Laura Schwartz
CVP

Laura Schwartz

IL, US

39 reviews

0 verified

On stages since 2001, Laura is an award winning Professional Emcee & Keynote Speaker, author of "Eat, Drink & Succeed" & TV Personality. She is the youngest female presidential appointee in history.

39 reviews

0 verified

certified virtual presenter

Laura Schwartz is all about connection. Whether appearing on your stage or virtually through your screen; she connects to your audience, to your brand, to your objective, to people.  Named one of The 100 Most Influential People in the Global Event Industry in 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019 and one of the top 7 speakers in the United States, Laura Schwartz has been a Professional Emcee and Keynote Speaker since 2001. Laura began her professional career in 1993 as the youngest female presidential appointee in history serving as the White House Director of Events for the Clinton Administration. After which, in addition to speaking, published her first book "Eat, Drink and Succeed” and currently appears on television as the American contributor on Australia’s #1 Today Show. Laura has been featured by and is a published writer in Fast Company, Elle Magazine, Marie Claire and other periodicals. In 2021, along with her cast from ITV News, was awarded the International Drum Award for Podcast of the Year.


THE WHITE HOUSE YEARS

Laura Schwartz, as the White House Director of Events for the Clinton Administration, the youngest female presidential appointee in history, worked one-on-one with the President, the First Lady, World Heads of State and international business leaders as she created and executed more than 1,000 White House events including State arrival ceremonies and dinners, America's Millennium Celebration, the UN Millennium Summit and NATO's 50th Anniversary. While producing the President's events on the world stage, Laura demonstrated the ability to inspire a nation and the world through powerful productions. At just 19 years old, she arrived at the White House, with no political connections, and began her climb up the ranks as a Staff Assistant, the Midwest Press Secretary, the Director of Television, and ultimately, the White House Director of Events. Following the administration, Laura travelled internationally with Former President Clinton for the Global Initiative.


PROFESSIONAL SPEAKER, EMCEE AND INTERVIEWER
Laura has been taking her empowering presentations to stages across the world since 2001 and is well known for her dynamic keynotes and as a mistress of ceremonies for multi-day conferences and events. Whether addressing an intimate gathering of 30 or a crowd of 30,000, Laura captivates audiences with her positive energy, expertise and enthusiasm. 


Laura is well regarded for her smart, seamless and credible approach to interviewing CEO's, newsmakers and celebrities. Recent on stage interviews include:


President Bill Clinton 

Co Founder Apple, Steve Wozniak

Celebrity and Advocate Rob Lowe

Comedian and former host of The Daily Show Trevor Noah

ABC's Shark Tank Shark Robert Herjavec

Entrepreneur and Basketball Great Shaquille O'Neil

NASA Astronaut Mae Jamison

NASA Astronaut Mike Massimino

Fox News Channel anchor and managing editor Brett Bair

CEO, Commvault Sanjay Mirchandani

CEO, Sitecore, Steve Tzikakis

Global Director, Enterprise Endpoint Products at Intel, Yasser Rasheed

Global Head of SCI Business Development at Microsoft, Mandana Javaheri


Laura has received high marks for her work as emcee for many prominent corporations including Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, Hyundai, Uber, Mercedes Benz, AT&T, Cathay Pacific, HSBC, BlackRock, MACY'S, Hilton Worldwide, the Oprah Winfrey Network, Hyatt, NBC Universal, PepsiCo, Realtor.com, Coldwell Banker, Asembia Pharmaceutical and more.


LAURA'S BOOK: EAT, DRINK & SUCCEED
In "Eat, Drink & Succeed!" Laura shares the secrets to building powerful, effective partnerships where we least expect it – in our companies, communities and beyond. Drawing from personal anecdotes from people across the world, as well as her life and White House years, Laura reveals how to harness the networking power of social events. Laura donates 100 percent of proceeds from books sold at engagements to a nonprofit of the client's choice.


TELEVISION AND MEDIA COMMENTATOR
Laura has been a prominent face on television around the world since 2001, covering 5 presidential elections, 2 royal weddings and more. She got her start as a contract contributor for Fox News Channel before moving to CNN and CBS. Today, she is a regular contributor on Australia's #1 Morning Program, the "Today Show".  She is an authoritative source and commentator on a wide range of topics, including the American presidency, domestic and foreign affairs, women in business and philanthropy. In 2021, along with her cast from ITV News London, was awarded the International Drum Award for Podcast of the Year.

Laura 's Virtual Presenter Certificate

Laura Schwartz is all about connection. Whether appearing on your stage or virtually through your screen; she connects to your audience, to your brand, to your objective, to people.  Named one of The 100 Most Influential People in the Global Event Industry in 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019 and one of the top 7 speakers in the United States, Laura Schwartz has been a Professional Emcee and Keynote Speaker since 2001. Laura began her professional career in 1993 as the youngest female presidential appointee in history serving as the White House Director of Events for the Clinton Administration. After which, in addition to speaking, published her first book "Eat, Drink and Succeed” and currently appears on television as the American contributor on Australia’s #1 Today Show. Laura has been featured by and is a published writer in Fast Company, Elle Magazine, Marie Claire and other periodicals. In 2021, along with her cast from ITV News, was awarded the International Drum Award for Podcast of the Year.


THE WHITE HOUSE YEARS

Laura Schwartz, as the White House Director of Events for the Clinton Administration, the youngest female presidential appointee in history, worked one-on-one with the President, the First Lady, World Heads of State and international business leaders as she created and executed more than 1,000 White House events including State arrival ceremonies and dinners, America's Millennium Celebration, the UN Millennium Summit and NATO's 50th Anniversary. While producing the President's events on the world stage, Laura demonstrated the ability to inspire a nation and the world through powerful productions. At just 19 years old, she arrived at the White House, with no political connections, and began her climb up the ranks as a Staff Assistant, the Midwest Press Secretary, the Director of Television, and ultimately, the White House Director of Events. Following the administration, Laura travelled internationally with Former President Clinton for the Global Initiative.


PROFESSIONAL SPEAKER, EMCEE AND INTERVIEWER
Laura has been taking her empowering presentations to stages across the world since 2001 and is well known for her dynamic keynotes and as a mistress of ceremonies for multi-day conferences and events. Whether addressing an intimate gathering of 30 or a crowd of 30,000, Laura captivates audiences with her positive energy, expertise and enthusiasm. 


Laura is well regarded for her smart, seamless and credible approach to interviewing CEO's, newsmakers and celebrities. Recent on stage interviews include:


President Bill Clinton 

Co Founder Apple, Steve Wozniak

Celebrity and Advocate Rob Lowe

Comedian and former host of The Daily Show Trevor Noah

ABC's Shark Tank Shark Robert Herjavec

Entrepreneur and Basketball Great Shaquille O'Neil

NASA Astronaut Mae Jamison

NASA Astronaut Mike Massimino

Fox News Channel anchor and managing editor Brett Bair

CEO, Commvault Sanjay Mirchandani

CEO, Sitecore, Steve Tzikakis

Global Director, Enterprise Endpoint Products at Intel, Yasser Rasheed

Global Head of SCI Business Development at Microsoft, Mandana Javaheri


Laura has received high marks for her work as emcee for many prominent corporations including Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, Hyundai, Uber, Mercedes Benz, AT&T, Cathay Pacific, HSBC, BlackRock, MACY'S, Hilton Worldwide, the Oprah Winfrey Network, Hyatt, NBC Universal, PepsiCo, Realtor.com, Coldwell Banker, Asembia Pharmaceutical and more.


LAURA'S BOOK: EAT, DRINK & SUCCEED
In "Eat, Drink & Succeed!" Laura shares the secrets to building powerful, effective partnerships where we least expect it – in our companies, communities and beyond. Drawing from personal anecdotes from people across the world, as well as her life and White House years, Laura reveals how to harness the networking power of social events. Laura donates 100 percent of proceeds from books sold at engagements to a nonprofit of the client's choice.


TELEVISION AND MEDIA COMMENTATOR
Laura has been a prominent face on television around the world since 2001, covering 5 presidential elections, 2 royal weddings and more. She got her start as a contract contributor for Fox News Channel before moving to CNN and CBS. Today, she is a regular contributor on Australia's #1 Morning Program, the "Today Show".  She is an authoritative source and commentator on a wide range of topics, including the American presidency, domestic and foreign affairs, women in business and philanthropy. In 2021, along with her cast from ITV News London, was awarded the International Drum Award for Podcast of the Year.

Laura 's Virtual Presenter Certificate

Emcee Moderator and Interviewer

Laura is a smart, savvy moderator who began her career at 20 years of age as the youngest female presidential appointee in history.  Today, she conducts on stage interviews for her clients with a swath of content and conversations with leaders and newsmakers from presidents to astronauts, actors, athletes, journalists, business innovators and giants of philanthropy. In collaboration with her client and subject, Laura asks the questions which result in the answers they want most to...

Entertainment-basedAudience ActivityEducational / InformativeTechnical / SpecificInspirational / Life-changingHumorous / Funny

KEYNOTE: Eat, Drink & Succeed!

Laura’s super-charged signature series is built on being prepared for partnership and turning the optional into opportunity. As she reminds audiences: “You never know when the next conversation will be the one to change your life—or someone else’s.”


Challenging traditional ideas of networking, Laura inspires audiences to ask “What can I do for you?” instead of the self-serving “What can you do for me?” She...

LeadershipMotivationNetworkingWomen in LeadershipEntertainment-basedAudience ActivityEducational / InformativeTechnical / SpecificInspirational / Life-changingCommunication

KEYNOTE: YOUR THIRD PLACE

Laura transforms the stage into The Third Place: part experience, part revelation, all impact


At the heart of opportunity is the space where conversations come alive. In The Third Place, Laura Schwartz brings to life the concept coined by urban sociologists in 1989—those spaces beyond home and work where we gather, connect, and create.


On stage, Laura doesn’t just talk about Third Places—she creates one in...

LeadershipMotivationNetworkingWomen in LeadershipAudience ActivityInspirational / Life-changing

KEYNOTE: ACTIVATE YOUR SUPERPOWERS

Every Leader Has a Cape. It’s Time to Wear Yours.


From her start as a small-town girl with a speech impediment to becoming the youngest female presidential appointee in White House history—and ultimately an international professional speaker and television commentator—Laura shares powerful, relatable stories of challenges and triumphs. Along the way, she reveals the superpowers we all develop throughout our lives.


Audiences will...

LeadershipMotivationNetworkingSalesWomen in LeadershipEntertainment-basedEducational / InformativeInspirational / Life-changingHumorous / FunnyCommunication

KEYNOTE: LEAD FIRST

A dynamic presentation on leadership that inspires in moments of triumph, turbulence, and transformation.


As any great leader will attest, leading in good times is easy—it’s in moments of turbulence and change that true leadership is revealed.


In this one-of-a-kind program, Laura Schwartz draws on little-known stories from more than 200 years of U.S. Presidents and First Ladies, weaving in her own White House...

LeadershipMotivationNetworkingWomen in LeadershipEntertainment-basedAudience ActivityEducational / InformativeTechnical / SpecificInspirational / Life-changing

KEYNOTE: MOONSHOT MENTALITY

A powerful program on how YOU CAN harness the same Moonshot Mentality that took us to the moon and make it part of Your DAILY LIFE


Drawing on President John F. Kennedy’s approach to the space race and his 1961 address to the Congress, nation and world, Laura delivers a powerful, enlightening, and motivational program on how we can all harness the same Moonshot Mentality that took us to the moon, in our lives and professions, to achieve our goals as one...

LeadershipMotivationSalesWomen in LeadershipAudience ActivityCommunication

KEYNOTE: CUSTOM KEYNOTE PROGRAMS

Laura customizes each keynote to align with your message and objectives—and is renowned for her ability to connect authentically with every audience. Rather than delivering the same speech repeatedly, she crafts presentations that are fresh, relevant, and impactful.


Beyond her signature keynotes, Laura collaborates with partners to create original programming and curated plenaries tailored to specific company themes and content. Whether your focus is a...

Entertainment-basedAudience ActivityEducational / InformativeTechnical / SpecificInspirational / Life-changingHumorous / Funny

VIRTUAL PRESENTATIONS: Any program can be delivered virtually

DYNAMIC ENERGY, VIRTUAL DELIVERY

Laura makes every participant feel a virtual connection to your message, mission and program.


Laura was practically born in front of a camera, and she grew up in her father’s award-winning photography studio, surrounded by lights and cameras. As a result, her virtual space feels like home, and she makes everyone watching feel the same way.

Prior to becoming White House Director of Events,...

Audience ActivityEducational / InformativeInspirational / Life-changingHumorous / Funny

LAURA'S APPROACH: What Laura Schwartz Will Do For You as Your Emcee or Keynote Speaker

1. SHE PUTS YOUR GOALS FRONT AND CENTER

Laura listens before she speaks. Whether it’s a single afternoon or a multi-day conference, her preparation begins long before the audience arrives. Each engagement starts with a thoughtful discovery process, as she researches your industry, brand, culture, mission, and audience. By aligning with your objectives, Laura creates a tailored experience that connects, inspires, and resonates long after the event...

Audience ActivityEducational / InformativeInspirational / Life-changingHumorous / Funny
Laura 's Virtual Presenter Certificate

39 recommend Laura

Post your own verified review when you hire this speaker through eSpeakers.

United States of America

On-Site

P.B.C., Former US President, United States of America

Behind the scenes at the White House, Laura saw firsthand that we can best ‘achieve ourselves’ by helping others, but that doing so requires us to go beyond our good intentions with a determination not to be distracted and a commitment to building partnerships with those who share our goals.

On-Site

S.D.F.

Laura is an outstanding communicator as I know from her sparkling appearances on Frost Over The World. I'm sure that her book will be an equal success. As she says 'Your career isn't 9-5, it's 24-7' and she's living proof of just how well that works.

AT&T

On-Site

T.A., CEO AT&T Global Business, AT&T

We're delighted you joined us as the emcee and a keynote! By sharing your own professional experiences on stage, you demonstrated how transformation is being powered across today's business landscape. This resonated with our teams and helped put us on the right path for the conference itself and year ahead in AT&T Business.

Hyundai Motor Group, South Korea

On-Site

H.M.G., SVP Communications, Hyundai Motor Group, South Korea

Your presence helped vitalize the whole presentation, and thanks to your contribution, we saw great media coverage outcome from the CES 2020.

Hewlett Packard

On-Site

M.L., Director, Hewlett Packard

You were amazing to work with. Your message was so compelling and you had the audience eating out of your hand. I would love to work with you again!

Meeting Professionals International

On-Site

M.W.A.S., Meeting Planners, Meeting Professionals International

100% SATISFIED! Meeting Professionals International World Education Congress

Executive Secretary Live

On-Site

E.S.L., Chiefs of Staff and Executive Assistants, Executive Secretary Live

100% EXCELLENT EXCEPTIONAL

Event Service Professionals Association

On-Site

E.A.M.S., Professional Event Suppliers, Event Service Professionals Association

4 /4 stars: Event Service Professionals Association Annual Conference

Matalin and Carville

On-Site

M.M., Political Strategist and Commentator, Matalin and Carville

You have to talk to our daughters - you know more about us than they do! Thank you, Laura. You did an incredible job.

Evento

On-Site

H.K., Editor–In-Chief, Evento

Laura, you were outstanding. The cocktail bar "Happy Hour" on the stage would not have worked with anyone else — you were so poised, funny, and weaving our message through the entire day — we are all extremely impressed.

ATT

On-Site

A.D., Director of Communications Executive Team, ATT

"Thank you again for sharing your insight and for joining our lineup of business leaders. You left us all inspired."

Media West Production

On-Site

J.S., President, Media West Production

My team had nothing but praise for your work and all that you did to make their job easier. They said you were one of the best we have ever worked with.

Event Creative

On-Site

J.F., Director of Sales, Event Creative

Laura - you are a pro that can step into any situation and that is greatly appreciated! We can't wait to recommend you for our next job! Thanks again for a fantastic evening!

Macy's Inc.

On-Site

R.R., Senior Vice President, Macy's Inc.

Our team was truly energized after hearing your insights, guidance and perspective on how to capitalize on making relationships count. Your talk was inspiring and memorable, and now I will think twice before I go home to the remote control vs. spending 20 minutes at that cocktail party!

Merrill Lynch

On-Site

K.M.M.L., VP, Merrill Lynch

I love several quotes from your book and keynote, which I'm now using with my team when I'm stressing follow-up.

Cathay Pacific Airways Limited

On-Site

E.O.C.P.A., Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Americas, Cathay Pacific Airways Limited

We loved your energy and enthusiasm - you were exactly what we needed! Always a real bonus in any event!

HSBC

On-Site

L.A., Senior Vice President, HSBC

Your presentation was wonderful, as always, and our team was fully engaged. We received much positive feedback about you as a speaker and the absolute relevance of the subject for our team. As always, you were a big hit!

Kohler Company

On-Site

S.W.K.C., Sr. Sales Executive, Kohler Company

My goodness, I have been talking about your presentation just about every day since we met on April 12th. You are enthusiasm is contagious and I caught it!

Sirius Events

On-Site

A.C., Sales & Marketing; Events Specialist, Sirius Events

Thanks to the team for putting on The Business of Events! I had an inspiring Friday afternoon attending the Keynote session with Laura learning about the 5 pillars of engagement, coming away with invaluable lessons that will help not just in understanding the events industry but in all areas of my professional life.

Raytheon Company

On-Site

C.P., CGMP, Raytheon Company

Your appearance was a perfect energy and content for our internal meeting & events team, and I can even see other future opportunities where we can partner as well.

Northern Trust Women's Leadership Council

On-Site

L.L., Northern Trust Women's Leadership Council

I came away from your presentation inspired to network in new ways that I am putting to work for me immediately! Thanks for being a wonderful role model for the modern working woman!

GroundSwell Group

On-Site

N.W., CEO, GroundSwell Group

I appreciate your involvement, energy and efforts to support us and Freshworks every step along the way. You were amazing to work with, captivated the room and the audience loved you!

New World Productions

On-Site

C.K., CEO, New World Productions

"Thank you for such a great part of the event. From beginning of the process months ago, through to the final show day, you were a pleasure to work with!"

Hyatt Corporation

On-Site

L.K.H., Senior Event Planner, Hyatt Corporation

"WOW!" It's one day later and I am still on cloud nine thinking back to yesterday's Women at Hyatt Event at HRC. I was totally blown away. I am sure you know this, but in case you don't, please know how beyond touched, impressed and impacted everyone in the audience was.

Assembia Specialty Pharmaceuticals

On-Site

S.M., CMP Sr. Director, Tradeshow Events, Assembia Specialty Pharmaceuticals

You were a pleasure to work with and a great addition to our general session! Thank you so much for your contribution to our largest attended summit yet!

Collinson Media and Events

On-Site

K.J., Director of Events, Collinson Media and Events

Laura's talent and command of the audience, as well as a well-presented keynote address made the show for all in attendance. I would highly recommend Laura as a keynote and emcee. I am proud to have worked with her and will leverage the fact that I know her in every circle I can!

Pabst Brewing Company

On-Site

M.D.I., Director Category Development, Pabst Brewing Company

Thank you for sharing your experiences and ideas with our Pabst group last week in Sarasota. Your energy and enthusiasm is contagious…..I loved it! I also wanted to drop you a quick note to say how much I enjoyed reading your book! It's a very clear and concise path to understanding a variety of networking techniques (It's also a fun and easy read). For those that read it, it's invaluable info!

UNICEO - United Networks of International Corporate Event Organisers

On-Site

S.F.U., Chief of Staff, UNICEO - United Networks of International Corporate Event Organisers

The advice you are giving is absolutely priceless, thank you for the wisdom and "secrets" you are sharing with the audience.

TX Society of Association Executives

On-Site

B.B., President & CEO, TX Society of Association Executives

She (Laura) is organized and she delivers - our members loved her. She worked in association information and SWS details throughout her presentation. She had studied us and knew what we were all about. And we are a tough group - as people who hire and hear speakers all the time, we are hard to impress. But Laura brought out the best in everyone and she got outstanding reviews.

Arizona Women's Leadership Forum

On-Site

A.M.H., President and CEO, Arizona Women's Leadership Forum

Your presentation received RAVE reviews - ratings and comments were off the charts! It earned wonderful comments - not only for the content, but also for your energy and enthusiasm. It was the perfect way to start the day! I also want to thank you for virtually attending the entire Symposium and making yourself available to chat with the participants - they so appreciate it when speakers are as open, down-to-earth and willing to speak to them as you were.

The American Heart Association

On-Site

H.M., Vice President, Corporate Relations, The American Heart Association

"I've never seen a gala crowd so enthusiastic and ready to give! Thank you for combining our mission with purpose and connecting it to every attendee in that room and beyond!"

United Way

On-Site

S.F., Communications Director, United Way

Laura's enthusiasm as she presented each and every award kept the audience on their toes. What could have been a lengthy, uneventful program became a true celebration of everyone's work to bring United Way's mission to life. She was flawless! Attendees raved that this year's program was by far their favorite due in large part to Laura's energy.

The Junior League of America

On-Site

B.K., President, The Junior League of America

Our members cannot stop
talking and raving about you!
Your professionalism, personality and passion for leadership and business is inspiring. It was not
only your message and how you connected directly with our members and our mission but your delivery was engaging and mesmerizing!
You made everyone feel connected and your visuals were outstanding. 
A standing ovation was so
well deserved! You are such a natural to speak to leadership positions and the business world as you have paved the way as someone who has developed her own brand!

Tampa Bay MPI

On-Site

J.C., President, Tampa Bay MPI

You were just terrific at our meeting and we received nothing but rave reviews back from our attending members! I can't remember a time when one of our speakers received such all-around praise from this many attendees. Great job and thank you for making us look so smart by booking you for the event!

Wisconsin Bankers Association

On-Site

T.R.W.B.T., Wisconsin Bankers Association

You were the highlight of our annual conference. There has never been a speaker that has made such an impact on all our attendees. You and your message are relevant, positive, interesting and motivating! Thank you for "Knocking the Lights out at the Conference!" We will be talking about it for years I'm sure!

Sphinx Strategies, LLC

On-Site

V.S., MBA, Sphinx Strategies, LLC, Sphinx Strategies, LLC

You carry a tremendous energy and I guarantee I am not alone in saying you are a tremendous asset to the entire conference!

Emergency Medicine Services Corporation

On-Site

J.T.E., Exec. VP, Emergency Medicine Services Corporation

Thank you for a phenomenal presentation at the EmCare Annual Kick-off. Your presentation will help move us to the next level. I received comments such as, "Thank you for an amazing meeting." "It is a terrific vision for the company" "Best meeting I've ever attended." "I'm pumped." "Wow!" "We are changing healthcare." "There is no limit to where we can take this company."

Cbus Super Fund Australia

On-Site

M.K., Partnership Marketing Consultant, Cbus Super Fund Australia

Hands down, one of the best conferences I have attended in a while! My number one highlight, was meeting the former White House Director of Events - such an inspiration!

EventConnect.com

On-Site

S.C., Managing Director, EventConnect.com

Laura was the perfect MC and her energy was infectious - can't wait for TBOE 2020!"

Photos