Now that you have made it most of the way through this article, might you like to join our mailing list? We only send it out about once a month, it’s usually thought-provoking articles (occasionally thoughtless, so say our critics), and it’s never spammy.