Strategic Opening & Closing Keynotes for Moments That Matter
Explore Inviting DaveLeadership & Legacy for Organizations Navigating Change
Explore Inviting DaveFor associations, leadership events, and organizations that want people to leave aligned, energized, and reminded why their work matters — not just entertained.
Dave Davlin helps conferences begin and end with purpose, clarity, and emotional resonance that lasts well beyond the final session.
Trusted by leaders and associations nationwide.
State Farm • Cognizant • Education & Leadership Associations • Government & Public Service Organizations
3 QUESTIONS EVERY CONFERENCE LEADER SHOULD ASK Before Booking an Opening or Closing Keynote
You’ve been planning your event for months. Get this guide to ensure your hard work goes according to plan and your event is a success! This guide includes 3 questions every conference leader should ask before booking an opening or closing keynote.
Dave isn’t a ‘do the job and run’ speaker—he listens, aligns with your goals, and delivers.
“Dave was outstanding at our Annual Conference, connecting with a broad audience of 350 attendees. His message was on point, and his delivery was upbeat, fun, and genuinely engaging.
Beyond the stage, working with Dave and his wife was an absolute pleasure. Their character and core values came through with our team, our sponsor, and our attendees alike. Dave isn’t a ‘do the job and run’ speaker—he listens, aligns with your goals, and delivers a presentation that truly fits your event.”
I give Dave my strongest recommendation.
— Joel Dandrea
Chief Executive Officer
Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association
When the opening or closing moment matters, that’s where Dave fits.
Many conferences are well-organized and content-rich —
yet the opening or closing moment often doesn’t match the importance of the work being done.
That’s the gap Dave Davlin fills.
Dave is typically brought in to:
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Set a clear emotional and mental tone
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Reconnect people to purpose, pride, and perspective
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Create alignment that carries through the event
This isn’t about hype.
It’s about alignment, meaning, and momentum.
From NBA arenas to conference stages — shaping moments that matter
Before delivering keynotes across corporate and association stages, Dave spent years performing in NBA arenas and large venues as a professional basketball entertainer, eventually earning a Guinness World Record.
That background gave him a rare skill most speakers don’t have:
The ability to read a room, hold attention, and create a shared emotional moment — at scale.
Today, Dave brings that same presence and precision to conferences and leadership events where:
- The audience is accomplished but tired
- The responsibility is heavy
- And the moment deserves more than “another speaker”
What Meeting Planners and Leaders Say –
I know I shared with you before that I loved your talk and message. It was both thought-provoking and inspiring. I am an educator of 25 years and an ex college football player. I have heard a lot of “pep” talks on my journey and this ranks up there with the best of them. I have even embarked on a journey of personal and spiritual growth and my journal where I capture my thoughts and reflections is entitled the “GAME WINNING THREE”. Thanks again!
– Brian G. Baca, Assistant Superintendent, Los Lunas Schools
Your valued point of view and experience shared was insightful and inspiring to our attendees. Your inspiration and ‘a little break for levity’ is important to keep perspectives fresh on the opportunities for growth. It was, without question, one of the major highlights of the day.
– Ellen T. Anreder, Director of the Food and Drug Conference
All week we received excellent comments from our attendees on your keynote speech. Thank you for a fantastic job. You set the tone for a very successful conference.
– Francisco Hoyos, FEFPA
Dave works most often with organizations such as:
- Statewide and national associations
- Education-adjacent and leadership organizations
- Corporate and regional leadership events
- Government and public service teams
Especially when the goal is to:
- Reignite purpose without clichés
- Honor the weight of responsibility people carry
- Create a memorable opening or closing that feels intentional and earned
Conference leaders bring Dave in because he is:
- Experienced — 10+ years on professional stages
- Adaptable — able to connect across industries and roles
- Intentional — focused on outcomes, not ego
- Low-risk — proven with diverse, high-responsibility audiences
He understands that the opening or closing keynote isn’t entertainment —
it’s a leadership decision.
A Purposeful Opening or Closing Experience (Customized for Your Event)
Rather than selecting from multiple keynote “topics,” most organizations bring Dave in for a single, intentional experience that is shaped to fit their audience and moment.
Depending on your event, this experience may emphasize:
- Reconnecting high-achieving professionals with purpose and perspective
- Helping teams step back from the grind and remember why the work matters
- Creating a strong emotional opening or closing that aligns the entire event
This experience is always customized to fit your audience, goals, and the moment you’re creating.
Let’s talk about the moment you’re trying to create
If you’re planning an upcoming conference, summit, or leadership event and want to be intentional about how it begins or ends, a short conversation may be helpful.
No pressure.
No pitch.
Just clarity.
Dave Davlin
Opening & Closing Keynote Speaker
Purpose • Impact • Meaning
