Keynote Speakers

Monday, June 19, 2023
8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.


Ambassador Sully Sullenberger

Ambassador “Sully” Sullenberger has been dedicated to the pursuit of safety his entire adult life. He recently served as the U.S. Ambassador and Representative to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a United Nations Specialized Agency, after being nominated by President Biden. As a global thought leader, he has now resumed his profession as a sought-after keynote speaker to audiences around the world and continues his advocacy for safety in global air travel.

Born in Denison, Texas, Sullenberger pursued his childhood love of aviation, learning to fly at 16. He is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, and served as a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force. He went on to be an airline pilot, instructor, and accident investigator. He still flies privately.

Sullenberger became internationally renowned on January 15, 2009, as Captain of US Airways Flight 1549, when he and his crew safely guided their disabled jetliner to an emergency water landing in New York City’s frigid Hudson River, during what has been called the “Miracle on the Hudson.” Sullenberger and his crew received international acclaim for their actions, including the passage of a Congressional resolution recognizing their bravery. Sullenberger was ranked second in TIME's "Top 100 Most Influential Heroes and Icons of 2009” and was awarded the French Legion of Honour.

Sullenberger is the #1 New York Times best-selling author of Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters and also wrote Making a Difference: Stories of Vision and Courage from America's Leaders. Clint Eastwood directed the major motion picture about Sullenberger, titled SULLY, based on Highest Duty, with Tom Hanks in the lead role. The film was released to critical acclaim in September 2016. Highest Duty was republished that year as SULLY: My Search for What Really Matters.

Sullenberger is an international lecturer and keynote speaker on how to achieve the highest levels of performance, reliability, and safety through effective crisis management, continuous learning, leadership, and culture.

Tuesday, June 20, 2023
No General Session - Please check back soon for information on Game Changer Sessions


Wednesday, June 21, 2023
8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.


Dr. Rick Rigsby



As President and CEO of Rick Rigsby Communications, the internationally acclaimed speaker presents to the top companies worldwide. Dr. Rick is also a favorite among professional and collegiate sports organizations. Rigsby—a former award-winning professor—spent over two decades teaching at various colleges, most of those years serving at Texas A&M University. In addition to academic duties, Dr. Rigsby was hired by legendary football icon R. C. Slocum as chaplain and Life Skills coach for the Aggies football team. A former award-winning journalist, Dr. Rigsby is a regular contributor on numerous national television and radio programs. Inspired by a genuine conviction to help people realize their full potential, Rick Rigsby brings a combined four decades of experience and expertise to the set of How Ya Livin’? This transformative podcast encourages, inspires and challenges people at every level to dream bigger, stretch beyond comfort zones and achieve the impossible!

As Rick says, Most people I meet are asking themselves the same unrelenting question, ‘I
wonder how great I can actually be?’ What a privilege to help people make such profound discoveries!

A Wall Street Journal, USA Today and Amazon best-selling author, Dr. Rigsby’s books include, Lessons From a Third Grade Dropout and Afraid to Hope.