What if the biggest opportunity to improve an event isn’t something to add to the program, but something to see differently? In this episode of No More Bad Events, Scott Bloom welcomes Ken Hartley — keynote speaker, illusionist, and singer — for a conversation about perspective, belief, and creating experiences that deliver more than applause. Ken uses illusion to illustrate a central idea: the problem people see may not be the problem they need to solve. Together, they explore how that principle applies to both audiences and the professionals designing their experience. For Ken, changing behavior starts with examining the beliefs beneath it. His keynotes help audiences recognize overlooked patterns, including disconnection between leaders and their teams. Rather than overwhelming attendees with multiple messages, he focuses on one or two issues, creating a clearer path from recognition to action. Magic supports the message; it does not replace it. For event professionals, the discussion encourages looking beyond familiar agendas to consider the attendee’s experience. Does the schedule allow enough travel time between sessions? Can breakout rooms accommodate demand? Is there space for the informal conversations that often become a conference’s most valuable moments? Ken shares how overlooked details can undermine a strong program — and how a fresh perspective can reveal opportunities for improvement. Scott and Ken also challenge the perceived choice between entertainment and substance. Combining illusion, leadership messaging, and a musical finale, Ken designs his presentations around a question for the planner: What needs to happen during this keynote for it to be worth the investment and solve an important problem? That answer shapes a presentation around the organization’s needs rather than a generic inspirational message. The conversation extends beyond the keynote to workshops, continued learning, and carrying the message forward. Inspiration is a starting point; the more meaningful measure is whether attendees apply what they heard.
GUEST BIO:
Ken Hartley, CSP®, is a keynote speaker, leadership expert, author of ten books, and award-winning illusionist who helps leaders uncover hidden beliefs that limit performance and growth. Drawing from four decades of leadership and stage experience, Ken combines human behavior insights, compelling stories, and unforgettable illusions. Through his Belief Prism framework, he helps leaders think differently, communicate effectively, and turn insight into lasting action.
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ABOUT NO MORE BAD EVENTS:
Brought to you by eSpeakers and hosted by professional emcee, host, and keynote speaker Scott Bloom, No More Bad Events is where you’ll hear from some of the top names in the event and speaking industry about what goes on behind the scenes at the world’s most perfectly executed conferences, meetings, and more. Get ready to learn the secrets and strategies to help anyone in the event industry reach their goal of putting on nothing less than world-class events.
Learn more at nomorebadevents.com.
ABOUT THE HOST:
A veteran comedian and television personality who has built a reputation as the go-to choice for business humor, Scott has hosted hundreds of events over two decades for big and small organizations alike. Scott has also hosted his own weekly VH1 series and recently co-hosted a national simulcast of the Grammy Awards from the Palace Theater.
As the son of a successful salesman, he was exposed to the principles of building a business at an early age. As a comedian, Scott cut his teeth at renowned improv and comedy clubs. As a self-taught student of psychology, he’s explored what makes people tick and has written a book (albeit a farce) on how to get through life. He’s uniquely positioned to deliver significant notes on connecting people and making business seriously funny. And who doesn’t like to laugh?
Learn more about Scott: scottbloomconnects.com
PRODUCED BY eSpeakers:
When the perfect speaker is in front of the right audience, a kind of magic happens where organizations and individuals improve in substantial, long-term ways. eSpeakers exists to make this happen more often.
eSpeakers is where the speaking industry does business on the web. Speakers, speaker managers, associations, and bureaus use our tools to organize, promote, and grow successful businesses. Event organizers think of eSpeakers first when they want to hire speakers for their meetings or events.
The eSpeakers Marketplace technology lets us and our partner directories help meeting professionals worldwide connect directly with speakers for great engagements.
Thousands of successful speakers, trainers, and coaches use eSpeakers to build their businesses and manage their calendars. Thousands of event organizers use our directories every day to find and hire speakers. Our tools are built for speakers, by speakers, to do things that only purpose-built systems can.
Learn more at eSpeakers.com.
SHOW CREDITS: