Orlando, Florida

An Innovation Keynote Speaker Who Actually Calls Orlando Home

Stephen Shapiro is based in Orlando, not just passing through. For local organizations, that means easier logistics and no cross-country travel fees. For groups flying in, it means a speaker who can point you to the Orlando beyond the theme parks.

30+Years Speaking
500+Organizations
50+Countries
Quick Answer

Stephen Shapiro is an Orlando-based innovation keynote speaker, advisor, and author of eight books, including his latest, You're Not Playing with a Full Deck. He helps organizations build cultures of collaboration and innovation through interactive keynotes like Personality Poker, and works with clients locally in Central Florida and around the world.

Stephen Shapiro, Orlando-based innovation keynote speaker
Meet Stephen

A Decade in Orlando

Hi, I'm Stephen Shapiro. I've called Orlando home for a decade, working with organizations across Central Florida, including the Orlando Magic and Universal Orlando, along with clients around the world. When I'm not on stage, you'll find me exploring what this city has to offer: Sunday jazz jam sessions in Winter Garden (I play sax myself), or a night of close-up magic at Magic Studio Orlando (I'm a bit of an amateur magician too).

Local Logistics

Based Here, Not Flown In

Practical advantages for organizations planning an event in or around Orlando.

Easy for Everyone to Reach

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of the busiest and most connected airports in the country, making it simple for attendees flying in from anywhere to reach your event.

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No Long-Haul Travel Fees

For organizations based in Central Florida, booking a local speaker means avoiding the airfare and travel costs that come with flying someone in from across the country.

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Local Venue Familiarity

Decades based in the area means a working knowledge of Orlando's major hotels, conference centers, and event venues, and how to make a session land in them.

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Trusted by Local Organizations

Stephen's clients include the Orlando Magic and Universal Orlando Resort, alongside national and global organizations like Marriott, 3M, and Procter & Gamble.

Stephen Shapiro speaking on stage at Walt Disney World Resort

Already on Stage Around Orlando

Stephen has taken the stage at major Orlando venues, including Walt Disney World Resort itself. Booking a speaker who already knows the local stages means one less unknown for your event.

Beyond the Parks

The Orlando Most Visitors Never See

If you're flying a team in, it's worth knowing Orlando is a genuinely great city well past Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld. (Even Universal Orlando has brought Stephen in, so he'd know.) Here's a bit of what Stephen, as a local, would point you to.

Performing Arts

Dr. Phillips Center

One of the country's premier performing arts venues, home to Steinmetz Hall, a concert hall built with adjustable acoustics that can be tuned to the performance.

Sports

Orlando Magic

Central Florida's NBA franchise, and a client of Stephen's. Catching a game is an easy, high-energy way to extend a business trip into something memorable.

Live Music

Jazz in Winter Garden

Pilars, in nearby Winter Garden, hosts Sunday jam sessions that draw serious local jazz talent, a favorite for anyone who wants real live music away from the tourist strip.

Magic

Magic Studio Orlando

An intimate live magic venue on International Drive, staged inside a working TV studio. Close-up card work and illusions with real audience interaction, not a big theme-park production.

Comedy

Funny Bone Comedy Club

A longtime club and dinner theatre on International Drive that's hosted SNL alumni and top touring comics for decades.

For Cigar Enthusiasts

Corona Cigar Co.

A destination for cigar enthusiasts, with multiple Orlando-area locations and a serious selection.

Dining

Seasons 52, Sand Lake Road

The original Seasons 52, the very first location of the brand, opened right here on Orlando's Sand Lake Road. Fitting, since its parent company, Darden Restaurants, is headquartered in Orlando too.

Outdoors

Leu Gardens

A 50-acre botanical garden minutes from downtown, a favorite quiet escape for locals and a genuinely beautiful spot most visitors never find.

Sightseeing

ICON Park & The Orlando Eye

A 400-foot observation wheel and entertainment district on International Drive, with sweeping views of Orlando well beyond the parks.

Common Questions

Booking an Orlando Keynote Speaker

Is Stephen Shapiro based in Orlando?
Yes. Stephen is based in Orlando, Florida, and has worked with organizations across Central Florida as well as clients around the world for more than 30 years.
Does booking a local speaker save on costs?
For organizations hosting an event in or near Orlando, booking a locally based speaker can reduce or eliminate the travel costs associated with flying a speaker in from another region.
What kind of events does Stephen speak at in Orlando?
Everything from corporate keynotes and association conferences to leadership offsites, including interactive sessions like Personality Poker for teams that want more than a traditional presentation.
Can Stephen recommend things to do while we're in town?
Happily. Beyond the theme parks, Orlando has a strong performing arts scene, a real jazz and live music community, professional sports with the Orlando Magic, and a growing restaurant scene, and Stephen is glad to point visiting teams toward it.
How do I check availability for an Orlando event?
Visit the Contact page or call 407-476-5373 to check availability and discuss your event.

Planning an Event in Orlando?

Let's talk about what innovation could look like for your team, and what to do while you're in town.

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