By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to allow for essential functionality such as saving speakers to your list, enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.

The Leading Ecosystem for Professional Speakers on the Eastern Seaboard of USA.

Get in touch
Trusted by industry leaders around the world
Regional Director

Chris Zweigenthal.

Chris Zweigenthal joined USBI as the Regional Director for the USA Eastern Seaboard region.     

Chris built a phenomenally strong career within the aviation industry holding executive positions at South African Airways and as CEO of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa.  His critical role was to navigate the relationship between Government, public and private stakeholders and to facilitate and reach solutions within the challenging regulatory and business environment.  

He has brought this passion and commitment to USBI and has the goal of building successful partnerships between USBI, its customers and speakers to deliver impactful, value-added insights and solutions for customers. 

As one who has run his own conferences in the past and participated and spoken at many conferences, he understands the industry and has an appreciation of the imperative to engage the right speaker to deliver on the client’s brief.

More about chris and his values
  • This is a business, and as for many other businesses, you are drawn to follow a calling that appeals to you and gives one a sense of value and making a difference.
  • My previous work was representing the aviation business by leading an airline industry association – membership based organization – such organizations are part of the client base you will speak to.
  • What I enjoyed about this job was the opportunity to work across the government, public and private organizations – whose agendas were often in conflict - and seek solutions to pressing issues, through facilitation, negotiation and common sense.
  • When I was offered the opportunity to be part of the global launch of USBI into the USA, I saw the opportunity to continue in this vein.  
  • I always try to see the positive angle in every situation and find solutions that are in the best interests of all parties and which will add value long term.
  • Mutual respect and understanding of respective positions are essential.
  • Our conference speaking industry is in the business of adding value – positive results are required and you as speakers have the power in your hands to make this positive value adding impact for the customer.

Chris left AASA at the end of August 2021 and relocated with his wife Lee-Ann to Albany, NY, USA in September 2021 to be with family. 

His work in the aviation industry enabled Chris to develop working relationships with Ministerial and senior Government officials in aviation, transport, tourism and associated fields, industry stakeholders and associations and many business organizations, both locally and internationally. 

Experiences

That last
At our core

We don't simply provide speakers, we provide world class experiences and opportunities.

With a unique understanding of the markets it serves, Unique Speaker Bureau International (USBI) Eastern Seaboard USA has developed the ability to creatively pair the right speakers with the right event, aligning it with the client’s objectives and keeping it within budget. USBI Eastern Seaboard USA's collaborative team of keynote speakers, MC's and program directors (facilitators) are carefully chosen according to their presentation content, professionalism, expertise, experience, depth and collaboration. Often the entire line-up of speakers is chosen from the USBI Eastern Seaboard USA's stable due to the cohesiveness of its team.

About us

How do we do it?

Our model of Fuel, Ignite and Accelerate guarantees unforgettable experiences

Buckle up...

Fuel
Our aim is to provide you with talent and ideas not just for the conference but even before the conference to create excitement.
Ignite
We provide you with multiple tools can be used to supplement the speakers message.
Accelerate
Our goal is to create a long lasting message  that your delegates will not only remember but implement in their lives.
Fuel

1

Our aim is to provide you with talent and ideas not just for the conference but even before the conference to create excitement.
Ignite

2

We provide you with multiple tools can be used to supplement the speakers message.
Accelerate

3

Our goal is to create a long lasting message  that your delegates will not only remember but implement in their lives.
What we do

We've created the world's leading eco-system for the professional speaking industry.

USBI has been operating since 2009 in Africa and Europe. We have developed a 5-star speaker model. That means that every speaker we recommend has reached our standards across 5 areas of professional competency to be at the top of their game.

Find and book the perfect speaker for your next event

Join the Bureau as a speaker to accelerate your career

Our Blueprints.

We've developed proprietary blueprint systems for 5-Star Customers and 5-Star Speakers. It's at the core of our service offerings and guide us in our business practices.

exceeding expectations

We've created unforgettable events for organisations around the globe.

Find the perfect speaker.

Our speakers have lived life, experienced what they share, and are prepared to go the extra mile to ensure you are personally thanked by your participants for the extraordinary event you put on. All our speaker are vetted to our strict values criteria. By using USBI Eastern Seaboard USA you don’t only have access to some of the best and most interesting speakers in your country, you access the world. We represent speakers from all six continents.

Browse speakers
Button Text

Michael Jackson

Digital / Innovation

U.K

Button Text

René Carayol

Leadership

United Kingdom

Button Text

Abdullah Verachia

Digital / Innovation

South Africa

Button Text

Jim Jermanok

Other

New York

Button Text

Richard Wright

Mindset

South Africa

Button Text

Tony Leon

Politics

South Africa

Button Text

Lorraine Jenks

Other

South Africa

Button Text

Mo Magic

Comedians / Entertainers

South Africa

Button Text

Dr Darren Green

Wellness

South Africa

Button Text

Ian Craig Hatton

Leadership

South Africa

Button Text

Dr Jerome Joseph

Marketing

Singapore

Button Text

Nik Rabinowitz

Comedians / Entertainers

South Africa

Button Text

Dr Graeme Codrington

Diversity

South Africa

Button Text

Cyrus Rogers

Motivation

South Africa

Button Text

Andy Preston

Sales

U.K

Button Text

Keelan Leyser

Mindset

Las Vegas

Button Text

Justice Malala

Politics

USA

Button Text

Lee Den Hond

Leadership

South Africa

Button Text

Rainer Petek

Leadership

Germany

Button Text

Luxmihaasan Rasappah (Lucky)

Other

Canada

Button Text

Derek Bbanga

Motivation

Kenya

Button Text

Ryan Estis

Sales

USA

Button Text

Shay McConnon

Mindset

United Kingdom

Button Text

Donovan Goliath

Comedians / Entertainers

South Africa

Button Text

Josina Machel

Diversity

South Africa

Button Text

Buhle Dlamini

Diversity

Canada

Button Text

Kevin Gaskell

Leadership

United Kingdom

Button Text

John Hagel

Digital / Innovation

San Francisco Bay

Button Text

Steve Lowell

Marketing

Canada

Button Text

Brian Parsley

Mindset

North Carolina, United States

Button Text

Ted Souder

Digital / Innovation

Chicago

Button Text

Ndumiso Hadebe

Economy

South Africa

Button Text

Dr. Iraj Abedian

Economy

South Africa

Button Text

Ian Hawkins

MC and Facilitation

London

Button Text

Dr. Dambisa Moyo

Economy

USA

Button Text

John Smit

Leadership

South Africa

Button Text

Amanda Gore

Motivation

Brisbane, Australia or Dallas, TX

Button Text

Hein Wagner

Motivation

Switzerland

Button Text

Pabi Moloi

MC and Facilitation

South Africa

Button Text

Mike Handcock and Landi Jac

Leadership

South Africa

Button Text

Ryan Hogarth

Digital / Innovation

South Africa

Button Text

Thebe Ikalafeng

Leadership

South Africa

Button Text

Jeremy Maggs

Leadership

South Africa

Button Text

Nic Haralambous

Digital / Innovation

London

Button Text

Dr. Justin Cohen

Diversity

South Africa

Button Text

Alexander Leibner

Digital / Innovation

South Africa

Button Text

Christopher Salem

Wellness

New York City

Button Text

Antoni Lacinai

Leadership

Sweden

Button Text

Lee Naik

Digital / Innovation

South Africa

Button Text

Joseph Ajal

Leadership

Kampala Uganda

Button Text

Dr. Michael Mol

Wellness

South Africa

Button Text

Dr. Suresh Devnani

Leadership

Indonesia

Button Text

Chris Steely

Motivation

San Diego

Button Text

Fifi Peters

MC and Facilitation

South Africa

Button Text

Andrew Mason

Other

South Africa

Button Text

Maps Maponyane

MC and Facilitation

South Africa

Button Text

Conrad Koch / Chester Missing

Comedians / Entertainers

South Africa

Button Text

Larry Soffer

Comedians / Entertainers

South Africa

Button Text

Jason Goliath

Comedians / Entertainers

South Africa

Button Text

Londy Ngcobo

Diversity

South Africa

Button Text

Nicholas Goliath

Comedians / Entertainers

South Africa

Button Text

Joey Evans

Motivation

South Africa

Button Text

Diane Boorman

Motivation

South Africa

Button Text

Peter van Kets

Mindset

South Africa

Button Text

Landi Jac

Mindset

South Africa

Button Text

Devi Govender

MC and Facilitation

South Africa

Button Text

Riaad Moosa

Comedians / Entertainers

South Africa

Button Text

Philipp Kristian

Digital / Innovation

Singapore

Button Text

Saffron Baggallay

Wellness

South Africa

Button Text

Mushambi Mutuma

Digital / Innovation

South Africa

Button Text

Bilal Kathrada

Digital / Innovation

South Africa

Button Text

Kay McMahon

Leadership

USA

Button Text

Lisa Powell Graham

Mindset

Las Vegas

Button Text

Vumile Msweli

Diversity

South Africa

Button Text

Deshun Deysel

Wellness

South Africa

Button Text

Dr Azar Jammine

Economy

South Africa

Button Text

Daniel Silke

Politics

South Africa

Button Text

Ethan Musolini

Motivation

Uganda

Button Text

Stef du Plessis

MC and Facilitation

South Africa

Button Text

Dr. Rutendo Hwindingwi

Economy

South Africa

Button Text

Lydia Phoebe Jengo

Leadership

USA

Button Text

Alan Committie

Comedians / Entertainers

South Africa

Button Text

Pieter Geldenhuys

Digital / Innovation

South Africa

Button Text

Bev Hancock

MC and Facilitation

South Africa

Button Text

Tania Habimana

Marketing

South Africa

Button Text

Bob Roitblat

Digital / Innovation

USA

Button Text

Dr. Miriam Altman

Politics

South Africa

Button Text

Norbert Mao

Politics

Uganda

Button Text

Nadia Bilchik

Leadership

USA

Button Text

Adriana Marais

Digital / Innovation

South Africa

Become a USBI Eastern Seaboard USA preferred speaker and accelerate your speaking career.

All of our speakers are vetted before being accepted into our 5-star speaking model. We work to fuel, ignite and accelerate your career, by preparing you for international audiences, ensuring you have the relevant business advice to help your sustainability and growth

We're truly global

Our speaking eco-system has grown to stretch across 6 continents.

Don't take our word for it...

Here's what our clients have to say:

Dianah Sebalo
Learning Coordinator, Standard Bank

"Siphiwe is invigorating! He is funny, full of energy but his lessons resonates within one's mind. He says one should not be the guest speaker in their own life, and should put in the hard work. He is a FORCE!!! I can't wait to listens to him again."

On booking: Siphiwe Moyo

Lucy Cooke
Marketing Manager, Bidvest Insurance

" Caroline provided a great keynote that resonated well with our audience, its a fabulous insight into the complex juggle of finding a work life balance."

On booking: Caroline Ravenall

Karin Hanson
Sr. Events Manager, GENIVI Alliance

" Hiring Michael was the best thing we could have done to engage our audience and lighten the program with something other than a technical talk.  We are so very pleased with Michaels ability to fit in and be a part of the success in reaching our goals for a fantastic event.  

On booking: Michael Jackson

Michael Peter
Executive Director, FORESTRY SOUTH AFRICA

"As a returning Keynote speaker, Justice once again demonstrated his tremendous insight into the macro-political, social and economic realities facing businesses in South Africa and he tailored some of his address to respond to our sector in particular, which was greatly appreciated by our delegates."

On booking: Justice Malala

Frequently Asked Questions

What is different about USBI than other bureaus?

USBI has been operating since 2009 in Africa and Europe. We are a relationship based bureau, not a transactional based bureau. We have developed a 5-star speaker model. That means that every speaker we recommend has reached our standards across 5 areas of professional competency to be at the top of their game. In addition our own model of Fuel, Ignite, Accelerate ensure your event is fuelled with the right preparation, speakers, intelligence and values. It would then be ignited on the day by our speaker carrying out their craft in a 5-star methodology to meet our requirements. Following the event we will accelerate the message by pre-agreed follow up systems and ensure you get the value long term of the message from our speakers.

Why can I rely on USBI to deliver something unique?

Every speaker is fully vetted to our strict values criteria. Our systems are unique and we are relationship based, meaning we aren’t simply sniffing out another sale and moving on. By using USBI you don’t only have access to some of the best and most interesting speakers in your country, you access the world. We represent speakers from all six continents, not just local celebrities, who really don’t have much below the facade. Our speakers have lived life, experienced what they share, and are prepared to go the extra mile to ensure you are personally thanked by your participants for the extraordinary event you put on.

Can I just hand over to USBI and you will organise things for me?

We are used to full production events either live or virtual. We can involve the right MC’s, Facilitators, Entertainment and of course International thought leaders to intrigue, provoke and educate your audience, leaving you to focus on your core business and network with your stakeholders during the event.

Why should I become a USBI preferred speaker?

All of our speakers are vetted before being accepted into our 5-star speaking model. We work to fuel, ignite and accelerate your career, by preparing you for international audiences, ensuring you have the relevant business advice to help your sustainability and growth through our partnership with The Octopus Ed-Tech Program and don’t forget. You will be in elite company. We are not looking to have speakers. We are looking for the right people, who meet our values and have a brilliant message and those are the people we will get behind.

What makes USBI different?

We have strong values that we work to and our Fuel, Ignite, Accelerate model focusses on much more than just a transactional talk where you speak and get paid. We are the bridge that builds ongoing work for you and our customers, that could lead to consulting, coaching, training or bringing your whole eco-system to the client.

more about us

USBI in action

We currently do not have any upcoming events for this region. Come back soon!

Let's build better conferences together.

Get in touch to launch your dream event!

Get in touch
Loading