Brian Keating

Brian Keating

Calgary, Alberta
Award Winning Conservationist, Naturalist, Educator, Adventure and Wildlife Expert
Brian Keating is an engaging motivational keynote speaker who immediately captures your attention through his powerful storytelling and his ability to educate others about the natural world in the most delightful manner possible, always leaving his audience with a real sense of gain and insight. Brian Keating is a wildlife & adventure keynote speaker & environmentalist who has toured 50 countries & been featured on the Discovery Channel and CBC Radio. His presentations are often considered the highlight of many conferences and events and have been described as eloquent, passionate and humorous.
  • Health & Wellness
  • Leadership
  • Peak Performance
  • Personal Growth
  • Resilience & Adversity
  • Adventurers
  • Agriculture & Farming
  • Campus & University Speakers
  • Conference
  • Corporate Entertainers
  • Education & Teachers
  • Environment & Climate Change
  • Funny & Comedy

BRIAN KEATING BIOGRAPHY

Brian Keating is an international keynote speaker and a former Honorary Conservation Advisor who raises money for environmental projects around the world. He previously held the position of “Head of Conservation Outreach” at the Calgary Zoo, which enabled him to raise money and then spend it on environmental projects around the world. He shares his experiences, insights, and expertise by leading groups on nature-based travel for three decades, exploring some of the best wildlife areas on the planet.

He’s been leading groups on nature-based travel for three decades, exploring some of the best wildlife areas on the Planet. He’s a weekly guest on both Calgary and Edmonton’s CBC Radio, and for many years, was a regular on the Discovery Channel, using his own wilderness adventure and wildlife filming. Brian Keating is one of those rare speakers who immediately captures your attention, creating a memorable experience that audiences will remember for years to come.

His stories and experiences entertain and educate about the natural world and all living things, sharing the natural systems & animal patterns that impact our world while also sharing the impact we have on them. He’s in high demand as an international speaker. His speaking style would best be described as buoyant, fast-paced, humorous, and always uplifting and meaningful. His talks have proven themselves the highlight of many conferences and special events. He’s also written five books designed for ages 8 – 14, these books are real-life stories of wildlife exploration and adventure, designed to get children excited about exploring this amazing world we live in.

Brian Keating’s previous job at the Zoo was to raise money and then spend it on environmental projects around the world. Presently, he’s the Zoo’s Honourary Conservation Advisor in their outreach efforts. He is also a part-time Adjunct Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of Calgary. Brian Keating is in high demand as an international speaker, presenting at some 50 events a year. Brian’s style would best be described as buoyant, fast-paced, humorous, and always uplifting and meaningful. His talks have proven themselves the highlight of many conferences and special events. He’s also the author of five children’s books celebrating nature.

Brian Keating is a pilot, naturalist, scuba diver, and mountaineer. He also is the owner of Going Wild. His wife, Dee, is a physician and keen naturalist who always joins him on his adventures. Together, they have explored nearly 50 countries on all seven continents in the last quarter century.

  • 2017: Renamed in his honour, the Calgary Zoo’s “Brian Keating Conservation Endowment Fund.” The one million dollars (that Brian had initially raised for the fund during his employment with the Zoo) will be matched up to an additional one million.
  • 2017: The Canadian Nature Federation’s “Stan Hodgkiss Canadian Outdoorsperson of the Year Award,” presented in Montreal, in recognition of Canadian outdoors people who have demonstrated an active commitment to conservation.
  • 2016: Elected as a “Fellow”, The Royal Canadian Geographical Society
  • 2012: Western Legacy Award, recognized 100 Outstanding Albertans
  • 2011: “Honorary Conservation Advisor” title and Life Membership award, Calgary Zoological Society
  • 2011: “Honorary Doctor of Laws”, awarded from the University of Calgary, for being “an observer, steward and champion of natural wonders, whose exuberance, love of beauty, generosity of spirit and genius for communication have dared us to apprehend, to imagine and possibly then to comprehend the glorious plenitude of nature”….. “to teach us about the world’s astonishing, fragile biodiversity and the need to conserve it”.
  • 2009: “Honorary Doctor of Science”, awarded from Brandon University in Manitoba, for his distinguished role as a public educator and environmental efforts;
  • 2007: “Honorary Chief of Dompie” (a village in Ghana), awarded at a powerful ceremony due to his efforts in raising the necessary funds to develop a nature sanctuary;
  • 2006: “Canadian Hero of the Year” award from Readers Digest Magazine for his global environmental efforts;
  • 2006: Presented “Alberta Centennial Medal Award” in recognition of “outstanding work for the communities and province of Alberta”.
  • 2005: “One Of The Top Ten Contemporary Calgarians” as voted by the students of the Calgary Board Of Education;
  • 2003: Alberta film industry award for “Best Host” on his hour-long Discovery TV documentary “Planet Zoo” ;
  • 2003: The “Integrity Award” by the Rotary Club of Calgary (Olympic Club);
  • 2002: “The Distinguished Public Education Award” from the Canadian Council of University Biology Chairs;
  • 1993: Emerald Award, a Provincial environmental award from The Alberta Foundation for Environmental Excellence;

 

Videos

Podcasts

Coming Soon!

Brian Keating Topic Presentations

cold leadership - a presentation illustrating the extraordinary leadership capabilities of the failed antarctic expedition of ernest shackleton

  • Virtual PresentationKeynote PresentationWorkshop SessionHalf Day TrainingFull Day Training
  • Keating plans on taking you on a voyage through one of the most astounding wilderness survival adventures of all time, illustrating the brilliant leadership qualities that enabled Shackleton to return home without a single loss of life. He’ll then take you into the icy waters of the Antarctic using his informative method of live-narrated video, to witness the life-abundance of sea birds, seals, whales and penguins, exploring this hauntingly beautiful icescape.

going wild - a spirit-lifting journey into some of the planets best wilderness locations

  • Virtual PresentationKeynote PresentationWorkshop SessionHalf Day TrainingFull Day Training
  • A spirit-lifting journey into some of the planet’s best wilderness locations. Keating has explored some 50 countries on all 7 continents. His passion for remote travel will be revealed as only Brian can do, with his buoyant method of storytelling. Using humour and personal anecdotes and his own live-narrated video segments, he’ll take you into gin-clear ocean depths with unbelievable creatures, to deserts and rich tropical forests, and to places where wildlife numbers leave one overwhelmed and amazed. To conclude, he’ll return to our own Canadian backyard, reconfirming the value of our wild spaces. This presentation is designed to inspire and enthuse, offering hope for a better tomorrow.

a natural relationship - a presentation on the need to encourage and nurture a bond with nature, for us and for the planet

  • Virtual PresentationKeynote PresentationWorkshop SessionHalf Day TrainingFull Day Training
  • Brian Keating, former Head of Conservation Outreach at the Calgary Zoo, is an adventurer, world traveller, and leader of some 80 expeditions to remote locations around the world. This experience, coupled with his earlier career of running the Zoo’s education program for some 15 years, has given him an unusual insight into the importance of nature appreciation in both young and old.

    To highlight what has been termed the “Nature Deficit Disorder”, Brian intends to take you on a journey exploring the importance of the natural experience, the effects on health and psychological well-being, and the basic need to stay connected with the very substance that makes us human. Brian will take you on a visual journey to some very special places to illustrate his discussion on the importance of ‘unplugging’ and getting outside.

    Using his informative and often humorous method of live-narrated video, he promises to share some very special natural moments, guaranteed to drive home the message that a greener planet is not only nice but necessary for our very survival.

places to see before you die

  • Virtual PresentationKeynote PresentationWorkshop SessionHalf Day TrainingFull Day Training
  • Brian Keating and his wife, Dee, have explored some 50 countries on all 7 continents during the previous three decades. His journeys have taken them into some of the best wildlife locations on the planet. Using a series of his own professionally edited video clips, Brian will live-narrate some of the options of modern travel opportunities, taking you on a surprising journey into the heart of some of his most memorable life experiences.

    During this presentation, you’ll travel on foot, kayak and canoe, on small aircraft, and by motorboat into the heart of Africa, South America, Asia, the Polar regions, and into one of the best remote diving locations in the world. It’s an adventure into unbelievable abundance, diversity, and beauty. Brian will present all of this with his usual high energy, buoyant, fun, and informative style, punctuated with personal anecdotes and humour.

sacred groves - a spirit lifting journey into some of the planet’s best wilderness locations

  • Virtual PresentationKeynote PresentationWorkshop SessionHalf Day TrainingFull Day Training
  • Brian Keating has been travelling the wilds of the world for over a quarter of a century, exploring some 50 countries on all 7 continents. His passion for remote travel will be revealed as only Brian can do, with his buoyant method of storytelling. Punctuated throughout with humour and personal anecdotes, he’ll illustrate his presentation with his own live-narrated video segments.

    His first experience with Sacred Groves was in a remote, dusty and forgotten corner of Ghana, West Africa. Since then, his interest in these small forested fragments and their biological significance has taken him on an exploration into Ethiopia, where Sacred Groves number in the thousands. The relevance of these isolated islands of diversity has since led him back to Canada, where some of his discoveries will most certainly surprise and intrigue you.

    His presentation is designed to inspire and enthuse, offering hope for a better tomorrow.

a little sex, a little adventure, and a bit of passion

  • Virtual PresentationKeynote PresentationWorkshop SessionHalf Day TrainingFull Day Training
  • Please excuse the title, but it’s all true. This is a fascinating look at the inner workings of the Calgary Zoo that make working there one remarkable experience. Brian Keating will take you on an adventure that only he can tell, because he was there, watching and filming, right in the thick of things. By persistence, good planning and plain old dumb luck, Brian happened upon more than you’ll bargain for during this sometimes humorous, often profound, and highly personal presentation.

natural re-charge: connecting the elements of nature for self care & wellbeing

  • Virtual PresentationKeynote PresentationWorkshop SessionHalf Day TrainingFull Day Training
  • A spirit-lifting adventure that blends and compares wildlife adaptations to our own everyday survival abilities and life choices. Feeling a little overwhelmed with your everyday demands at work and at home? Is the new technology leaving you breathless? Our technological explosion is pushing us to work faster, harder, and more efficiently, and all with fewer people and support. And on all of this, there are your family’s needs too! What should we do to enable all of us to lead a healthier, better balanced life?

    Leave town. That’s right, get out…..!

    Brian uses the mountains as a metaphor to creatively illustrate some of life’s exciting options and possibilities. It’s a story that passionately illustrates the pure joy of life in high places, illustrating with a buoyant pace, the importance of taking time out for number one…..you! This is a buoyant and humorous program with a solid ecological message that encourages people to get the most out of life and life’s possibilities.

    In this presentation, Brian uses (computer) slides and video to illustrate the story. The slides and video segments are projected (using a standard LCD video projector) and live-narrated to best fit the expectations of the audience.

Testimonials

Your presentation was superb. Funny, contemplative, and animated. We loved it. One of our best-ever keynotes. Folks were talking about it all weekend. Thx so much and a distinct pleasure to meet you.

Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation

ESAA has had the great pleasure of working with Brian for the past 6 years. Each year at our annual conference, Brian brings new stories of great adventures to our delegates. His delivery not only entertains but educates. Consistently our delegates rate him as a highlight of the event.

Environmental Services Association of Alberta

You have a gift Brian, of being able to transport people to amazing places in the world, by connecting people’s hearts and minds to your presentation.

Red Deer Catholic School

The image of the Chamber has always been ‘stuffy’ over the decades and we wanted to show a fun side. I think your presentation hit the spot.

Chamber of Commerce Calgary

Your wonderful presentation was a fantastic way to conclude a very successful conference…you were an integral part of an informative and entertaining conference.

Association of California School Administrators

Articles & Media

Coming Soon!

Books

Amazing Animal Adventures on Islands
Amazing Animal Adventures on Islands
Amazing Animal Adventures on Islands
How to book Brian Keating for an event?

Brian Keating keynote speaker is an expert presenter and has a wide range of experience speaking to a wide variety of audiences and organizations. Brian Keating delivers keynotes, workshops & training sessions. They may also host or emcee events. Hire Brian Keating from Calgary, Alberta for your event to inspire the audience to take action and make change in their work and their lives. Your workplace will benefit from our keynote speaker and their keynote talks and speeches will shift the mindsets or behaviours for the audience members in Canada. 

Interested in booking Brian Keating for an event?

Are you looking to hire Brian Keating for your event? Brian Keating Calgary, Alberta is a dynamic and engaging speaker that offers audiences researched content paired with expertise and a dynamic speaking ability. Brian Keating is also a Canadian corporate consultant and coach and facilitates workshops and training sessions for a corporate audience. Brian Keating is an expert keynote presenter and speaks on wide variety of topics. Hiring a great speaker for your event is important and working with a thought leader like Brian Keating from Speakers Canada’s roster will engage audiences into the content of the presentation to bring awareness and a fresh perspective for their approach to their work and their lives. Book Brian Keating to educate, motivate and activate the audience through an interactive and entertaining presentation at corporate meetings and gatherings.

Known as a popular key note speaker in Canada, Brian Keating creates life changing experiences for the participants with practical insights and strategic advice they can implement right after the session. Working with a one our leading expert speaker like Brian Keating from Calgary, Alberta offers organizations a fresh perspective to assist the people of the organization. No matter if it is a government, association, or business crowd, Brian Keating is a perfect speaker for your event. Through unique practical insights for trending topics and years experience speaking to different organizations, Brian Keating focuses on changing individuals to make better decisions at work and their lives. No matter if you are holding an in person or virtual event, having an influential speaker such as Brian Keating will engage, motivate, and activate the audience to make a change in their lives and inspire action for results to meet organizational goals. Your workforce will benefit from Brian Keating’s presentations and speeches, with measurable results set to shift the people of the organization and core direction of the company. Book Brian Keating speaker for your annual general meeting, conference, summit, or convention in Canada.

How much does it cost to hire Brian Keating for a keynote presentation or virtual event?

Brian Keating is an expert professional key note speaker with a lot of experience speaking and delivering engaging talks to organizations and audiences in Canada. Each of Speaker Bureau Canada’s talent have different ways to assess their fees, and Brian Keating speaker fee ranges depending on the size of the audience, event format (in person or virtual), event location, and if the organization booking them is a non profit, association, government department/government agency or business/corporation. The speakers we work with are flexible with their fees, and it is important for us to learn more about your event before we approach them, as it is our role to work for you, and to help you find a speaker within budget. 

Please contact Speakers Bureau of Canada and provide us with your event details so that we can contact Brian Keating to check availability or confirm the pricing and associated costs to hire a great speaker like Brian Keating for your event. As Brian Keating's agent and as a Canadian top speaker bureau and talent agency for speakers, we are able to propose each event opportunity from each host organization’s behalf to try to help you get in touch with Brian Keating and confirm them for your in person or online meeting/event. We can also provide and advise on the booking process and potentially negotiate their fee. Speakers Canada is a client focused speaker agency, and we work for you in finding good speakers for your team meetings and booking processes.

Brian Keating Disclaimer
Speakers Bureau Canada assists companies and event planning teams seeking to hire talent like Brian Keating for speaking engagements, virtual meetings, conference appearances, training sessions and workshops facilitations. Our Canadian speakers bureau does not claim to exclusively represent Brian Keating, however they are represented by Speakers Canada, and we work with them closely for their Canadian speaking opportunities and bookings. As Canada’s top speaker bureau, we represent Canadian motivational keynote speakers and professional guest speakers that will be available on your upcoming events date and location that are withing the budget. Our talented bureau speaker booking agency can help find business speakers or celebrity speakers that aligns with each organization, audience, event theme and the topic themes you hope for the speaker to address in their presentation. 

When SBC receives a request to book Brian Keating we provide you with their speaker fees, travel costs and check their schedules. We work closely with the host organization’s event planning team and the speaker to handle the logistics and to relay or negotiate associated costs. Our talented team members then will work with our talent directly or their agent/manager/assistant to confirm the Canadian speaker fee and travel expenses, so that event planning teams can receive an official quote for the speaker appearing at the event. Speaker fees and travel costs vary per speaker and our role is to contact Brian Keating about your event, after we have connected with the event organizers to learn all the event details and/or conference program. Each booking request is unique since session durations and audience sizes can vary which may affect the speaker’s fees. If you are looking to hire Brian Keating, we recommend filling out the booking request form so a booking agent from Speakers Bureau Canada can get in touch with our talent to help you coordinate with your team to engage the speaker for a successful event.

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