Scott Dikkers: Creative Catalyst

  • Co-Founder of The Onion: Scott Dikkers is best known as the co-founder of The Onion, one of the most successful satirical news outlets in history. His leadership helped transform the platform into an iconic, multi-million-dollar brand with a global audience.
  • Pioneering Digital Satire: Scott Dikkers played a pivotal role in pioneering digital satire and news parody long before it became mainstream. His innovative approach to comedy and content creation paved the way for modern satirical media.
  • Bestselling Author: Dikkers has authored several bestselling books, including “How to Write Funny”, a comprehensive guide to creating humor. His books offer valuable insights into humor writing and the creative process, making them popular among aspiring comedians and writers.
  • Award-Winning Comedian and Writer: Dikkers has earned numerous awards throughout his career, including accolades for his writing, editing, and contributions to comedy. He has been recognized by prestigious institutions like the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
  • Acclaimed Speaker: As a speaker, Scott Dikkers is known for his engaging, humorous presentations that delve into creativity, humor, and media. He frequently speaks at universities, conferences, and corporate events, inspiring audiences with his journey and strategies for success.

Travel & Fee Range:**

  • Travels from: Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • USA: $17,500

$1,500 flat travel fee, plus client is responsible for venue-city ground and hotel

  • Virtual: $15,000
  • Canada/Hawaii: $20,000

Expenses: rt first class air, professional venue-city ground, hotel up to 2 days, meals. Travels from Minneapolis. 

  • Mexico/Latin America: $25,000

Expenses: rt first class air, professional venue-city ground, hotel up to 2 days, meals. Travels from Minneapolis. 

  • Europe: $25,000

Expenses: rt first class air, professional venue-city ground, hotel up to 2 days, meals. Travels from Minneapolis.

  • Asia/Australia: $30,000

Expenses: rt first class air, professional venue-city ground, hotel up to 2 days, meals. Travels from Minneapolis

Keynote Topics

In the age of AI, how can we still be creative?

It’s true, AI is THE disruption on everyone’s mind — teams in every industry wonder if they are safe from job extinction, while leaders explore how AI will generate and save money. In the midst of programming, automation, and data points, the art of human creativity (using brains and emotions) is still the key to innovation.

Scott’s talk ISN’T about AI expertise, it IS using a proven creativity method (with other humans or in conjunction with AI) that he used to make The Onion a multi-million dollar company. Scott is a creative catalyst who used a process that leads to constant innovation, improvisation, and adaptability.

While The Onion may be all humor, it is a serious business that has traveled through highways of disruption (from the fall of print media to the rise of the internet, and more). The future of work has always been here. Everything is changing around us — so many disruptive forces and so much change in the way we work, interact, and accomplish anything. 

Creativity is how The Onion survived and thrived amid a market crash, digital transition, a hybrid office, and increased stealth competition. Scott’s talk provides attendees a clear method that teams and leaders can use while reminding them of their vital role in innovation.

Have you ever seen a story in your news feed from The Onion and thought it was real?

Nowadays, it’s hard to tell satire from real news. Scott Dikkers can help, He is the founding and longest serving editor of the onion the original fake newspaper.

Audiences at colleges universities and other educational organizations have a great time when he comes to speak on their campus.  He brings plenty of laughs, of course, and outrageous stories about the crazy characters, wild mix-ups, and legal troubles you might expect to hear about — from the onions storied history, all the way up to the present day. Scott shares an important message that’s uniquely relevant with three big takeaways:

  1. Read critically:
    How are we supposed to separate knowledge from conspiracy truth, from lies? It’s not easy anymore.  We live in a world where far too many people believe the Earth is flat, or that we didn’t land on the moon, or that Nanobots are going to turn us all into flesh-eating zombies. Scott will make a big impact with attendees, stressing the importance of approaching everything we read with questions and curiosity instead of blind acceptance.
     
  2. Check your sources:
    Since the day The Onion was founded, Scott has been compelling people to think about where they’re getting their information. Today, a lot of people are understandably confused about how to navigate this strange media landscape we find ourselves in. We have news feeds now instead of newspapers, and we all need to be more Discerning media consumers. This gets to the core of what education is all about.
     
  3. Spread the truth you know:
    We’re all in the media now, whether we like it or not. We distribute information to our friends, family, and to our broader followers, so we all need to be responsible journalists. We didn’t sign up for this, but that’s the price of living in the modern digital world.

Scott engages with students and community members who love asking him questions and getting into lively discussions about media literacy and other topics, from creative writing to entrepreneurship and marketing.
Attendees will walk away from his talk entertained for sure, but also clear-eyed about the importance of being an informed and just maybe, they’ll think twice next time they see something a little too crazy to be true in their news feed.

Live Your Mission, Love Your People, and Have Fun Doing It

Scott Dikkers is the hilarious founder of TheOnion.com, number #1 New York Times bestselling author, and award-winning speaker. He takes audiences through “The Onion Way”, three foundational principles he developed to grow a small college newspaper run out of a dorm room into a multi-million dollar brand recognized the world over with tens of millions of loyal social media followers.
 
Principle 1:
Live your mission. Scott walks you through finding your North Star, pursuing it with passion, and inspiring your team to do the same. This simple framework spurred The Onion to take bold risks, and it compels audiences to innovate in their own companies, which we need to confront the challenges we all face in business today: The future of work, AI, supply chain problems, the war for talent, and so many others.

Principle 2:
Love your people. In what Scott calls the “Love Economy,” companies that succeed big today are the ones people fall in love with. Understanding this paradigm not only attracts and keeps customers, it frees teams to do their best work, be more creative, and form a culture that can weather any storm and continues to innovate.

Principle 3:
(The most important thing of all is to) Have fun doing it. And at Scott’s talks, everyone has fun, walking away with not just actionable takeaways but tears of laughter.

Scott Dikkers tells the tale of his beginnings in comedy and getting The Onion started, and shares funny stories about how he struggled in the early years, and then achieved great success.

As a farm boy with no education, he’ll paint the picture of a starry-eyed kid who loved reading Mad Magazine and dreamt of one day getting his work published to improbably founding the world’s first humor website and heading up America’s longest-surviving humor publication.

Dikkers connects his experience to the college audience’s lives by pointing out how much more opportunity they have to start something new like The Onion today, explaining that this is a magical time in their lives when they can make just about anything happen for themselves.

Scott Dikkers is a New York Times bestselling author, comedy writer, and comedian known for his innovative approach to both creativity and branding. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of comedy, earning global recognition for his leadership at The Onion and his ability to redefine comedy for modern […]

Scott Dikkers is a New York Times bestselling author, comedy writer, and comedian known for his innovative approach to both creativity and branding. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of comedy, earning global recognition for his leadership at The Onion and his ability to redefine comedy for modern audiences.

Scott Dikkers | Creativity Speaker

His visionary approach in building The Onion from a small print publication into an iconic brand with a massive global following has solidified his place as a pioneer in creative media and branding.

Expertise: Creativity and Branding

Scott Dikkers’ expertise lies at the intersection of creativity, storytelling, and branding. His work spans multiple decades and platforms, proving his adaptability and deep understanding of creative processes. Dikkers co-founded The Onion in 1988, taking the reins as its longest-serving editor-in-chief. Under his leadership, The Onion became a multimedia brand that not only parodied news but also satirized the nature of media itself, making it a cultural phenomenon with tens of millions of fans worldwide.

His creative talent is also evident in his comic strip, Jim’s Journal, which became a cult classic in the 90s. The minimalistic yet powerful humor in Jim’s Journal captured the simplicity of life, showcasing Dikkers’ unique creative voice. Additionally, his foray into podcasting with multiple top-10 comedy shows, further proves his mastery in adapting to evolving platforms while retaining his distinct brand of humor.

Dikkers’ extensive background in writing and content creation makes him an expert on branding in creative fields. He understands the importance of authenticity, audience engagement, and the power of narrative in building a brand. His insights into how humor, creativity, and strategic branding intersect are sought after by companies looking to stand out in competitive markets.

Authority: A Leading Voice in Comedy and Branding

Dikkers is an authority on both creativity and branding for several reasons. First, his success at The Onion speaks for itself. By transforming a small college newspaper into a globally recognized satirical brand, he demonstrated an unmatched ability to innovate within the realms of both comedy and marketing. The Onion became a trusted source for humor, effectively branding itself through a consistent and recognizable voice, tone, and style—testament to Dikkers’ branding genius.

Moreover, Dikkers has authored multiple books on comedy, leadership, and creativity, including How to Write Funny, a highly acclaimed guide for aspiring humorists. His ability to distill complex creative processes into digestible and actionable insights makes him a leading figure in the creative industry. This, coupled with his regular appearances on top comedy podcasts, speaking engagements, and media interviews, establishes Dikkers as a credible authority on building brands through creative content.

In the realm of public speaking, Dikkers’ expertise is often sought after by leading corporations, universities, and creative professionals, all of whom rely on his insights to enhance their own branding and creative strategies. His presentations are not only informative but also highly engaging, making him a favorite among audiences looking for a fresh perspective on creativity and branding.

Trustworthiness: Proven Track Record for Success

Scott Dikkers’ trustworthiness stems from his proven success in multiple creative ventures over the past three decades. He built The Onion into a household name, navigated the shifting landscapes of print, digital, and social media, and established himself as a trusted voice in the worlds of both comedy and marketing. Dikkers has consistently delivered results, both creatively and financially, making him a reliable speaker and consultant for businesses looking to build their brands through creativity.

His extensive writing and public speaking portfolio further exemplifies his trustworthiness. As a keynote speaker, he has been invited to share his insights with Fortune 500 companies, creative agencies, and academic institutions. His presentations provide actionable insights based on real-world experience, and his reputation as an honest, authentic voice makes him a speaker audiences can trust. His humor and candidness enable him to connect with diverse audiences, ensuring that his message is always impactful.

Why Book Scott Dikkers as a Keynote Speaker

Scott Dikkers offers a one-of-a-kind perspective on creativity and branding, blending humor with real-world experience. His presentations highlight the power of storytelling in building successful brands and inspire audiences to think outside the box. Whether addressing a room of creatives, marketing professionals, or entrepreneurs, Dikkers provides actionable strategies for fostering creativity and building a brand that resonates with today’s audiences.

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, Scott Dikkers’ experience with The Onion and his success across various media platforms make him an invaluable speaker for companies navigating branding in the digital age. His insights into how brands can utilize humor, social media, and creative content to connect with their audience are both timely and relevant. Dikkers’ ability to stay ahead of trends and adapt to new technologies makes him a critical resource for any brand looking to stand out in a crowded market.

Scott Dikkers knows how to captivate an audience. As a seasoned comedian, his presentations are not only informative but also highly entertaining. He brings the same wit and humor that made The Onion a global sensation to his keynote speeches, ensuring that audiences are both engaged and inspired. His humorous delivery makes complex topics more approachable, leaving a lasting impression on attendees.

Why Event Planners Should Use Speakers Inc

Speakers Inc has a proven track record of connecting clients with top-tier speakers like Scott Dikkers. Their team of experts carefully curates a selection of the most sought-after keynote speakers, ensuring that clients get the best talent for their events. With personalized customer service and extensive industry knowledge, Speakers Inc takes the guesswork out of event planning, helping clients seamlessly integrate world-class speakers into their programs.

Event planners who partner with Speakers Inc benefit from a hassle-free experience, including streamlined communication, speaker preparation, and post-event follow-up. They provide end-to-end support to ensure that each event exceeds expectations, whether it’s a corporate retreat, a marketing conference, or a creative workshop. By choosing Speakers Inc, planners can trust that they are booking reliable, high-impact speakers like Scott Dikkers.

Summary and Conclusion

Scott Dikkers is a pioneer in the world of creativity and branding, whose visionary leadership at The Onion and success across multiple platforms have made him a leading voice in the industry. His ability to blend humor with practical insights into branding makes him a highly sought-after keynote speaker. Audiences benefit from his wealth of experience, creativity, and engaging delivery, leaving them inspired and equipped with actionable strategies for their own brands.

Event planners looking for an expert who can deliver meaningful insights in a humorous and engaging way should look no further than Scott Dikkers. With his track record of success, deep understanding of creative branding, and ability to connect with audiences, Dikkers ensures that any event he speaks at is memorable and impactful.

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Author Books | Magazine Covers

Scott Dikkers

Learn comedy writing and how to write a joke with a simple comedy-writing and joke-writing formula you can use right now to write your own jokes.

Scott Dikkers

From one of the world’s most celebrated humor writers, this easy-to-follow, step-by-step book lays out a clear system for producing living, breathing comedy characters that audiences will fall in love with.

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