APB Weekly: A Newsletter Featuring Industry Insights, Speaker Spotlights & More! (October 20)
20 Oct 2026
Industry Insight
Current trends, expert insights, and best practices across the speaking industry.
Celebrating 60 Years of APB
As APB celebrates more than 60 years in the speaking industry, we wanted to take a moment to share a little more about where our story began.
In 1965, Robert P. Walker founded American Program Bureau with a belief in the power of bringing important voices and ideas directly to audiences. From the beginning, Bob worked with people who were shaping the conversations of their time, including Martin Luther King Jr., Betty Friedan, Ralph Nader, Andy Warhol, Jane Fonda, and Adam Clayton Powell.
What started on college campuses grew into one of the most established companies in the speaking industry. Over the decades, APB has worked with thousands of speakers across politics, business, media, culture, healthcare, education, and social change. While the company later rebranded as APB Speakers, Bob’s original belief in the importance of connecting audiences with people who have something meaningful to say has remained central to our work.
For those who know APB today but may not know the full story behind it, our 60th anniversary gave us an opportunity to look back at the people, moments, and ideas that helped shape the company.
Learn more about APB’s 60-year history and the story behind our founding.
And for a more personal look at Bob’s story, listen to APB agent Drew Sullivan’s 2022 conversation with him on Small Steps. Big Change., where Bob reflects on the founding of APB, his career, and the experiences that shaped his life.
Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Speaker Spotlight
Timely highlights, notable achievements, and impactful voices shaping today’s conversations.
APB Lists: Top 10 Change Management Keynote Speakers
APB Lists continues with a new resource designed to help event planners discover speakers addressing some of the most important challenges facing organizations today. Each list offers a curated look at voices bringing practical expertise, fresh perspectives, and real-world experience to corporate and association audiences.
This edition features the Top 10 Change Management Keynote Speakers for Corporate Events and Conferences. From navigating organizational transformation and overcoming resistance to building adaptable cultures and strengthening employee engagement, these speakers help leaders and teams embrace change, manage uncertainty, and turn challenges into opportunities for growth.
Chamique Holdsclaw Featured in USA TODAY on Basketball, Mental Health, and Her Next Chapter
Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Chamique Holdsclaw is featured in USA TODAY, reflecting on her legendary basketball career and the new opportunities she is embracing as a broadcaster, investor, and mental health advocate. From joining USA Network as a WNBA analyst to continuing her work breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, Holdsclaw shares how stepping outside her comfort zone has opened new doors, offering audiences a powerful perspective on resilience, personal growth, and finding purpose beyond professional success.
+ Learn more about Chamique Holdsclaw
Healthcare Quality Week 2026: Advancing Quality and Improving Care
Observed October 18–24, Healthcare Quality Week recognizes the professionals working to make healthcare safer, more effective, and more responsive to the needs of patients and communities. As healthcare organizations navigate rising costs, emerging technologies, workforce challenges, and evolving patient expectations, improving quality remains a critical priority.
From patient safety and healthcare innovation to leadership, access, and patient-centered care, APB Speakers bring valuable perspectives on the challenges facing healthcare today. Their insights help organizations strengthen care delivery, improve outcomes, and build a more effective and compassionate healthcare system.
+ Learn more about APB's Healthcare Speakers
Rave Reviews
Event feedback, audience reactions, and memorable moments from the stage.
Anthony Anderson brought his signature humor and warmth to a major technology company’s inaugural CISO advisory board meeting, engaging an intimate audience of 20 senior executives. His genuine enthusiasm and willingness to spend additional time connecting with guests made the event especially memorable, earning enthusiastic praise for going above and beyond to create a personal and engaging experience.
For more than 900 students at an independent school, Maria Hinojosa delivered a bold, energetic, and engaging Hispanic Heritage Month program that connected with students across cultures and backgrounds. Her visit was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, with students eager to meet her afterward and share their personal stories, making the experience especially meaningful for the school community.
David Pogue delivered an engaging keynote on AI and healthcare for more than 600 caregivers and staff members at an aging and in-home services organization’s annual stakeholder summit. His informative and entertaining presentation explored how AI is transforming healthcare, earning enthusiastic feedback from attendees who also appreciated his willingness to connect with guests after the session.