It's SHOWTIME! Motivational and Inspirational Speaker Jon Petz

New Book climbs to #2 ranking on Amazon Best seller list

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Petz) — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 19:22:00 +0000

It was a fun day yesterday, with "Boring Meetings Suck" launching this past Monday and a rally of support on Friday - Boring Meetings Suck goes to #2 in the Business Skills category on Amazon. (see screenshot below)

Amongst thousands of thousands of books, I'm thrilled to have hit #2 and thank you to so many for your support. And hey, if I have to be second to someone, being second to Seth Godin isn't too bad either.

Thanks again for everyone's support with the new book.

Motivational Keynote Speaker - Jon Petz

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Petz) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 02:25:00 +0000

Motivational Keynote speaker - Jon Petz highlights from events at:
T-Mobile National Sales Conference, Ace Hardware National Conference, Time Warner Cable annual sales meeting, AORN annual Congress, US Air Force Leadership symposium and more fun.

Master of Ceremonies for Hollywood Celebrity Shoot

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Petz) — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 13:57:00 +0000

Fun opportunity to be Master of Ceremonies for the Hollywood Celebrity Shoot and Sporting Clay Invitational. I did get to do the red carpet walk....but no one seemed to really care. While the emcee fo the event however, their were flash bulbs bursting everywhere when the celebs came up for intro's and awards.

Many thanks to Patrick Kilpatrick, a Hollywood superstar and Marina for the event organization. Great opportunities to meet so many big names. Here's the event that we hope to see you at next year: http://hollywoodsportclays.com/

My interesting stories from the event: (1) The request to perform for the Queen of England and (2) while very different...having breakfast with Ponch from CHiPs. (Eric Estrada...very fun)

New York City Corporate Magician

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Petz) — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 13:57:00 +0000

Always fun to be a New York corporate magician.. Many friends to see and people to fool and help share the laughter in the world. Performed yesterday at the Interop show at the Javits Center in New York City. Back once again with good friends and Client Chrissy. Always a pleasure.

We had huge crowd after crowd at their booth and drove more people through their booth and then anything close to us.

thanks everyone who stopped by and said hello.

See you next Interop perhaps ?

Keynote Speaker for the US Bankruptcy Courts

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Petz) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:36:00 +0000

As the Keynote Speaker for this event, I can tell you ONE group that is busier than ever before in our so called "economic depression". Yup, the US Bankruptcy courts! And hey, they need some uplifting now and then after dealing with these things that could certainly tend to drain on brain.

What was encouraging to me? The fact that I wouldn't have realized this government agency would take a hard focus on how they serve themselves and their clients better. We all need that lift sometimes and I hope everyone takes a break sometimes to work on them. Not FOCUS on yourself, that's just being the selfish people we already are most of the time. I mean, take a moment to stop and look at who we are, what we do, and what we can do differently to improve.

While I brought the "STOP Meeting Expectations" program, fellow speaker and expert teamwork presenter Mark Henson, brought the teamwork component. It was a phenomenal fit with incredible results. Mark is the Chief Imagination Officer of Sparkspace, the most unique conference center in Columbus, Ohio.

Jon Petz
Motivational & inspirational keynote speaker
Bore No More!
877-457-3981

Co-Director for Big Wish Gala featuring Rascal Flatts

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Petz) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 03:50:00 +0000

With Colleen as the Master of Ceremonies and me as the Live auctioneer, script writer, stage and "emotion" director, we made something AMAZING happen for the Make-A-Wish foundation. The 2010 Big Wish Gala featuring country music superstars Rascal Flatts. Such a honor to be asked back to the event for the second year. Certainly a highlight of my career and one that I look forward to helping expand.

Imagine constructing this incredible glass tent on the 50 yard line of the prized buckeye stadium field. Then fill it with the best decor, food and talented event production and event management team imaginable. In addition, bring in Broadway superstar Jessica Grove to grant a Broadway wish for a darling little girl who wants to dance on Broadway. Then bring to the stage, none other than Country Music Superstars; Rascal Flatts for an awesome private performance. What more could you want?

How about raising over $760,000 in the process!

It costs $6,000 to grant a wish for the Make-A-Wish organization and this was an effort to catch up on the backlog of wishes that this organization is facing. Kids that need something to look forward to and allow themselves to be superstar for a day, a week or take their dream trip or experience. The outpouring of support from Central Ohio was sensational.

I worked closely with PageTech LTD (Live Event producer) and Destinations by Design (Event planner and management) to script an evening for the master of ceremony and all celebrities in attendance that allowed every guest to understand the importance of why they were there, how they could help and also feel a part of the success the night had to offer. I then took to the stage to begin a live auction like no other. It included a special visit from Rascal Flatts to the stage as we huddled up and talked about an ultimate fan package we could offer amongst other one of a kind items. The photo here is the four of us (I'm hiding in the middle there) deciding that the winner would also be allowed to put the gel in Gary's (lead singer) hair the night they choose to go to the concert anywhere in the country. (Of course with backstage passes, autographed guitar and VIP access).

It was an awesome experience for me to be a part of it and to raise over $300,000 between the life auction components I hosted. Special thanks to Make-A-Wish of Central Ohio and all of the inredible children and families they help support, encourage and allow to dream.....

To learn more about Make-A-Wish or to help support please visit their website at www.Wish.org

Master of Ceremonies for Awards Banquet

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Petz) — Thu, 06 May 2010 16:24:00 +0000

Bore No More! As I say, quote (and trademark...hah!). Thanks again to MPI member Carol, for allowing me to be the awards ceremony emcee for a great event . We had 1000+ attendees for the awards ceremony for the Kettering Health Network. We had more awards this year then last year and we still completed it within two hours, which used to take over three hours. But that's my job! Planning and consulting on the flow of traffic (even for the award which had 186 honorees), the transitions, the engagement factors in between awards and keeping it on time. WHEW! A lot to take in, but a dream event when it all happens liked planned.

Special thanks to Denny and the Markey's team as well. Overall great production!

I look forward to next year! We got some great video, stay tuned and hopefully I will have permission to publish. It was hysterical!

Bore No More!
Jon Petz - Master of Ceremonies

Motivational Keynote speaker for top Franchise Organization

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Petz) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 15:13:00 +0000

Finishing the day as the Keynote speaker for one of Inc Magazines top rated franchises, PLUS, putting me up at the fancy Hyatt at Coconut Point...makes Jon a happy man.
Special thanks to Pam for helping make that happen and for putting together a fabulous corporate special event for their annual meeting of franchisees.
It was a great audience who has been through a lot these past couple of years, like so many, but who also understands that sometimes you roll with the punches. Then you get up, get innovative and keep outside the box to make something happen with the pride and passion you know.

Also special thanks to Richard, Bruce and Joel who both assisted with pre-event and during event information and fun. Enjoy the Boring Meetings Suck book and Unlocking The Secrets DVD's. I know you'll enjoy them.

Thanks Fabrion !

Jon Petz
Bore No More

Motivational speaker
Master of Ceremonies
Corporate Magician
www.JonPetz.com

Master of Ceremonies for annual fundraiser

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Petz) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:39:00 +0000

As a professional master of ceremonies I typically see a GALA time of year and February is one of them with a couple of black tie events back to back. First up "Champagne and Diamonds" an annual event for a local hospital network with international results. Just an amazing organization.

As my second time as the event emcee I was delighted to see the event had grown - in a time when most fundraisers are seeing flat responses. This year the money raised was going to purchase a mobile mammography coach. Last year, the money raised was to build and purchase a mobile outreach coach to go to the communities that don't have good access or personal ability to access health care. The cool part - the new coach they raised money for last year, was parked out front for all to see what their efforts accomplished. Just like I hope to see next year.

Congratulations on your most successful Champagnes and Diamonds yet and I look forward to helping as your Master of Ceremonies next year as well.

Jon Petz
Motivational Speaker, Corporate magician, Master of Ceremonies

Trade show magician at ASAE Technology show

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Petz) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:06:00 +0000

You have to understand what you can and can't control. Unfortunately, I sit here in Ohio as the Washington DC airport is completely closed. I SHOULD be on route to the ASAE technology conference where I'll be the corporate magician / trade show magician for TMA Resources, which is not only a wonderful client, but a wonderful group of business professionals and friends.

It's looking like the entire show in going to be canceled at this point which would be a bummer for so many people. Those like me that want to be there, those that have sponsored the event and even those that are currently sitting in hotel rooms not with nothing to do.

The three things we CAN control - out actions, our attitude and our appearance. Yet all to often we stress over the things that we simply cannot control. So it looks like I'll be sitting this one out. So, a tip of the wine glass (or Guinness for Paul) to my friends at ASAE and TMA Resources. Hope to see you next time around. I think I'm going to use this "Free" time to go build a snowman with the girls.

Funny Motivational Speaker - A diamond in the rough

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Petz) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:34:00 +0000

Funny Motivational Speaker - A diamond in the rough

Thanks to everyone in Arlington, Ohio for inviting me as your keynote speaker - I can now say I've been there :-) Your executive team, senior managers, sales team, partners and all leaders were simply exceptional and I was thrilled to be at the annual National Lime and Stone company event. Amongst all the quarries and mines we all find a few diamonds or nuggets that we could take back, apply to what we do and put the polish on our "SHOWTIME" attributes.

We had so many laughs in addition to digging into the passion of what you all represent. I feel great when I receive so many personal emails in response as well. It helps me realize that one by one we are making a difference.

Here's a great email following - that I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to send. I hope to see you all again in the near future.

Jon

"You were at NLS today and I thought you were fantastic. Although I told you before you left I just wanted you to know again how inspiring you were to me. You know to be happy with my job makes the people around me happy, I so believe that. Thanks for a great motivational hour!!! You were great!!!"

Motivational Keynote speaker for American Health Network

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Petz) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 05:22:00 +0000

Motivational Keynote speaker for American Health Network:

While some events I have planned years in advance, I thank Nancy for contacting me two weeks ahead of time for this one. Now, it wasn't last minute planning on their part, it was the fact that their keynote speaker regretfully had to back out due to travel conflicts.

So with two weeks to plan and after a few phone calls, off I went to get the group charged up for their "Rodeo Roundup" theme. Thankfully, all went wonderfully. It was a great group that responded fabulously and I always appreciate a nice letter from a client. So thank you Nancy for sharing your thoughts following. I hope to work with you again.

----------------------

Dear Jon,

You are such a force for good. I’ve mentioned before that our group is a tough crowd on the best of days and you REALLY were able to reach them… we appreciate your entertaining, witty, subtle yet direct style of motivating others to lead. Simply put… you’re FANTASTIC.

Regards,

Nancy A. Madru

Manager of Marketing

American Health Network

Motivational Speaker for all employee celebration

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Petz) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:30:00 +0000

I love being asked to be the motivational speaker for companies having record years. The people are always in great moods and excited to be there. This was certainly no exception.

Yup - believe it or not some are having record years still through the ups and downs of our non-stop economic news and unemployment figures. So many congratulations to CallCopy in Columbus, Ohio who have not only been amongst the fastest growing companies in Ohio the past two years but ALSO ranked as one of the "Best Places To Work" by Business First newspapers.

To be a Best Place to work you really need a team full of passionate people and thank is exactly what we talked about. How to combine the passion and teamwork to continue to excel. While I realize you've hit numbers that past two years....but NOW WHAT? What does it take to continue? How can we continue to think different about the solutions we offer and how they impact our customers business?

It was a great crowd and a great response. Thanks to all who were in attendance and made it such a wonderful event.

Corporate magician equals - a fun time of year to be an entertainer

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Petz) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:18:00 +0000

ABSOLUTELY there are groups still having events for the holidays and what they wanted was a corporate magician! This past weekend working for the Dept of Education, ITT Technical Institute, American Family Insurance and private CEO client of a software company.

All of the events entailed the primary objective of "these people have worked hard. Please just let them laugh for a while." And that we did. ABSOLUTELY hysterical. I even brought along a new member of my team; Gordon, the mind reading goose....yeah really.

Thanks to all the great people I met and all the laughs we had. I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of your special events.

**And for those wondering. The US Dept of Education event was funded by employee dollars - not your tax dollars.**

Off to Reno Nevada today to work with BASF for a couple days then back home to Ohio for the remainder of the year. And what a year it has been!

Motivational Keynote Speaker and emcee - "Best Places To Work"

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Petz) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:40:00 +0000

Business First Newspapers presents the "Best Places to Work" 2009 and I was delighted to be their Motivational Keynote Speaker and emcee.

You have to love Twitter (sometimes) Here was a photo taken by someone at a table just before I was about to hit the stage - and 30 secs later it's a tweet. What did we do before all this? While the original Boring Meetings Suck publication in 2007 was against using text messages in meetings, I've now changed the stance to provide effective use of mobile devices from within the meetings. All this will be revealed in "Boring Meetings STILL Suck" the 2010 edition - due to hit bookstores in Late Spring of 2010.

Until next time - Bore No More!

It was SHOWTIME as the corporate magician for Cardinal Health

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Petz) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:46:00 +0000

It was SHOWTIME as the corporate magician for Cardinal Health!

SHOWTIME DEFINITION: "Always being prepared to be at your best, as you never know when you might be in the spotlight"

A nice high profile event with many members of the senior team in addition to their Chairman and CEO Mr. George Barret. So a nice audience....one that I never expected.

What originally began as the master of ceremony for the two day event in addition to the keynote speaker for a particular segment was interrupted a few days prior when one of the execs decided to emcee the event themselves. No problem at all - totally their call and hard feelings. I was then asked to fill that time in the trade show gallery with some strolling magic, which was also great. Love to do it.

So about 3 hours into the strolling magic that day I was interrupted by my client with a request. "The Chairman is going to be a bit delayed, we need you on stage in 3 hours."

So how do you react? What do you think? Coincidentally, I heard a great line yesterday which I quote "You can tell a true professional - not when things go perfectly, but when things go wrong"

So we jumped into action. Wardrobe change, additional gear, scripting, message lines and coordination with the production team all needed to take place and we did just that. In the end, we had a great show and a great turnout.

Special thanks to Cara and Michelle for the great opportunity. Thank you!

Motivational Speakers
Corporate magician
Master of Ceremony

Microsoft SharePoint Conference - corporate magician

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Petz) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:30:00 +0000

When asked to be the Corporate Magician in Las Vegas for the Microsoft SharePoint conference - I said.....Let me think about it....YES!

The client was Quest Software who was just fabulous to work with and gain understanding of their product and services that help their partners be ready for 2010. The main annual event for Sharepoint was a sell out crowd of 7000 from all over the world. The photo above was taken by Naru from New Zealand (who wants me to come work for his company in LA in January).

In the end, Quest Software DOUBLED their leads from last year and were thrilled. Special thanks to Chrissy, Mandy and Erin for the pre-meetings and strategy to make this event such a success. After all - look at this crowd....

Funny...I must like to hold my hands up in the air a lot as I look at these pics....

Awards Ceremony Emcee - LIfe Experience Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Petz) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:22:00 +0000

What a great night. As the Master of Ceremonies for the Kettering Health Network Life Experience Awards I had never seen so many people who have been with an organization for so long.

In addition to the all the Presidents awards across the hospital network throughout Dayton Ohio, we gave away two 45 year service award, 101 20 year awards and so many in between as well.

I was also very proud of the fact that we accomplished what I was asked to do. In past years the awards program has taken over 3 hours....seriously. The goal was to spice it up with some very clean fun and laughs but also keep it moving and flowing smoothly. With that said, I went to work. In the end, everyone had a great time and we finished the show in 1 hr 45 mins total. The Kettering Health Network was thrilled.

Special thanks to Carol and her team for an event well done

Boys and Girls Club of America Keynote Speaker

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Petz) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:03:00 +0000

Having been the motivational keynote speaker for the Boys and Girls Club of America on a couple of occasions (and hopefully more) I always personally learn something from each. And this one was no exception while in Atlantic City this week.

It always inspires me when I can meet so many people that have sooo much passion for what they are doing. This region is led by Gene Bailey, just an incredible man who has the vision and passion to further the movement and continue to inspire and enable all young people to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.

They even had two of the children their to sing during the event and I'm not kidding or exaggerating when I say they were FANTASTIC! I got THEIR autographs and if they work on it - they WILL make it.

Thank you for sharing your time with me and again opening up my eyes to the difference you are making and all the potential we all have.

Motivational Speaker for Eye Med Vision Care all employee development day

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Petz) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 15:42:00 +0000

Thank you Luxottica and Eye Med Vision Care for allowing me to be your Motivational keynote speaker for you all employee training and development day. You REALLY took the "It's SHOWTIME!" philosophy and ran with it. Having worked with many event planners over the years, I tip my hat to all of the T&D volunteer team who came together to make this happen.

I even tip my hat to Cindy who was my client at Travelers Insurance and referred me here - special treat coming YOUR way :-)

I appreciate all the emails I received from your attendees and all the homework we were able to do ahead of time to make sure the key learning objectives were identified and addressed.

Thanks again and I look forward to working with you again!

Jenn....I'm still working on the Marcus Buckingham call......

NEW website launched 9-25-09 for Motivational Speaker and Corporate Magician Jon Petz

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Petz) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:34:00 +0000

We are still working through some bugs, updates, more videos and content but would love your feedback. The motivational speaker and Corporate magician website is at the same home of www.JonPetz.com.

The Fairmont Penthouse in Bermuda...as a Corporate Magician - it's a lot of work!

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Petz) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:42:00 +0000

To be asked to perform as the corporate magician - in the Fairmont - in the Penthouse suite...in BERMUDA! (and pay me...WELL!) Tough gig to say NO to huh? While I definitely practice what I teach in the keynote speech about "Passion, and doing your best work while having the most fun" there is also a great deal of work that goes behind the scenes.

I certainly get the comments on the Facebook page and emails about the 'life I lead' with the exotic travels, the people and celebs I meet the non-stop fun I have, but did you realize about 80% of my time is still spent in an office, researching, testing, practicing and re-testing?

Look at this event from last night. I was with the top sales people worldwide in the "Specialty Insurance" group of this organization. These are truly the "Best of the Best" at what they do and have hours upon hours of time and effort into their results - so why shouldn't I? The event planner has worked to create the optimal experience - so how could I create the greatest amount of impact on these folks and not just be a 'good magic guy.' How can I have them leaving and talking the whole next day and until I see them again next year about what they saw and experienced in their very own hands?

THIS is creating IMPACT and not merely meeting expectations and exactly what I talk about in the keynote speech I am presenting to the same group tomorrow. In this important time we all need to look for ways to cut costs but without comprising value. HOW? I suggest you create "SHOWTIME" moments. That is creating points of impact and creating an experience over simply getting the job done. That's why I not only did some impressive sleight-of-hand tricks but also understood their customers, their challenges, their business and related the tricks to their environment in a fun, engaging and amazing way.

But what did that take? No magical secret there - it took work. For the 60 minutes I spent in the Penthouse suite last night (overlooking the incredible ocean view I might add) there were hours upon hours in the making. But that's what it takes to be at your best.

I challenge you to look for opportunities to create those moments of IMPACT and not simply meet expectations. How can you engage them better, have it be of value to them and have them talking about you next time, next month or next year as you took the time to make a difference and because you understand 'SHOWTIME!'

Corporate spokesperson

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Petz) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 16:08:00 +0000

As a corporate magician, sometimes I get to shoot tricks that are mixed with a bit of a message. Here is one we just did for a development company.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqOBq-oqLcQ

This kid gets it - well done!

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Petz) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:57:00 +0000

This video was submitted by a 20 year old and won second place:

Very simple - very direct - and only 1:41 long.

Make-A-Wish 25th Anniversary Gala

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Petz) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:54:00 +0000

While normally the special event emcee for this type of an event I was asked for a new thing......STAY OFF THE STAGE! That's right! Actually, how can I compete with Rascal Flatts anyway who were getting a very special award.

My role? I was brought in to the Make-A-Wish Foundation's 25 yr anniversary celebration and fundraiser to create the script and direct the stage to be the most engaging and inspiring while benefitting the cause of the night; to raise some funds to help fulfill the backlog of 'Wishes.' As the live event host for many high caliber events and understanding the importance of the celebs and special guests that were going to be there, I was honored to take the back stage role here and call the shots for the evening.

This was no small ordeal as there has never been an event quite like this one. Taking place at the Ohio State Stadium with so many unbelievable surprises planned it was awesome to be a part of such a special event.

While raising over $800,000 and pulling off this one of kind event together with the best event planning company in O hio and best a udio video p roduction company in ohio (Destinations By Design and Page Tech LTD), We helped make hundreds of wishes come true that day.

Phil Vassar (Nashville Recording Artist) and Nuttin' But Stringz also performed that night and a host of celebs and dignitaries were on site to be a part of it.

My favorite was still playing football on the Buckeye Field with some special Make-A-Wish child VIP's. They were truly the stars of the night.

I also did get to put my corporate magician skills to the test as well. The photo shown is me performing sleight-of-hand for Jay DeMarcus (Rascall Flatts) and Mike Vrabl (NFL Pro Bowler). Another photo is Jay accepting the award on behalf of Rascall Flatts and a Make-A-Wish child while being given by Jim Tressell, OSU head coach.