Kara Swisher: Speaker | Event Host
Kara Swisher is a leading tech journalist, bestselling author, and influential podcast host known for incisive reporting, unmatched industry access, and sharp analysis shaping global conversations on technology and power.
- Highlights:
- Host of On with Kara Swisher and co host of Pivot
- Editor at large at New York Magazine and CNN contributor
- Co founder of Recode and the Code Conference
- Widely regarded as the most influential journalist covering Silicon Valley
- Creator of Burn Book: A Tech Love Story (2024)
- Formats:
Keynote speaker, moderator, and technology journalist
- Audiences:
Tech conferences, business leaders, policy forums, media organizations, universities, and events seeking candid insight on technology, leadership, and the future of innovation.
- Outcomes:
- Clear, informed analysis of the forces shaping the tech ecosystem and emerging AI landscape.
- Candid, high energy commentary that challenges assumptions and sparks meaningful dialogue.
- Deep context on industry history, leadership behavior, and the implications of digital power.
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- **Fee range: $75,001 - $100,000
Keynote Topics
Talent Short Bio
Kara Swisher is one of the most influential journalists in technology and a defining voice on the evolution of Silicon Valley, digital power, and the future of tech policy. Host of On with Kara Swisher, co host of the Pivot podcast, editor at large at New York Magazine, and a CNN contributor, she brings decades of frontline reporting and unparalleled access to the industry’s most consequential founders, executives, and innovators.
Swisher co founded Recode and the Code Conference, the country’s premier event on tech and media, after previously co producing and co hosting The Wall Street Journal’s D: All Things Digital series. She has interviewed leaders including Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Sundar Pichai, and Ted Sarandos, shaping the public narrative around the commercial internet from its early days through today’s debates over platform power, misinformation, and the emergence of AI.
Named “Silicon Valley’s most feared but revered journalist,” Swisher has chronicled the tech industry since the early 1990s. Her forthcoming book, Burn Book: A Tech Love Story, blends memoir and reportage to examine the triumphs and failures of the internet era and the responsibility the industry holds as AI accelerates another global shift.
Read Full Bio
Kara Swisher is the host of On with Kara Swisher and co-host of the Pivot podcast. She’s editor-at-large at New York Magazine and a CNN contributor. Swisher is the co-founder of the technology website, Recode, and tech conference, Code, which is the country’s premier conference on tech and media.
Considered the top reporter in the tech game, Swisher has been reporting on the industry since the early 1990s. She was there when Amazon was looking for its first headquarters in Seattle, when Google was in its garage and when Netflix was just a small startup.
Once called “Silicon Valley’s most feared but revered journalist” by New York Magazine, Swisher has established herself as the oracle of the tech world with unrivaled access to the industry’s most significant leaders.
In 2024, Swisher will publish Burn Book: A Tech Love Story — part memoir, part history, and ultimately a witty, scathing, but fair accounting of the tech industry and its founders who wanted to change the world but broke it instead.
Burn Book includes soaring tales of innovation and brilliant entrepreneurs, as well as Silicon Valley’s much more complex history of striving, success, and failure. The book details how the commercial internet came into being and how, for all it has given the world, it now sits at the center of global power, creating a clear and present danger to humanity.
Yet despite the damage she chronicles, Kara Swisher remains optimistic about tech’s potential to help solve problems and not just create them. She calls upon the industry to make better, more thoughtful choices, even as a new set of powerful AI tools are poised to change the world yet again.
At its heart, this book is a love story to, for, and about tech from someone who knows it better than anyone. Kara Swisher is also the author of aol.com: How Steve Case Beat Bill Gates, Nailed the Netheads and Made Millions in the War for the Web, published by Times Business Books in July 1998. The sequel, There Must Be a Pony in Here Somewhere: The AOL Time Warner Debacle and the Quest for a Digital Future, was published in the fall of 2003 by Crown Business Books.
Kara Swisher was named to The Hollywood Reporter’s list of “Podcast Power Players” in 2022 and 2023, and to the 2023 Out 100.
She also received the “Pioneer Icon” award at the 2023 iHeart Podcast Awards. Additionally, Pivot was named one of the “Best Podcasts of 2022” by the New York Times and “Best Thought Leadership Podcast” at the 2022 Adweek Audio Awards.
View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter
Videos
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
No reviews available for this post.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
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.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
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.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
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 and other costs
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.
Deposits and securing a booking
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.
Additional tips and takeaways
- 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
- (29)
Julie Holmes is a trailblazer in the world of technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence. With an infectious enthusiasm, sharp wit, and unparalleled expertise, Julie has cemented her status as a leading voice in enterprise technology and startup ecosystems. Over a distinguished 25-year career, Julie has evolved from a tech enthusiast to a revered inventor, tech […]
- Travels from: London, UK
- Artificial Intelligence
- (18)
Abigail Posner is a multi-talented professional, combining creativity, intellect, and innovation into her work. With a rich background in various fields and a passion for exploring the intersection of technology and creativity, she has become a recognized figure at Google, consistently pushing the boundaries of brand marketing. Posner’s journey began with a solid academic foundation. […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Marketing Speakers
- (48)
Kristin Bock, a dynamic force in the realm of nonverbal communication. Kristin is the founder of Body Language Blueprints, an innovative online platform dedicated to enhancing communication skills by leveraging the subtle art of body language. With a unique approach that merges scientific insights with practical applications, she empowers professionals to stand out in person, during […]
- Travels from: Oshkosh, WI
- Communication Speakers
- (10)
Bjørn Heyerdahl is more than just an explorer or environmentalist. He embodies the legacy of his lineage, stretching back to the iconic Viking era, and channels it into a modern narrative of sustainability, adventure, and humanitarianism. As an internationally recognized speaker and consultant, Bjørn Heyerdahl brings a unique blend of ancestral wisdom, personal grit, and […]
- Travels from: Toronto, ON
- Motivational Speakers
- (30)
Dr. Lisa D Jenkins is a distinguished cultural strategist renowned for her expertise in cultivating environments of impactful cultural diversity within organizations. With a track record of excellence, she has garnered recognition as an award-winning professional speaker, empowering teams to thrive in multicultural settings. Lisa’s journey is enriched by her diverse background, including pivotal roles […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Diversity Speakers
- (74)
At 19, after experiencing flu-like symptoms, Amy Purdy was rushed to the hospital in a state of septic shock. En route, she experienced respiratory and multiple organ failure, which caused her to lose circulation to her extremities. When she entered into the hospital she was given less than a 2% chance of survival, put on […]
- Travels from: Denver, CO
- Inspirational Speakers
- (26)
Dr. Amy Cuddy, a renowned Social Psychologist, Award-Winning Harvard Lecturer, and Bestselling Author. Dr. Cuddy is a dynamic and influential speaker, celebrated for her groundbreaking research on nonverbal communication, power dynamics, and the science behind personal transformation. Event planners seeking to elevate their next event should consider booking Dr. Amy Cuddy through Speakers Inc for […]
- Travels from: Venice, CA
- Healthcare Speakers
- (52)
Alden Mills is on a mission to help 100 million people Be Unstoppable. With more than 40 years of experience failing and succeeding in a vast array of different environments from sports, military, and business to nonprofits and community action groups, he learned success is driven by one vital factor – leadership – of oneself […]
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- Leadership Speakers
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
