With Chief Celebration Officer as a title, it’s a given that fun is the objective for Scott Friedman, CSP. A third-generation Denver native, Friedman travels more than 250 days a year for his fun, which is a humorous approach to workplace motivation and innovation through speaking engagements.
Friedman just happens to be one of the most accomplished professional speakers in the nation. This past summer, he won both the National Speaker Association’s highest honor, the Cavett Award, and Meeting Professionals International’s RISE Award for Meeting Industry Leadership. He has led several initiatives to bring the global speaking and meetings community closer, founding the Global Speakers Summit and Meetings Industry Council of Colorado and co-founding the International Association of Speakers Bureaus and National Speakers Association Council.
Friedman’s 28-year speaking career is impressive, but his foundation, Together We Can Change the World, might be his legacy. “At this stage of my life, I get the most satisfaction from the volun-tours with global speakers to Southeast Asia to build schools and homes, awareness, self-esteem and hope for the future,” he explains.
This engaging personality also takes to paper. In 2014, Friedman will be releasing his book Celebrate! in the American market after being available only in Asia. “Helping people and companies celebrate more is my favorite topic; it creates healthier workplaces and employee well-being,” he says.
And he isn’t done. For this talented speaker, it’s onto the next challenge. “I want to travel more extensively throughout Southeast Asia, developing speakers and markets.”
But, it’s the mountains of Colorado and Friedman’s home that keep this talented resource in the Mile High’s lucky community. “It’s a little-known fact that the most certified speaking professionals in the world are actually located in Denver,” he says. “We’ve got a vibrant speaking community and an incredible market in which to work and build.”
Published on Colorado Meeting + Events
By: Julia Scheff
Colorado Meetings + Events Winter 2014
Issue: Winter 2014
