Brian Wesbury: Economist

    • Highlights:
    Reading time: 2 min
    Reviews: (0 reviews)
    • Travels from: Chicago, IL
    • **Fee range: On Request

    Keynote Topics

    The unemployment rate is rising, the auto and housing markets are in shambles. The government is bailing out banks, printing money with abandon and handing out billions in stimulus checks.

    But is the economy as bad as people think? Is a government rescue going to work? How long and deep will the recession be? Should we fear inflation or deflation? What about excess debt versus de-leveraging?

    Brian Wesbury, an internationally known economist, will address these questions and more in what should prove to be an entertaining and informative event.

    Wesbury shows that the future may be scary to ponder, but it will ultimately be profitable, globally and over the long haul.

    He reveals the real reasons behind the “Panic of 2008” and why it seems so much more severe than past crises.

    He uncovers a history of entrepreneurship that you should trust, as well as explains how a V-shaped recovery can take place and how wealth you had thought you lost can be found again.

    The traumatic economic upheaval of 2008 caused many analysts and investors to believe that any recovery would be fragile, short-lived and volatile. Instead, while the recovery has been relatively slow, it has been both persistent and consistent. Brian Wesbury, calls it a Plow Horse Economy.

    It’s not going to win any races, but it’s not going to keel over and die either. This recovery is not a new normal something different than we have seen before, but in fact is being driven by new technologies the same thing that has driven growth in the US for more than two centuries.

    This does not mean all is well. Large debt, big deficits, bad policy, high government spending and problems in Europe are all things to worry about. But, putting them in perspective is the key to successful investing and business management. Just maybe things aren’t as bad as you think.

    Brian Wesbury, a winner of the Wall Street Journal’s annual economic forecasting award, nationally acclaimed speaker and author will help navigate these confusing and volatile times.

    Brian Wesbury is Chief Economist at First Trust Advisors L.P., a financial services firm based in Wheaton, Illinois.

    Mr. Wesbury has been a member of the Academic Advisory Council of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago since 1999. In 2012, he was named a Fellow of the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, TX where he works closely with its 4%-Growth Project.

    His writing appears in various magazines, newspapers and blogs, and he appears regularly on Fox, Bloomberg, CNBC and BNN Canada TV.

    In 1995 and 1996, he served as Chief Economist for the Joint Economic Committee of the U.S. Congress. 

    The Wall Street Journal ranked Brian Wesbury the nation’s #1 U.S. economic forecaster in 2001, and USA Today ranked him as one of the nation’s top 10 forecasters in 2004.

    Brian Wesbury | Expert Economist

    Mr. Wesbury began his career in 1982 at the Harris Bank in Chicago. Former positions include Vice President and Economist for the Chicago Corporation and Senior Vice President and Chief Economist for Griffin, Kubik, Stephens, & Thompson.

    Mr. Wesbury received an M.B.A. from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management, and a B.A. in Economics from the University of Montana.

    McGraw-Hill published his first book, The New Era of Wealth, in October 1999. His most recent book, It’s Not As Bad As You Think, was published in November 2009 by John Wiley & Sons.

    Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter

    Videos

    Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

    Speaker Contact Form

    Enquiry Form

    No reviews available for this post.

    Was this profile helpful?

    Talent FAQ's

    Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.

    Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.

    The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.

    Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.

    Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.

    • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
    • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
    • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
    • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
    • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
    • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
    • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

    Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

    View further speakers

    • (63)
    • (5)
    Tim Urban

    Tim Urban, a master of unraveling the intricate tapestry of modern life, offers audiences around the globe insights into leadership, technology, artificial intelligence, creativity, innovation, and the human experience. His unique ability to clarify complex subjects with humor and relatable examples has made him a beloved figure and a sought-after speaker at conferences, corporate events, […]

    • Travels from: New York, NY
    • Motivational Speakers
    • (10)

    A renowned speaker, and bestselling author, Dr. Gabor Maté is highly sought after for his expertise on a range of topics including addiction, stress and childhood development. Rather than offering quick-fix solutions to these complex issues, Dr. Maté weaves together scientific research, case histories, and his own insights and experience to present a broad perspective […]

    • Travels from: Toronto, ON
    • Healthcare Speakers
    • (42)
    Julian Pistone: Leadership, Culture & Change

    Julian Pistone is an internationally respected speaker, consultant, and facilitator with over 15 years of experience in cultural transformation, adaptive leadership, and change management. With a career spanning the Americas, Europe, and Asia, Julian helps organizations and leaders thrive amid complexity by aligning leadership practices and culture with rapidly changing environments. Julian’s work is driven […]

    • Travels from: Mexico City, Mexico
    • Leadership Speakers
    • (14)
    Whitney Johnson

    Whitney Johnson is the CEO and co-founder of Disruption Advisors, a tech-enabled talent development company. Whitney is a globally recognized thought leader (named by Thinkers50 as a top #10 management thinker), author, keynote speaker, executive coach, and consultant; Whitney is the WSJ, USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of Smart Growth: How to Grow Your People to Grow Your Company (Harvard Business Press, […]

    • Travels from: Lexington, VA
    • Business Speakers
    • (34)
    Steve Gleason - Image 01 (February 17, 2026)

    Steve Gleason received an ALS diagnosis in 2011. He was determined to thrive after the terminal neuromuscular disease diagnosis. He spends his life encouraging others to life with purpose. He and Michel, his wife, formed Team Gleason, with the mission of bringing ALS to the forefront and inspiring others to overcome the challenges of the […]

    • Travels from: New Orleans, LA
    • Inspirational Speakers
    • (28)
    Mark Denton-cover

    Mark Denton’s life and career are a testament to the power of leadership, teamwork, and resilience in navigating the most challenging circumstances. Drawing from his exceptional background as a professional sailor and captain, Mark has mastered the art of leading under pressure, guiding teams to success, and inspiring resilience amidst adversity. Through compelling storytelling and […]

    • Travels from: London, UK
    • Leadership Speakers
    • (101)
    Mira Murati - Image 04 (January 20, 2026)

    Ermira “Mira” Murati is an influential Albanian-born engineer, entrepreneur, and one of the most prominent voices in artificial intelligence (AI) today. With a track record of spearheading world-changing AI initiatives, Mira is committed to making advanced AI accessible, ethical, and understandable for the public. In early 2025, she founded Thinking Machines Lab, a public benefit […]

    • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • (40)

    Doug Dvorak is a luminary among keynote motivational speakers, renowned for his global reach and profound impact. With a sterling reputation, he stands tall in the motivational speaking hall of fame and proudly holds a place in the esteemed International Who’s Who of Professional Speaking. Doug’s journey as a speaker has traversed over one million […]

    • Travels from: Palatine, IL
    • Motivational Speakers
    Disclaimer
    The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

    These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

    Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

    All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

    Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

    Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
    Your subscription has been successful.

    Newsletter

    Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

    We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

    Our Mission:

    We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

    © All rights reserved 2026.  Designed using Voxel

    AI Assistant
    Speakers Inc Logo 2024
    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.