Inspirational & Motivational (C)

<p>John Walsh shares moving tales about ordinary people who make an extraordinary impact to illustrate that anyone can make a difference if they direct their passion toward a lifelong cause. </p><p>A renowned victims’ rights advocate, John was a leading force behind the founding of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children before serving as host of the long-running television show <i>America’s Most Wanted</i>.

<p>Erik Wahl is an internationally recognized artist, TED speaker, and No. 1 bestselling author. His breakthrough experience as an artist and entrepreneur has translated into making him into one of the most sought-after corporate speakers on the circuit today.</p><p> On stage, Erik's keynote experience creates a dynamic multidimensional metaphor for how to systematically embrace innovation and risk. His message: disruption is the new normal and businesses must embrace creativity in a wholesale fashion, or risk being left behind.

<p>Dan Thurmon is an author, researcher, and peak performance coach with expertise in work-life integration and change leadership.</p><p> Also a renowned speaker, Dan has delivered thousands of presentations across six continents for audiences including world leaders, Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurs, educators, and even troops on the front lines.</p><p>Dan is a leader in his profession, having served as President of the National Speakers Association.

<p>Chief Richard Picciotto delivers a gripping, firsthand account of the day that altered history, underscoring the significance of courage, preparation and effective leadership when confronted with enormous adversity.</p><p>The FDNY battalion commander in lower Manhattan when it was the target of terrorist attacks on 9/11, Richard and his fellow firefighters selflessly rushed inside the World Trade Center towers to rescue those trapped inside.

<p>Keynote speaker Mike Schlappi has an inspiring message for every American, young or old: “Just because you can’t stand up, doesn’t mean you can’t stand out.” </p><p>As president of Mike Schlappi Communications, and confined to a wheelchair, he is spreading that word to audiences ranging from students to chief executive officers, from rookies to Olympic champions, and from small gatherings to major conventions.</p><p>At the age of 14, Schlappi was student body president, had been awarded his Eagle Scout and was a competitive athlete when he was involved in a

<p>With life experiences mirroring the adventures in his favorite childhood book, <i>20,000 Leagues Under the Sea</i>, Robert Ballard is among the world's most accomplished oceanographers. A pioneer in the development of deep-sea submersibles, he has taken part in more than 140 deep-sea expeditions and is most renowned for his discovery of the RMS <i>TITANIC </i>and underwater explorations of the Bismarck, Lusitania, and Britannic.</p><p>Ballard served in the U.S.

<p>From the basketball court to the board room, former NBA star Walter Bond motivates audiences by sharing his life story of trials and triumphs. Growing up in Chicago, he always dreamed of playing in the NBA but lacked the natural athletic gifts of many of his peers.

<p>Former foster kid turned award-winning country music recording artist Jimmy Wayne takes audiences on an unforgettable and inspiring journey.</p><p>Country music recording artist Jimmy Wayne is known for hits such as “Stay Gone,” “Paper Angels,” “I Love You This Much,” and the single that the earned BMI’s Mission-Air Award for getting more than one million radio spins in the U.S., “Do You Believe Me Now?” A musician who has performed on the Grand Ole Opry 224 times, toured with Brad Paisley and recorded “Sara Smile” with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame duo Daryl Hall and

<p>As the real-life high school robotics coach played by actor and comedian George Lopez in the movie Spare Parts, Fredi Lajvardi is one of the nation’s leading STEM educators and a thought leader on the power of diverse teams to fuel creativity, innovation, and resilience in any organization. </p><p>Fredi Lajvardi captivated the country when he led his team of disadvantaged Latino teens in a university-level underwater robotics competition where they defeated leading schools, including top-ranked MIT.

<p>Oprah Winfrey calls Amy Purdy her inspiration. As a young girl, Purdy dreamed of sailing through fresh powder restrained only by a snowboard attached to two feet. Above all, she dreamed of freedom, of the chance to craft a personal narrative of her own choosing.