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Keynote SpeakerChris Holmes

Category defying politician with a background in elite sport who specialises in technology and talent, inclusion and innovation

Chris Holmes is a highly effective advocate for the potential of technology and the benefits of diversity and inclusion. He is a member of the House of Lords where he sits on the influential Science and Technology Select Committee and advises the Government on diversity and inclusion. Chris Holmes is... Read more

Watch Chris Holmes in action

Popular Talks by Chris Holmes

  • Technology, Transformation and Innovation

    Chatting with ChatGPT – how to integrate AI in the workplace. Co-bots rather than robots.  Future of work, post-Covid, how can technology augment humanity? Humanity and technology, what do we need to do to succeed in the 4IR?  Are you ready for the metaverse? Blockchain or bust. How can distributed…
  • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

    True inclusion is not only a sign of a civilised society but it guarantees innovation.
    The future is digital but that future must be accessible to all. 
    Benefits of diversity and inclusion & how to build a diverse, included and enabled workforce.

  • Overcoming Adversity, Leadership and Team Building

    Crisis Management, personal reflections and practical applications.
    Being the leader of your own life.
    The winning mentality.
    Brand and cause.
    The importance of team building and galvanizing that group with a particular vision; “teams and dreams”.

  • Environmental, Social and Governance

    ESG must stand for existential, seismic and global.
    Sustainable finance and blockchain will get us to Net Zero. 

Biography

Chris Holmes is a highly effective advocate for the potential of technology and the benefits of diversity and inclusion. He is a member of the House of Lords where he sits on the influential Science and Technology Select Committee and advises the Government on diversity and inclusion.

Chris Holmes is a prominent champion of the fintech industry in Parliament and is an expert in technology trends, emerging technologies, AI, blockchain, DLT, crypto and associated regulation. Before entering the House of Lords at the age of just 42, Chris had already achieved a lot. At the age of 14 and completely unexpectedly Chris went blind overnight.

Just a few years later his extraordinary courage and determination led to him becoming Britain’s most successful swimmer winning a total of 9 gold, 5 silvers and 1 bronze medal at the Paralympics. He also gained a string of World and European titles, broke 35 world records and was awarded an MBE for services to British sport at the age of 20. Chris was member of the Great Britain swimming team for seventeen years and captain for five.

After retiring from competitive swimming Chris Holmes worked as a journalist before qualifying and working as a commercial lawyer specialising in employment and pensions. In 2009 Chris was appointed Director of Paralympic Integration for London 2012. In this role, Chris Holmes drew on political skills, strategic know-how and his incredible determination to deliver the most successful Paralympics ever. It worked. London 2012 was the first games to have all sponsors signed to both Olympics and Paralympics, the first games to sell out all the stadia for every session and, incredibly, the first games to achieve worldwide television audiences in the hundreds of millions.

A masterful storyteller Chris communicates his incredible life story and ongoing sense of purpose with humour, humility and grace.

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How to book Chris Holmes as a keynote speaker

How do I book Chris Holmes for a keynote speech?

You can book Chris Holmes through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Chris's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are Chris Holmes's speaking fees?

Chris Holmes's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Chris tailored to your event.

What topics does Chris Holmes speak about?

Chris Holmes speaks on Diversity, Future & Technology, Government & Politics, Innovation & Creativity, Leadership. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Chris to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Chris Holmes available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Chris Holmes for events worldwide, subject to Chris's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does Chris Holmes deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Chris Holmes is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by Chris Holmes?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Chris can accommodate.

Can Chris Holmes tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Chris Holmes on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Chris can offer.

What languages does Chris Holmes present in?

Chris Holmes delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes Chris Holmes a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Chris Holmes's areas of expertise include Diversity, Future & Technology, Government & Politics, Innovation & Creativity, Leadership. To get a clear sense of Chris's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can Chris Holmes speak at?

Chris Holmes can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Diversity, Future & Technology, Government & Politics, Innovation & Creativity, Leadership is relevant. Details of Chris's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does Chris Holmes offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Chris Holmes is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Chris Holmes?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Chris Holmes, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Chris's current availability for your dates.