As gas prices continue to rise, having an insightful keynote speaker who can intelligently address the political spectrum of challenges regarding oil and energy is a draw for a high powered event. Regardless of political affiliation, the discussion of energy can become quite lively, with pros and cons of utilizing national resources and the cost of renewable energy sources intermingling with world events and politics. It’s a story of natural disasters, warring nations and economic forces that rises deeply from the foundation of our government with far reaching consequences. Especially because this is a topic that everyone can relate to, whether it’s due to pain at the pump or the rising cost of doing business due to increased energy expense, this is a topic of conversation that has many CEO’s and financial C-level executive’s attention.
When selecting a keynote speaker on energy policy, some criteria may be whether the individual held key offices and/or is considered an authority on the subject matter. Keynote speakers who are presenting at industry functions should share factual and informed information, which may be colored or presented from their perspective. After all, the audience is yearning for some great information that may not yet be public, or which represents the perspective of the speaker.
One excellent choice is Daniel Yergin, easily one of the most influential and knowledgeable energy experts. Whether the topic is the implications of war in the mideast or renewable energy solutions, Daniel Yergin has authored seminal books about a wide range of energy issues. His Pulitzer Prize winning bestseller The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money and Power became a PBS mini-series. World events including the disastrous earthquake and nuclear contamination in Japan, the killing of Osama bin Laden and political upheaval in Egypt, Libya, Iran and Iraq are all filtered into Daniel Yergin’s scholarly understanding of energy and oil, and are captured in his latest book, The Quest.
With decades of ground-breaking research and exceptional experience in the energy industry, Dr. Yergin has impeccable credentials, and is a respected lecturer and authority on the international issues of energy and foreign affairs.
Another notable speaker on topics of energy and oil is Governor Dirk Kempthorne. As US Secretary of the Interior under George W. Bush administration, Kepthorne is known for his conservative views and strong understanding of the issues. Organizational change occurs at all levels, including the Federal government and managing that change through practical solutions is one of Dirk Kempthorne’s most adept skills. Drawing on his unique perspective as Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, two-time governor, U.S. senator, and mayor, Dirk Kempthorne shares how to use diplomacy and insight when tackling the complex issues involved in industry and public policy. Kempthorne understands the challenges of renewable energy and the need to balance reliable energy sources with environmental protection.
