APB Weekly: A Newsletter Featuring Industry Insights, Speaker Spotlights & More! (June 11)

10 Jun 2026

Here’s what’s shaping conversations this week:

Industry Insight

Current trends, expert insights, and best practices across the speaking industry.

Why Event Planners Want More Than a Highlight Reel

For years, the speaker reel has been the standard way to showcase a speaker's experience, energy, and impact. A strong reel can tell a compelling story and give planners a sense of what it feels like to be in the room.

At the same time, we're seeing more event planners ask for three- to five-minute clips from actual presentations. While reels are often highly produced and edited, short keynote clips provide a more realistic view of how a speaker performs on stage.

Planners want to understand presentation style, audience engagement, storytelling ability, and stage presence. A clip allows them to see those things without the production elements that can sometimes influence a reel. As a result, many planners place just as much value on a few minutes of real stage footage as they do on a polished highlight reel.

Takeaway:

Speaker reels still play an important role, but authentic speaking clips are becoming just as valuable. The strongest speaker marketing often includes both, giving planners a compelling story and a clear picture of what attendees will experience.

Speaker Spotlight

Timely highlights, notable achievements, and impactful voices shaping today’s conversations.

Celebrating Pride Month: Voices Advancing Visibility and Belonging

Pride Month provides an opportunity to celebrate LGBTQ+ communities while reflecting on the importance of visibility, belonging, and equal opportunity. From workplaces and campuses to healthcare systems and communities, conversations around identity, advocacy, mental health, and inclusion continue to shape how people experience the world around them. By fostering greater understanding and empathy, these discussions can help build stronger organizations and communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

A recent American Conversations interview between Cleve Jones and Heather Cox Richardson highlights the enduring importance of activism, public health, and historical memory. Their discussion serves as a powerful reminder that progress is driven by individuals willing to organize, advocate, and ensure that the stories and struggles that shaped the LGBTQIA+ rights movement are not forgotten.

+ Learn more about APB's LGBTQIA+ speakers

New York Times Best Sellers: Eddie S. Glaude Jr. and Martha Raddatz Earn National Recognition

Eddie S. Glaude Jr.’s America, U.S.A. and Martha Raddatz’s The Hero Next Door have both been named New York Times Best Sellers, highlighting the impact of two timely and thought-provoking new books. In America, U.S.A., Glaude examines the stories Americans tell about their nation and challenges readers to reckon more honestly with the country's past and future, while The Hero Next Door showcases extraordinary acts of courage, service, and humanity from everyday people whose actions remind us of the power of community and resilience.

+Learn more about Eddie S. Glaude Jr. and Martha Raddatz

David Pogue Explores the Innovation Mindset Behind Apple’s Success

David Pogue was recently featured by the Next Big Idea Club in “The Apple Way: Creativity, Obsession, and a Little Insanity,” highlighting ideas from his book Apple: The First 50 Years. Through stories from Apple's rise, Pogue examines how curiosity, relentless attention to detail, and a willingness to challenge assumptions helped build one of the world's most influential companies. As organizations navigate rapid technological change, artificial intelligence, and evolving customer expectations, his insights offer a timely reminder that breakthrough innovation often begins with a different way of thinking.

+ Learn more about David Pogue

Rave Reviews

Event feedback, audience reactions, and memorable moments from the stage.

Jerome Adams led a thought-provoking fireside chat for a national healthcare association, engaging 750–900 senior leaders, CEOs, C-suite executives, and industry partners in a conversation about the future of healthcare and the intersection of policy and health. His balanced perspective and leadership insights resonated throughout the conference, challenging attendees to think differently about their responsibility to improve outcomes and strengthen care for all communities.

In front of more than 700 attendees at a library lecture series, Juju Chang offered a thoughtful conversation on journalism, storytelling, and the experiences that have defined her career. Her kindness and authenticity left a lasting impression, with audience members repeatedly praising both her message and her genuine connection with the community.

Bruce Pearl delivered an inspiring keynote for a Jewish Federation event in the Midwest, connecting with more than 500 attendees through a conversation about leadership, identity, and his experience as a Jewish leader in sports. His authenticity, warmth, and enthusiasm resonated across generations, creating a memorable experience that left attendees energized and eager to continue the conversation.

Every week we’re inspired by the ideas, voices, and moments that move audiences forward.

At APB Speakers, we’re proud to help organizations bring those moments to life.