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.
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
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.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
Mike Massimino, a former NASA astronaut, is a professor of mechanical engineering at Columbia University and the senior advisor for space programs at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. \ He received a BS from Columbia University, and MS degrees in mechanical engineering and in technology and policy, as well as a PhD in […]
Founder and CEO of the Crisis Ready Institute, Melissa Agnes is a recognized leading authority on crisis preparedness, reputation management, and brand protection. Agnes is the creator of the Crisis Ready® Model and author of Crisis Ready: Building an Invincible Brand in an Uncertain World. She is a coveted speaker, commentator, and advisor to some of today’s […]
Lewis Pugh stands out as a remarkable figure. Renowned for his awe-inspiring feats of endurance in the world’s most frigid and treacherous waters, Pugh is not just an adventurer and environmentalist but also a powerful keynote speaker. Through his remarkable journey, he has been able to bring attention to critical environmental issues and inspire people […]
Noelle Russell is one of the most recognized voices on the future of artificial intelligence and responsible innovation. A multi-award-winning TEDx presenter and best-selling author, she has become a go-to resource for organizations seeking to harness AI’s power to drive growth while managing risk. Named the #1 Agentic AI Leader in 2025, she has taught […]
Ryan Campbell is not your average pilot. At the age of 19, he made history by becoming the youngest person to fly solo around the world. But his story is far more than just a record-breaking feat. From surviving a plane crash to thriving as a best-selling author and motivational speaker, Ryan’s journey is one […]
Dr. Gurpreet Dhaliwal, MD, is a clinician-educator and Professor of Medicine at the University of California San Francisco. He sees patients and teaches medical students and residents in the emergency department, inpatient wards, and outpatient clinic at the San Francisco VA Medical Center, where he directs the internal medicine clerkship. He studies, writes, and speaks […]
JJ DiGeronimo, President of Tech Savvy Women, a powerhouse in the realm of empowering professional women in the tech industry. With a trajectory marked by remarkable achievements and a passion for driving change, JJ stands as one of the most esteemed speakers, authors, and executive strategists dedicated to advancing women in the technology sector. JJ […]
Matt Mullenweg, the visionary co-founder of WordPress and CEO of Automattic, has been a transformative force in the digital publishing world. His pioneering work in open-source web development has democratized online content creation, empowering millions globally. As a speaker, Matt captivates audiences with his insights into technology, entrepreneurship, and the future of work. Born on […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
