Kristen Kish: Celebrity Chef

    Kristen Kish

    Quick Facts:

    • Highlights:
      • Kristen Kish was born in South Korea and adopted into a family in Kentwood, MI.  S
      • he showed an affinity for cooking at a young age.  
      • Her mother suggested she go to culinary school and since attending Le Cordon Bleu in Chicago, Kish has never looked back.
      • Kristen Kish is the host of Top Chef and competed on Season 10 of the show where she won the coveted title, becoming the second female chef to win the prestigious competition. 
      • Kish is a sought-after speaker and host known for discussing cooking, creativity, entrepreneurship, and issues facing the AAPI community. 
    Reading time: 2 min
    Reviews: (0 reviews)
    • Travels from: Austin, TX
    • **Fee range: $35,001 - $50,000

    Talent Services

    Kristen Kish was born in South Korea and adopted into a family in Kentwood, MI. At a young age she showed an affinity for cooking and, prompted by her mother, attended Le Cordon Bleu in Chicago.

    After culinary school, Kristen spent the next ten years in Boston honing her skills in several high-profile restaurants, ultimately becoming the Chef de Cuisine at a Relais & Chateaux property.

    From 2012 – 2013, Kristen competed on Bravo’s Top Chef season 10 where she ultimately won the coveted title.  From there, she went on to co-host 36 Hours, a Travel Channel show that partnered with The New York Times to bring the hit newspaper column of the same name to television.

    Kristen Kish

    In October 2017, Kristen released her first cookbook, Kristen Kish Cooking: Recipes and Techniques and in 2018 she partnered with LINE Hotels to launch her first restaurant, Arlo Grey in Austin, TX.

    The restaurant reflects Kristen’s playful yet refined cuisine, pulling inspiration from her classical training as well as nostalgic dishes that highlight her upbringing and love of travel.

    In 2023, Kristen became the new host of Bravo’s Top Chef for its 21st season. A true full-circle moment, rejoining the Top Chef family on air a full 10 years later.

    Kristen is the co-star of Fast Foodies (truTV/Food Network), a co-host of Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend (Netflix), and the host and producer of Restaurants at the End of the World (National Geographic/Disney+).

    View All Speakers 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!

    You may be interested in...

    Shama Hyder - Image 09 (January 27, 2026)
        Digital marketing keynote speaker and brand strategist Shama Hyder helps organizations build momentum, modernize marketing, and connect with today’s customer through data-driven storytelling.
        • Digital Marketing
        Dr. David Hanson - Image 02 (April 21, 2026)

            He pioneers human-like robots that advance AI and human interaction

            • Humanoid Roboticist
            Butterscotch Clinton - Image 03 (January 29, 2026)
                Empowerment speaker and vocal percussionist Butterscotch Clinton inspires audiences through genre-defying music, resilience, and identity-driven storytelling that challenges norms and elevates human connection.
                • Empowerment Speaker
                Alex Molden - Image 06 (April 7, 2026)
                    Leadership keynote speaker Alex Molden helps teams improve communication, collaboration, and performance through lessons from the NFL and real-world business experience.
                    • Motivational Speaker
                    Daniel Yergin - Image 01 (March 4, 2026)
                        Daniel Yergin is a Pulitzer Prize winning energy expert, geopolitical strategist, and global economics authority who guides leaders through energy markets, climate risk, and international power shifts.
                        • Energy & Geopolitics
                        DJ Tim Lacatena
                            April Dunford: B2B Expert
                                April Dunford is a B2B positioning expert and keynote speaker who helps tech companies transform complex products into clear, compelling market winners that drive sales and customer adoption.
                                • B2B Expert
                                Kurdt Greenwood - Image 23 (April 1, 2026)
                                • (5 reviews)
                                  Kurdt Greenwood delivers high-energy conservation keynotes that blend wildlife science, survival expertise, and real-world fieldwork into powerful calls for planet-focused action.
                                  • Conservation Survivalist
                                  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.

                                  Speakers Inc.

                                  Connecting you with the perfect speaker.

                                  We connect you with world-class speakers to create impactful, memorable events.

                                  Find the Perfect Speaker

                                  Tell us about your event and we’ll match you with the right speaker.

                                  © 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.