Moderators

Leveraging high-profile moderators for your event will help your presentation of panel speakers or point-counterpoint duo discussions run seamlessly. We've got a stellar list of TV personalities and hard-hitting journalists who can bring great name draw to your event and ensure that the discussion stays on track. These moderators and emcees will bring the polish you've been looking for to your next meeting.

Let us know if you are interested in one of our speakers for your event.

Moderator of CBS News’ Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan & CBS News’ Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent

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Margaret Brennan is the moderator of CBS News' Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan and the network's senior foreign affairs correspondent based in Washington, DC. Brennan has reported on politics, international affairs, foreign relations, the economy, and global markets since she joined CBS News in 2012 and was named the White House and senior foreign affairs in 2017. Prior to joining CBS News, Brennan spent a decade covering global finance, anchoring a weekday show on Bloomberg Television called "InBusiness with Margaret Brennan."

Journalist and Television Personality

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Jonathan Capehart is a journalist and television personality who has worked as a policy advisor to Michael Bloomberg’s campaign, a national affairs columnist, and was a member of the Daily News editorial board which won the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Writing. He is currently associate editor for The Washington Post, host of the podcast "Capehart," and is an MSNBC contributor and anchor for "The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart."

Award-Winning 60 Minutes Correspondent & Former CBS News Anchor and Managing Editor

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Scott Pelley, an award-winning 60 Minutes correspondent, offers rare insights gained from his more than 300 features on the show, having interviewed world leaders and covered major events – from childhood homelessness to genocide in Darfur. Pelley has received myriad high-profile awards, including 51 Emmys, and The Washington Times wrote, “The legacy of Edward R. Murrow lives in the daring investigations of Scott Pelley.” One of the most recognizable faces in journalism, Scott addresses current events and global issues.
A.B. Stoddard is a columnist for the political news and opinion publication The Bulwark, and a contributor and guest host for SiriusXM’s POTUS channel. Prior to The Bulwark, she was associate editor and columnist for the political news site and polling data aggregator RealClearPolitics, as well as associate editor and columnist for The Hill newspaper. Her column with The Hill won first place Dateline Awards from the Society of Professional Journalists. She has published articles in the Boston Globe, Congressional Quarterly, and The Federal Paper and is known for her commentary on the 2008 U.S. presidential election. Stoddard also regularly appears on Fox's Special Report with Bret Baier and CNN's New Day as well as other shows on Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network, CNN, and MSNBC. She addresses politics and elections.

Chief Political Analyst at NBC, Moderator of Meet the Press from 2014-2023

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Chuck Todd is NBC News’ chief political analyst and previously hosted the network's Sunday news show Meet the Press from 2014-2023. He is regarded as one of Washington’s foremost experts on political campaigns at all levels. With what the Washingtonian calls a “savant-like knowledge of politics,” his up-to-the-minute analysis and nonpartisan commentary has made him a sought-after voice in American political coverage. Previously the network’s chief White House correspondent and host of The Daily Rundown, he has the unique ability to deliver an all-consuming passion for politics with razor-sharp analysis as he looks at politics, campaigns, and elections.

Award Winning Journalist; Anchor and Chief Washington Correspondent, CNN

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CNN anchor and chief Washington correspondent, Jake Tapper, joined the network in January 2013. His one-hour weekday program The Lead with Jake Tapper debuted in March 2013. The program seeks to examine and advance stories that demonstrate Tapper's own curiosities and interests with headlines from around the country and the globe, from politics to money, and sports to popular culture.

NBC News White House Correspondent

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Kelly O’Donnell is the White House correspondent for NBC News. A veteran of presidential politics, her work on the 2008 presidential election earned her an Emmy and a National Headliner Award. Her other work has won myriad others, including multiple Edward R. Murrow Awards. In 2004, she was inducted into the Ohio Radio/Television Broadcasters Hall of Fame. O’Donnell has covered events ranging from the 9/11 attacks and the Iraq war to the Olympic Games and the British royal family. She addresses politics, current events, the presidency, women’s issues, and the media.

Journalist & Sr. CNN Political Analyst

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Part journalist, part historian, and all shrewd political observer, Ronald (Ron) Brownstein explains the complexities of American politics with lucid precision. As a CNN Senior Political Analyst, Senior Editor for the Atlantic, and Contributing Editor for National Journal, he produces sharp analysis on politics, policy, the electorate, media, healthcare, energy, the press' impact on Americans, and the range of issues informed by his strong sense of American political and national history. Brownstein provides an insider’s look into politics and the media and has twice been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. He is also the author of seven best-selling books, and his articles on politics, public policy, and culture have appeared in myriad of major publications and on many broadcast news outlets.

Political Analyst, NYT Best-Seller, & Frmr. White House Dir. of Comm

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Nicolle Wallace is host of Deadline: White House, chief political analyst for MSNBC and NBC News, a best-selling author, and the former White House director of communications under President George W. Bush. Her West Wing colleague, presidential political adviser Mark McKinnon, called her a “rare talent in politics.” Funny and charming, she shares insights on the biggest issues of the day paired with stories from her time in the White House and on the campaign trail. Wallace is a master storyteller as she offers audiences the rundown they need to stay in the know.

Confidence Expert; Entrepreneur; Founder & CEO, PepTalkHer

Fees
  • Local: $10,001 - $20,000*
  • US East: $10,001 - $20,000*
  • US West: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • Europe: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • Asia: $35,001 - $55,000*
A leader and confidence creator who is driving change in the workplace and creating more equitable and inclusive workplaces for all, Meggie Palmer is on a mission to help organizations in every industry recruit, retain, and develop top talent from diverse backgrounds through PepTalkHer, the consultancy she founded and leads as CEO. What began as a side hustle for Palmer has evolved into a thriving global business and movement with a strong community of 60,000 aspirational professionals from all walks of life who are breaking glass ceilings and leading organizations into the future.

Journalist, Broadcaster & Host of Public Radio’s “Full Disclosure”

Fees
  • Local: $10,001 - $20,000*
  • US East: $10,001 - $20,000*
  • US West: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • Europe: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • Asia: $35,001 - $55,000*
For a fresh take on today’s business landscape, paired with creative analysis on hot topics in tech; innovation; the economy; policy, media; and more, look no further than widely respected journalist, broadcaster, and author Roben Farzad. Farzad hosts public radio’s “Full Disclosure,” where he takes listeners on an audio exploration into the business of culture and the culture of business. In an exceptional career spanning more than two decades, Farzad has established himself as one of the most authoritative and influential voices on the matters that are driving industry and society forward in every corner of the globe.
PBS NewsHour co-anchor Geoff Bennett is a long-standing, sought-after presence on America’s leading media outlets known for his compelling breakdown of the political issues and current events shaping our country. An acclaimed journalist, he has reported from the White House under three presidents, covered five presidential elections, and his exclusive interviews with many of Washington, D.C.’s most influential figures have grabbed national headlines. He has mastered the art of reporting first and accurately and is renowned for his ability to draw out in-depth insights that get to the heart of the matter and keep the American people informed.

Maximize the Benefits of Hiring a Moderator for Your Event

Our professional moderators for events come from a range of backgrounds, blending into your conference or ceremony with ease and offering you several benefits, including:

  1. Extensive experience: As professional emcees, our speakers are ready to entertain and engage your attendees, panelists, and honorees, introduce speakers, and more. They'll prep for your event well in advance, developing speaking points in coordination with your requests, as well as any comedy bits you'd like. These emcees and moderators travel prepared to dazzle on stage.
  2. Expert assistance: When you hire an emcee or a moderator, you don't have to worry about hand-holding. Pass on the essential information to us, and we'll make sure they receive it so they can ensure your panel is the best size for your event. They can even offer advice on the flow or organization of your panel and presentations.
  3. Excellent improvision: Our moderator and emcee speakers are at home on the stage. When surprises happen, like a technical error or timing issue, they're as cool as cucumbers and improvise with ease. You can feel confident and trust that no matter what, your event will be a success.

With years of experience on the stage and in front of the camera, our professional emcees and moderators will help you deliver an event to remember.

Create a Stellar Event With a Professional Event Moderator

"Wow" your audience with the finesse of a professional event moderator. Leading Authorities provides:

  • Emcees for award dinners
  • Emcees who travel
  • Emcee introduction speakers

At Leading Authorities Speakers Bureau, our consultative approach and team of industry experts ensure that when you hire an emcee or moderator, they're the perfect fit for your audience and event. We also take care of all those extras, like handling your moderator or emcee's travel arrangements and add-ons. That way, you can relax and focus on adding the finishing touches to your event.

Our moderators act as presiding officers of debate format or any other discussion type. Our moderator speakers ensure that everyone involved follows community guidelines. From speakers in the United Kingdom to the Middle East, they moderate everything from presidential debates to town meetings. These speakers and debate moderators can even speak to the Trump and Biden debates, past Vice Presidential debates, and the results of the previous elections.

Why Partner With Leading Authorities for Debate Moderators?

Leading Authorities has been in the people business for over three decades. We are one of the largest and most prominent speaker bureaus in the U.S., headquartered in Washington, DC. We have a global presence and help thousands of organizations achieve their business goals, build brand loyalty, and overcome obstacles with our speakers, moderators, and emcees. We provide:

  1. Custom partnerships: We take a consultative approach — our team partners with yours to bring your vision to life. Once we understand your ambitions for your debate, discussion, or event, we'll proactively provide suitable moderators or speakers to host your event, ensuring seamless transitions, streamlined organization, and appropriate engagement. We believe in long-term partnerships by personalizing our services to your precise needs. 
  2. Industry-leading speakers: Leading Authorities is the biggest lecture agency nationwide, holding the brightest talent. We offer captivating and experienced speakers, moderators, and presenters with various backgrounds to host your meetings, set a professional tone, and make the proceedings hassle-free. Our Washington, Chicago, and London teams have decades of experience sourcing the right speakers for events. 
  3. A dynamic service offering: We are the go-to experts for arranging moderators and the encompassing logistics. Our services extend beyond this — we offer conceptualization and creation of video content to promote and support your event. Our LAI Live team also delivers live event production services to manage all aspects of your meetings seamlessly. Scale services as required to meet your needs and enhance your debates.

Book Professional Moderators for Your Event

For decades, Leading Authorities has helped clients book the ideal moderators and speakers for their events. We are happy to assist you, too. If you have any questions or are interested in one of our program consultants contacting you with a personalized moderator or emcee recommendation list, get in touch online. We'll develop a list according to your audience, theme, event, and topic.

Alternatively, feel free to book your moderator by:

Please reach out if you are interested in a speaker who's not on our list. We have a robust network and specialize in sourcing and placing hard-to-find and in-demand moderators, speakers, and emcees across the globe.  

Contact Leading Authorities Speakers Bureau

We will help you amplify your event or debate with professional speakers, moderators, and presenters. Count on us to answer any questions or consult on recommendations.

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Discover Washington, DC's leading speakers bureau for moderators and emcees and political, business, motivational, and leadership speakers.