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Founded with the belief that words have the ability to change people’s lives, Greater Talent Network is devoted to bringing the most interesting and inspiring stories to audiences worldwide. Greater Talent Network Talent Matters, Exclusivity Counts

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Greater Talent Network's Company Kit, June 2012

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Page 1: GTN Company Kit

Founded with the belief that words have the ability to change people’s lives, Greater Talent Network is devoted to bringing the most interesting and inspiring stories to audiences worldwide.

Greater Talent NetworkTalent Matters, Exclusivity Counts

Page 2: GTN Company Kit

From The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal to Forbes and CNN, Greater Talent Network, Inc. has earned a national reputation as an industry leader among speakers bureaus.

Founded with the belief that words have the ability to change people’s lives, GTN has devoted itself to

bringing the most interesting, inspiring and informative stories to audiences worldwide. The connections

that we built over the last two decades allow you, the meeting planner, unlimited access to a vast world of

new ideas.

Don R. Epstein created GTN in 1981 with the innovative concept of creating a steady and dependable source

for celebrity speakers in a rapidly changing political, social and economic landscape. He made integrity the

foundation of all we do, with a firm commitment to exceptional service, selection and satisfaction.

Among our speakers are top names from the worlds of politics, technology, entertainment, literature and

sports. They have all chosen GTN as their gateway to your audience. Our relationship with these captivating

storytellers is based on mutual creative energy. We work with them to develop exciting and informative

presentations that consistently speak to the needs of your marketplace. In addition to offering today’s leading

storytellers, we know the secret to our success is providing you with the highest level of service possible.

To best serve the increasingly inter-connected world, we offer you offices in Florida, Connecticut and

California, as well as our headquarters in New York. From your first call to GTN to the standing ovation

that closes your event, our staff is here to assist you every step of the way. Pioneers of the lecture industry, our

agents are dedicated specialists with 200 years of combined experience.

Most importantly, you have personal access to your GTN representative, who has the experience to handle

any crisis, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With in-house travel and event coordination, and promotional

departments as well, we provide a full range of support services for every type of event and need. Our staff goes

the extra mile, because we believe in the power of our speakers and their stories.

The GTN Story

Greater Talent Network

Page 3: GTN Company Kit

With over 200 years of collective experience among our agents, Greater Talent Network, Inc. is the perfect place to start your event planning process and book a speaker.

Whether you have a specific exclusive speaker in mind or are seeking recommendations, our staff will work

with you to pinpoint the needs of your audience and find the perfect keynote lecturer to make your event an

unprecedented success.

We understand how important your event is, and we are always here to speak with you one-on-one.

Throughout the entire process, you will work with the same agent who is dedicated to building a personal

relationship with you to discover, anticipate and exceed your expectations. Supported by full-time travel

assistance, event coordination and promotional departments, the service that each GTN representative is

able to offer your organization is the most personalized and comprehensive in the lecture industry.

Working with GTN

“ Looking for Star Appeal? Greater Talent Network offers choices that read like a Who’s Who of business, entertainment and politics.”

— The New York Times

Page 4: GTN Company Kit

“I have been working with GTN since the company was founded. I was an

unemployed former editor of a not-very-reputable humor magazine. GTN

found wonderful speaking dates for me anyway. They have continued to do so through thick and thin, whether my brand of libertarian/conservative

commentary was in the national spotlight or banished to the political

wilderness. GTN manages the brilliant balancing act of being absolutely loyal

to its customers and equally loyal to its clients. They do their best for both

and then make sure that both do the best for each other. If there were a

dating service capable of introducing prospective husbands and wives

the way GTN introduces prospective speakers and audiences, this would be

a world full of connubial bliss.”-P.J. O’Rourke

“I’ve worked with GTN for more than twenty years and never once wondered why. Its agents bring to

their work not just competence but enthusiasm, and are a pleasure to

deal with.”-Michael Lewis

“I am more than pleased to be represented exclusively by Greater Talent Network. My only concern is

that I am simply treated too well by the agents, and I am getting a little spoiled.

I guess that as problems go, it’s not so bad.”

-Jerry Greenfield

With more than three decades in the business, Epstein has

cultivated an exclusive client base that includes P.J. O’Rourke,

Tom Wolfe, Lara Logan, Michael Lewis, Gen. Wesley K. Clark,

Harold Ford, Jr, Mayor Cory Booker, Valerie Plame Wilson,

Louis Freeh, Ben & Jerry, Apolo Anton Ohno, Seth Godin, Peggy

Noonan, Mia Farrow, Jonathan Tisch, Leonard Nimoy, Mark

Burnett, Henry Winkler, Tina Brown and Danny Glover, among

numerous others. His office’s negotiating skills have won his

clients top-level speaking engagements with such Fortune 500

companies as IBM, AT&T, Citigroup, Honeywell and Microsoft,

to name just a few.

With a keen eye for untapped opportunities, Epstein has also

conceived and spearheaded deals for his clients beyond the lecture

realm. His negotiations have put clients on the TV and radio

airwaves, and he exclusively manages clients such as television

personality Mo Rocca, Serena Altschul, Leigh Anne Tuohy

and P.J. O’Rourke. He has also negotiated numerous national

and international public relations and commercial projects for

speakers and entertainers.

Epstein first made his mark in the lecture field at the University

of Florida, where, for an unprecedented two consecutive terms,

Don R. EpsteinAs CEO of Greater Talent Network, Inc. for more than 30 years, Don R. Epstein runs one of the largest and most influential speakers bureaus in the nation. His ability to deliver a unique mixture of the most prominent newsmakers, authors, entertainers and motivating personalities continues to captivate America’s top corporations, business associations and universities. He has also expanded the influence of the lecture circuit, utilizing it as a “proving ground” and launch pad for some of the most exciting new voices in broadcasting, literature and entertainment.

Greater Talent Network

Page 5: GTN Company Kit

“From the moment the deal is done till I arrive back in my house, every detail has been so well executed. I sleep well at night knowing GTN is taking care of me” -Henry Winkler

“Greater Talent Network has been my exclusive speakers bureau for the past several years. Its agents have performed superbly on my behalf, ensuring smooth events every time I speak. I could not be happier. Travel, security, demands on my time have all been managed with no fuss whatsoever, leaving me, and the audience concerned only with the substance and the manner of my presentation. Not to have to worry about details is a wonderful luxury for someone who travels and speaks as much as I do. I am so completely satisfied that I encouraged my wife, Valerie Plame Wilson, to sign with GTN as well. I know that she will be as happy as I have been.”-Joseph Wilson

“GTN is superb -- great bookings, terrific travel arrangements, and excellent service. I couldn’t be a happier client.”-Jeffrey Toobin

“GTN is like a 4th child in the Tuohy Family! It has been one of the best decisions we have made and we know that they have our best interest in every situation that arises”-Leigh Anne Tuohy

Don R. Epstein

he chaired the largest student-run lecture division of any college

in the country. Following graduation, he served as director of live

entertainment for New Line Cinema, one of the most successful

independents in the film industry. He began GTN in 1981 with

the innovative approach of making information entertaining and

making entertainment relevant.

He has been featured in such prestigious media outlets as CNN, NBC, FOX, The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Newsweek, USA Today, Forbes, Crain’s and Fortune. A Board Member for the

International Association of Speakers Bureaus, Epstein currently

serves, or has served as a member of the Young Men’s Division of

Albert Einstein College of Medicine, the American Film Institute

(Third Decade Council), Florida Blue Key, the President’s Council

of the University of Florida, the board of the Brotherhood

Synagogue, President and Vice Chairman of the New York State

Honorary Fire Chiefs, and the ITP Society (a division of the

Children’s Blood Foundation at New York Weill Cornell Medical

Center).

Raised in Miami Beach, Epstein currently resides in New York with

his wife, Cara, and their twin sons, Morgan and Jacob.

As CEO of Greater Talent Network, Inc. for more than 30 years, Don R. Epstein runs one of the largest and most influential speakers bureaus in the nation. His ability to deliver a unique mixture of the most prominent newsmakers, authors, entertainers and motivating personalities continues to captivate America’s top corporations, business associations and universities. He has also expanded the influence of the lecture circuit, utilizing it as a “proving ground” and launch pad for some of the most exciting new voices in broadcasting, literature and entertainment.

Page 6: GTN Company Kit

What is “exclusive representation” of speakers and what is the benefit to me?

GTN has combed the industry looking for the best speakers and proven crowd pleasers. These speakers are our

exclusive speakers that will make you, the meeting planner, look great. Exclusive representation means that a

speaker is represented by only one speakers bureau. As such, we have immediate and direct access to our exclusive

speaker’s calendars, fee schedules, technical requirements and other pertinent information to help you plan

your event in the most efficient manner possible. Exclusive representation also means our agents have personal

relationships with our speakers, allowing us the access necessary to become experts on their whole program--from

creation to delivery. Best of all, with a direct line to the speaker, you know that all your requests make it directly to

the speaker.

How do we create something unique?Rather than just suggest speakers to fill a slot, our agents will work with you to design a program that meets your

needs. In addition to keynote lectures, we can put together everything from informal breakfast meetings to after-

dinner fireside chats or help create line-ups for interactive panels or engaging conversations. Whatever your needs,

our agents will help you define the goals of your event and attract an audience, all in a timely manner.

How can I learn about a speaker before making my decision? GTN’s full-time promotion and marketing department works to provide you with full biographies on each speaker,

photographs, recent press coverage, and letters of recommendation from previous speaking engagements. Most

speakers also have excerpts from recent speaking engagements available on our website, so you can preview previous

speeches before booking the right speaker for your audience. Our experienced professionals are those you can trust,

as they have first hand seen the powerful messages from our storytellers.

Will I have the opportunity to contact the speaker prior to the engagement? In most cases our speakers are happy to talk with organizations prior to an engagement as their schedules allow. Ask

your GTN representative about the possibility of setting up a conference call after a speaker is contracted for an

appearance. This gives you the opportunity to get to know the speaker on a more personalized basis. Regardless if

you have talked directly with the speaker before the event, each speaker receives an extensive questionnaire filled out

by your organization to help them better organize their comments for your group.

Meeting Planners FAQ’s

Greater Talent Network

Page 7: GTN Company Kit

Can a book signing be arranged in conjunction with the event? The majority of our authors enjoy doing book signings at lecture engagements. Check with your GTN

representative prior to the event to assure that the speaker’s schedule allows for it. Or, for added impact, you can

have the books pre-signed and waiting for attendees in their rooms when they check in.

What is the cost of your services?Speaker fees vary widely depending on the demand for an individual, his or her availability, and the services

required. All of GTN’s services, from event planning, promotional assistance and travel preparation, are

included in the speaker’s set honorarium. In most cases, travel and lodging expenses are in addition to the

speaker honorarium, including first-class travel, accommodations and limited out-of-pocket expenses. Our

agents understand how important it is to stay on budget and can recommend a wide variety of speakers that can

accommodate a broad range of budgets.

In the unlikely situation something goes wrong...While most events go off without a hitch, we believe in being prepared for every eventuality. Apart from our

agents, who are available to you 24/7, our team of event and travel coordinators, are always on hand to make

changes to any flight at any time, 24/7. Our travel coordinators are seasoned professionals trained to always keep

an eye on the weather, to take into consideration every mode of transportation, and to remain calm while dealing

with last minute snow storms and other acts of god. Our reputation is impeccable because we believe in planning

for every circumstance. Our goal is to ensure your success.

Page 8: GTN Company Kit

437 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10016 (212) 645-4200 www.greatertalent.com [email protected]

Founded with the belief that words have the ability to change people’s lives, Greater Talent Network is devoted to bringing the most interesting and inspiring stories to audiences worldwide.

GLOBAL AND NATIONAL PERSPECTIVES: Spencer Abraham • Cory Booker • Wesley Clark • Richard Clarke • Roger Cressey • Monica Crowley & Alan Colmes • Adrian

Fenty • Harold Ford, Jr. • Louis Freeh • Brigitte Gabriel • Richard Gephardt • Alberto Gonzales • Zachary Karabell • Bernard

Kouchner • Meghan McCain • Judge Andrew Napolitano • Vali Nasr • Ehud Olmert • Reza Pahlavi • George Pataki • Janet Reno

• Dan Senor • Jose Antonio Vargas • Valerie Plame Wilson • Joseph Wilson

PRINT AND BROADCAST JOURNALISM: Jonathan Alter • Carl Bernstein • Campbell Brown • Tina Brown • Babara Ehrenreich • Sir Harold Evans • Joshua Foer • Susie

Gharib • Sebastian Junger • Steve Kroft • Lara Logan • Kati Marton • Peggy Noonan • Byron Pitts • Bob Simon • Lesley Stahl •

Jeffrey Toobin • Ali Velshi • Gideon Yago

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT: Neal Baer • Bob Balaban • Elizabeth Berkeley • Susie Essman • John Forté • Danny Glover • Lee Hirsch • Carson Kressley •

Anthony Rapp • Brett Ratner • Mo Rocca • Peter Sagal • David Steinberg • Ben Vereen • Vanessa Williams • Henry Winkler •

Anthony Zuiker • Alan Zweibel

MOTIVATION, INSPIRATION, ADVENTURE: Chaz Bono • Dewey Bozella • Kris Carr • Ntiedo (NT) Etuk • Mia Farrow • Ronan Farrow • Rory Kennedy • Marcus Luttrell •

Marlee Matlin • T.K. Mattingly • Luma Mufleh • Petra Nemcova • Michael Oher • Apolo Anton Ohno • Nell Irvin-Painter • Bill

and Giuliana Rancic • Capt. Winston Scott • Caroll Spinney • Esera Tuaolo • The Tuohy Family

BUSINESS, ECONOMY, MANAGEMENT: Ben & Jerry • Jared Bernstein • Billy Beane • Mark Burnett • Paul DePodesta • Donald Fehr • Susie Gharib • Seth Godin • Peter

Greenberg • Peter Guber • Mitch Joel • Liz Lange • Steven Rattner • Cynthia Rowley • Michael Silverstein • Howard Stringer •

James Taylor • Jonathan Tisch • Omar Wasow • Meredith Whitney • Michael Woodford

BEST SELLING AUTHORS:Po Bronson • Max Brooks • Candace Bushnell • Neil Gaiman • Emily Giffin • David Grossman • Pete Hamill • Homer Hickam •

Oscar Hijuelos • Michael Lewis • Wendy Mogel • Michael Moore • PJ O’Rourke • Richard Preston • Nicholas Sparks • Jennifer

Weiner • Tom Wolfe