APB Weekly: A Newsletter Featuring Industry Insights, Speaker Spotlights & More!
13 May 2026
Industry Insight
Current trends, expert insights, and best practices across the speaking industry.
The Value of a Bureau Partner When Speaker Plans Shift
Event planners have more speaker booking options today than ever before, especially as AI and technology continue to reshape how people search for talent and information. But while technology can help identify speakers faster, it cannot solve one of the most stressful realities in live events: a last-minute cancellation.
That’s where working with a trusted speakers bureau can make a meaningful difference. We’re seeing more planners recognize that the value of an agency partnership is not just about securing a speaker, but about having experienced support when unexpected issues arise.
When cancellations happen, bureaus can quickly recommend vetted replacement options that align with the program’s goals, audience, and tone. Because bureaus already have established relationships with a wide range of speakers, agents, and managers, they are often able to move quickly to identify availability, make introductions, and secure solutions under tight timelines. They also help manage the communication, contracts, scheduling, and logistics that suddenly become urgent under compressed timelines. Most importantly, they have experience navigating these moments and helping events stay on track with as little disruption as possible.
Takeaway:
Technology may speed up the search, but established relationships and real-world experience are what help solve problems quickly when unexpected challenges emerge. A strong bureau partner helps deliver not only an efficient booking experience, but the industry connections needed to keep events moving forward smoothly and when needed, offer fast solutions under pressure.
Speaker Spotlight
Timely highlights, notable achievements, and impactful voices shaping today’s conversations.
Global Uncertainty Is Reshaping Leadership Conversations
From shifting alliances and regional conflicts to economic competition and global power realignments, geopolitics is increasingly influencing how organizations make decisions, assess risk, and plan for the future. Voices like Julianne Smith, Ian Bremmer, Mark Blyth, Katty Kay, and Andrew Busch help audiences cut through complexity with clear, actionable insight on global trends, economic disruption, and the forces shaping an increasingly interconnected world.
+Learn more about APB’s geopolitical and global affairs speakers
Helping Americans Understand Hantavirus: Dr. Megan Ranney and Dr. Ashish Jha Weigh In
Dr. Megan Ranney recently joined The Lead with Jake Tapper to discuss hantavirus, including how the virus spreads and what Americans should know about potential risks, while Dr. Ashish Jha appeared on Good Morning America to explain the differences between hantavirus and COVID-19 and reassure viewers that this is not expected to become another pandemic. At a time when public health concerns can quickly fuel confusion and fear, trusted medical voices like Dr. Ranney and Dr. Jha continue to provide clear, grounded insight that helps audiences better understand complex health issues.
+Learn more about Dr. Megan Ranney and Dr. Ashish Jha
David Epstein and Kimberlé Crenshaw Debut on the New York Times Best Seller List
David Epstein’s Inside the Box debuted at #8 on the New York Times Best Seller list, while Kimberlé Crenshaw’s Backtalker landed at #14, highlighting the continued impact of two influential voices shaping today’s conversations around leadership, identity, and society. Following the success of Range, Epstein’s latest book explores how limitations and constraints can fuel stronger thinking and innovation, while Crenshaw offers a deeply personal reflection on the experiences that shaped her groundbreaking work examining race, equity, identity, and systems of power in America.
+Learn more about David Epstein and Kimberlé Crenshaw
Rave Reviews
Event feedback, audience reactions, and memorable moments from the stage.
Stephen Witt participated in a compelling fireside chat for a financial data and analytics company, engaging approximately 300–400 senior-level institutional allocators, asset managers, family offices, and investment consultants around his bestselling book, The Thinking Machine. His perspective on technology and artificial intelligence resonated strongly with attendees, making it the best-attended session of the day and a standout opening conversation for the event.
For an audience of approximately 250 community members at a prominent art museum’s annual lecture series, James McBride and his band of musicians created an immersive program exploring the music, history, and storytelling connected to The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store and The Good Lord Bird. The interactive experience left a lasting impression throughout the room, with attendees calling the evening “extraordinary” and celebrating both the conversation and the remarkable performances.
Sarah Hurwitz delivered a powerful lecture for more than 300 community members at a prominent Jewish Temple as part of an endowed lecture series, drawing from her bestselling book As a Jew to explore identity, belonging, and reclaiming our story. Her warmth, insight, and thoughtful engagement resonated deeply both during and after the program, making it the best-attended lecture in the series and leaving a meaningful impact across the broader community.
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.