GREATER TALENT NETWORK, INC. Inform. Inspire. Entertain.
Founded with the belief that words have the ability to change people’s lives, Greater Talent Network is devoted to bringing the most interesting and inspiring stories to audiences worldwide.
Celebrating Over 33 Years
Greater Talent Network
THE GTN STORY From The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal to Forbes and CNN, Greater Talent Network, Inc. has earned a national reputation as an industry leader among speakers bureaus. Founded with the belief that words have the ability to change people’s lives, GTN has devoted itself to bringing the most interesting, inspiring and informative stories to audiences worldwide. The connections that we built over the last two decades allow you, the meeting planner, unlimited access to a vast world of new ideas. Don R. Epstein created GTN in 1982 with the innovative concept of creating a steady and dependable source for celebrity speakers in a rapidly changing political, social and economic landscape. He made integrity the foundation of all we do, with a firm commitment to exceptional service, selection and satisfaction. Among our speakers are top names from the worlds of politics, technology, entertainment, literature and sports. They have all chosen GTN as their gateway to your audience. Our relationship with these captivating storytellers is based on mutual creative energy. We work with them to develop exciting and informative presentations that consistently speak to the needs of your marketplace. In addition to offering today’s leading storytellers, we know the secret to our success is providing you with the highest level of service possible. To best serve the increasingly inter-connected world, we offer you offices in Florida and Connecticut, as well as our headquarters in New York. From your first call to GTN to the standing ovation that closes your event, our staff is here to assist you every step of the way. Pioneers of the lecture industry, our agents are dedicated specialists with 200 years of combined experience. Most importantly, you have personal access to your GTN representative, who has the experience to handle any crisis, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With in-house travel and event coordination, and promotional departments as well, we provide a full range of support services for every type of event and need. Our staff goes the extra mile, because we believe in the power of our speakers and their stories.
WORKING WITH GTN With over 200 years of collective experience among our agents, Greater Talent Network, Inc. is the perfect place to start your event planning process and book a speaker. Whether you have a specific exclusive speaker in mind or are seeking recommendations, our staff will work with you to pinpoint the needs of your audience and find the perfect keynote lecturer to make your event an unprecedented success. We understand how important your event is, and we are always here to speak with you one-on-one. Throughout the entire process, you will work with the same agent who is dedicated to building a personal relationship with you to discover, anticipate and exceed your expectations. Supported by full-time travel assistance, event coordination and promotional departments, the service that each GTN representative is able to offer your organization is the most personalized and comprehensive in the lecture industry.
“ Looking for Star Appeal? Greater Talent Network offers choices that read like a Who’s Who of business, entertainment and politics.”
— The New York Times
Greater Talent Network “I have been working with GTN since the company was founded. I was an unemployed former editor of a notvery-reputable humor magazine. GTN found wonderful speaking dates for me anyway. They have continued to do so through thick and thin, whether my brand of libertarian/conservative commentary was in the national spotlight or banished to the political wilderness. GTN manages the brilliant balancing act of being absolutely loyal to its customers and equally loyal to its clients. They do their best for both and then make sure that both do the best for each other. If there were a dating service capable of introducing prospective husbands and wives the way GTN introduces prospective speakers and audiences, this would be a world full of connubial bliss.”
-P.J. O’ROURKE
“I’ve worked with GTN for more than twenty years and never once wondered why. Its agents bring to their work not just competence but enthusiasm, and are a pleasure to deal with.”
-MICHAEL LEWIS
“I am more than pleased to be represented exclusively by Greater Talent Network. My only concern is that I am simply treated too well by the agents, and I am getting a little spoiled. I guess that as problems go, it’s not so bad.”
-JERRY GREENFIELD
DON R. EPSTEIN
As Founder & CEO of Greater Talent Network, Inc. for 33 influential speakers bureaus in the nation. His ability to makers, authors, entertainers and motivating personali business associations, charitable organizations and univer circuit, utilizing it as a “proving ground” and launch pad f literature, and entertainment. With over three decades in the business, Epstein has cultivated an exclusive client base that includes: Former Attorney Generals Janet Reno, Bill Ruckelshaus, and Alberto Gonzales, Former National Security Advisor Thomas Donilon, U.S. Senator Cory Booker, Peggy Noonan, Michael Lewis, Lesley Stahl, General Wesley K. Clark, Rep. Ron Paul, Iconic Actor & Activist George Takei, Decorated Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, Henry Winkler, Grammy-winning Songwriter Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, P.J. O’Rourke, Former NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly, General Manager of the Oakland A’s Billy Beane, Ben Cohen & Jerry Greenfield (of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream), and The Blind Side’s Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, all among a roster of over 150 in-demand clients. His office’s negotiating skills have won his clients top-level speaking engagements with such Fortune 500 companies as IBM, AT&T, Citigroup, Honeywell and Microsoft, to name just a few. With a keen eye for untapped opportunities, Epstein has also conceived and spearheaded deals for his clients beyond the lecture realm. His negotiations have put clients on the TV and radio airwaves, and he exclusively manages clients such as television personality Mo Rocca, Serena Altschul, Leigh Anne Tuohy, Lori Rothman, and P.J. O’Rourke. He has also negotiated numerous national and international public relations and commercial campaigns for speakers and entertainers.
years, Don R. Epstein runs one of the largest and most deliver a unique mixture of the most prominent newsities continues to captivate America’s top corporations, rsities. He has also expanded the influence of the lecture for some of the most exciting new voices in broadcasting, Epstein first made his mark in the lecture industry at the University of Florida, where—for an unprecedented two consecutive terms— he chaired the largest student-run lecture division of any college in the country. Following graduation, he served as Director of Live Entertainment for New Line Cinema, one of the most successful independents in the film industry. He began GTN in 1982 with the innovative approach of making information entertaining and making entertainment relevant. Epstein has been featured in such prestigious media outlets as CNN, NBC, FOX, The Wall Street Journal, The Hollywood Reporter, The Hill, New York Times, Newsweek, USA Today, Forbes, Crain’s and Fortune. Epstein is currently a Board Member for the International Association of Speakers Bureaus. Other organizations he currently serves, or has served, include the American Film Institute (Third Decade Council), Florida Blue Key, the President’s Council of the University of Florida, the board of the Brotherhood Synagogue, President and Vice Chairman of the New York State Honorary Fire Chiefs, and the ITP Society (a division of the Children’s Blood Foundation at New York Weill Cornell Medical Center). Raised in Miami Beach, Epstein currently resides in New York with his wife Cara. They are the proud parents of twin sons, Morgan and Jacob.
“From the moment the deal is done till I arrive back in my house, every detail has been so well executed. I sleep well at night knowing GTN is taking care of me”
-HENRY WINKLER
“Greater Talent Network has been my exclusive speakers bureau for the past several years. Its agents have performed superbly on my behalf, ensuring smooth events every time I speak. I could not be happier. Travel, security, demands on my time have all been managed with no fuss whatsoever, leaving me, and the audience concerned only with the substance and the manner of my presentation. Not to have to worry about details is a wonderful luxury for someone who travels and speaks as much as I do. I am so completely satisfied that I encouraged my wife, Valerie Plame Wilson, to sign with GTN as well. I know that she will be as happy as I have been.”
-JOSEPH WILSON
“GTN is superb -- great bookings, terrific travel arrangements, and excellent service. I couldn’t be a happier client.”
-JEFFREY TOOBIN
“GTN is like a 4th child in the Tuohy Family! It has been one of the best decisions we have made and we know that they have our best interest in every situation that arises”
-LEIGH ANNE TUOHY
Greater Talent Network
MEETING PLANNERS FAQ’S What does “exclusive representation” of speakers mean? What is the benefit to me? GTN has combed the industry looking for the best speakers and proven crowd pleasers. These speakers are our exclusive speakers that will make you, the meeting planner, look great. Exclusive representation means that a speaker is represented by only one speakers bureau. As such, we have immediate and direct access to our exclusive speaker’s calendars, fee schedules, technical requirements and other pertinent information to help you plan your event in the most efficient manner possible. Exclusive representation also means our agents have personal relationships with our speakers, allowing us the access necessary to become experts on their whole program--from creation to delivery. Best of all, with a direct line to the speaker, you know that all your requests make it directly to the speaker.
How do we create something unique? Rather than just suggest speakers to fill a slot, our agents will work with you to design a program that meets your needs. In addition to keynote lectures, we can put together everything from informal breakfast meetings to after-dinner fireside chats or help create line-ups for interactive panels or engaging conversations. Whatever your needs, our agents will help you define the goals of your event and attract an audience, all in a timely manner.
How can I learn about a speaker before making my decision? GTN’s full-time promotion and marketing department works to provide you with full biographies on each speaker, photographs, recent press coverage, and letters of recommendation from previous speaking engagements. Most speakers also have excerpts from recent speaking engagements available on our website, so you can preview previous speeches before booking the right speaker for your audience. Our experienced professionals are those you can trust, as they have first hand seen the powerful messages from our storytellers.
Will I have the opportunity to contact the speaker prior to the engagement? In most cases our speakers are happy to talk with organizations prior to an engagement as their schedules allow. Ask your GTN representative about the possibility of setting up a conference call after a speaker is contracted for an appearance. This gives you the opportunity to get to know the speaker on a more personalized basis. Regardless if you have talked directly with the speaker before the event, each speaker receives an extensive questionnaire filled out by your organization to help them better organize their comments for your group.
Can a book signing be arranged in conjunction with the event? The majority of our authors enjoy doing book-signings at lecture engagements. Check with your GTN representative prior to the event to assure that the speaker’s schedule allows for it. Or, for added impact, you can have the books pre-signed and waiting for attendees in their rooms when they check in.
What is the cost of your services? Speaker fees vary widely depending on the demand for an individual, his or her availability, and the services required. All of GTN’s services, from event planning, promotional assistance and travel preparation, are included in the speaker’s set honorarium. In most cases, travel and lodging expenses are in addition to the speaker honorarium, including first-class travel, accommodations and limited out-of-pocket expenses. Our agents understand how important it is to stay on budget and can recommend a wide variety of speakers that can accommodate a broad range of budgets.
In the unlikely situation something goes wrong... While most events go off without a hitch, we believe in being prepared for every eventuality. Apart from our agents, who are available to you 24/7, our team of event and travel coordinators, are always on hand to make changes to any flight at any time, 24/7. Our travel coordinators are seasoned professionals trained to always keep an eye on the weather, to take into consideration every mode of transportation, and to remain calm while dealing with last minute snow storms and other acts of god. Our reputation is impeccable because we believe in planning for every circumstance. Our goal is to ensure your success.
INFORM. INSPIRE. ENTERTAIN. What sets GTN apart as an industry leader is our commitment to three guiding principles: collaboration is the key to service; quality of talent always trumps quantity; and customer satisfaction is not a goal, it’s a duty. Simply put, GTN is dedicated to the success of your event. GLOBAL AND NATIONAL PERSPECTIVES: Spencer Abraham • John Avlon • Wesley Clark • Richard Clarke • Roger Cressey • Monica Crowley & Alan Colmes • Thomas Donilon • Adrian Fenty • Harold Ford, Jr. • Louis Freeh • Richard Gephardt • Alberto Gonzales • Margaret Hoover • Zachary Karabell • Raymond Kelly • Meghan McCain • Judge Andrew Napolitano • George Pataki • Ron Paul • Janet Reno • Alec Ross • Dan Senor • Jeffrey Toobin • Jose Antonio Vargas • Valerie Plame Wilson • Joseph Wilson PRINT AND BROADCAST JOURNALISM: Jonathan Alter • Carl Bernstein • Campbell Brown • Tina Brown • Barbara Ehrenreich • Sir Harold Evans • Bruce Feiler • Joshua Foer • Vikram Gandhi • Susie Gharib • Dan Harris • Sebastian Junger • Steve Kroft • Lara Logan • Kati Marton • Peggy Noonan • Byron Pitts • Bob Simon • Scott Simon • Lesley Stahl • Elizabeth Vargas • Ali Velshi ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT: Neal Baer • Bob Balaban • Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds • Giancarlo Esposito • Susie Essman • Julian Fellowes • Leon Fleisher • John Forté • Danny Glover • Lee Hirsch • Carson Kressley • Anthony Rapp • Brett Ratner • Mo Rocca • Peter Sagal • Sissy Spacek • Vanessa Williams • Henry Winkler • Anthony Zuiker • Alan Zweibel MOTIVATION, INSPIRATION, ADVENTURE: Chaz Bono • Dewey Bozella • Kris Carr • Ntiedo (NT) Etuk • Mia Farrow • Ronan Farrow • Rory Kennedy • Marcus Luttrell • Marlee Matlin • T.K. Mattingly • Luma Mufleh • Petra Nemcova • Michael Oher • Apolo Ohno • Nell Irvin-Painter • Dolvett Quince • Giuliana and Bill Rancic • Capt. Winston Scott • Caroll Spinney • George Takei • Eve Torres • Esera Tuaolo • The Tuohy Family BUSINESS, ECONOMY, MANAGEMENT: Ben & Jerry • Jared Bernstein • Billy Beane • John Browne • Mark Burnett • Paul DePodesta • Mike Forde • Seth Godin • Peter Greenberg • Peter Guber • Mitch Joel • Brad Katsuyama • Liz Lange • Daryl Morey • Dambisa Moyo • Joe Nocera • Frank Partnoy • Steven Rattner • Ronan Ryan • Greg Smith • Howard Stringer • David Stockman • James Taylor • Jonathan Tisch • Omar Wasow • Meredith Whitney • Michael Woodford BEST SELLING AUTHORS: Po Bronson • Max Brooks • Candace Bushnell • Robert Edsel • Emily Giffin • David Grossman • Pete Hamill • Homer Hickam • Michael Lewis • Wendy Mogel • Michael Moore • P.J .O’Rourke • Richard Preston • Nicholas Sparks • Jennifer Weiner • Tom Wolfe 437 FIFTH AVENUE | NEW YORK, NY 10016 | 212.645.4200 | WWW.GREATERTALENT.COM | INFO@GREATERTALENT.COM