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Apollo Robbins

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$30,000

Apollo Robbins
Biography

Apollo Robbins is an Entertainer, Speaker & Consultant.  Often referred to as “The Gentleman Thief,” Robbins first made national news when he pick-pocketed the Secret Service while entertaining a former U.S. President.  Forbes called Apollo “an artful manipulator of awareness,” and Wired Magazine has written that “he could steal the wallet of a man who knew he was going to have his pocket picked.”

Robbins has expanded the role of misdirection and magic beyond entertainment, pulling back the curtain to show how the principles behind these illusions apply to everyday decision making.  He has been featured in Scientific American Mind and Nature Journal of Science for his collaborative research on attention & perception.

Frequently sought after as a thought leader, Apollo has lectured at a diverse range of institutions, including the Harvard Kennedy School of Business and the Society of Neuroscience. He has been profiled by The New Yorker and featured in The New York Times, The Atlantic, National Geographic and The Wall Street Journal.  

Apollo’s entertainment credits include the long-running TNT series Leverage and the Warner Brothers blockbuster movie FOCUS with Will Smith.  He produced and co-hosted the National Geographic program Brain Games, which was nominated for an Emmy as an Outstanding Informational Series. His guest appearance on The Today Show is a YouTube favorite at more than 8 million views. 

The TED editors described Robbins’ popular talk as “a revelation in the f laws of human perception.”  It is currently among the 20 most-viewed TED talks of all time.

Apollo’s talks & workshops feature interactive demonstrations using pickpocketing, magic, and theatrical con games to illustrate complex concepts from cognitive science, social psychology, and behavioral economics.  TED has asked Apollo to debut his new workshop “The Illusion of Knowledge” at TED’s main event in Vancouver in 2017.

Apollo Robbins
Featured Keynote Programs

The Illusion of Knowledge

“The enemy of Knowledge is not Ignorance. It is the Illusion of Knowledge.” - Daniel J. Boorstin 

This high energy Keynote explores the gap between what we know and what we think we know. Using theatrical cons and magic, the Audience is introduced to their own cognitive blind spots. Topics include: Challenging assumptions, Dealing with Uncertainty & Perspective Taking. #Ask new questions & Question old answers.  

The Gentleman Thief

Apollo’s unique hybrid brand of sleight of hand, pickpocketing and Brain Games. This is a jazzy walk around, meet-and-greet style entertainment that is flexible for a wide variety of venues. 

The Perception Show
Workshop

It’s not what you LOOK at that matters… It’s what you SEE.

Are some people more perceptive than others?  What opportunities are you missing simply because you didn’t SEE them?  The PERCEPTION Show is a unique, interactive experience that involves the whole audience. Building on the Emmy-nominated format of National Geographic’s BRAIN GAMES, this 45 minute experience utilizes interactive videos, illusions, and hands-on immersive demonstrations. 

The Con Test
Workshop

Would you fall for a CON?

This competitive workshop promotes critical thinking by teaching attendees how to design a CON.  Not only must they attempt to pull off the Con, they must do so while actively avoiding being deceived themselves. By merging the problem solving needs of their own mission with the situational awareness necessary to avoid being deceived, this session will force participants to constantly challenge their own assumptions. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to some of the most common questions about booking Apollo Robbins for your event.
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How do I book Apollo Robbins for my event?

Booking Apollo Robbins with Premiere Speakers Bureau is a streamlined 4-step process:
  • Availability Check: Contact us with your event date and budget to verify if your desired speaker is available.
  • Hold Date: We place a temporary "hold" on the speaker's calendar while you finalize internal approval.
  • Contracting: We issue a contract outlining the fee, cancellation policy, and event expectations.
  • Logistics: Once signed, our event management team handles all travel booking, itinerary, and AV requirements.

Why should I partner with Premiere Speakers Bureau rather than contacting speakers directly?

Partnering with Premiere Speakers Bureau provides a comprehensive safety net for your event that direct booking cannot match. You get the same speaker for the same price, but with a dedicated team with over 30 years of event experience handling contracts, logistics, and are prepared for any emergency. We know what it takes to run an excellent event.

What makes Premiere Speakers Bureau unique compared to other agencies?

Premiere Speakers Bureau distinguishes itself by having over 30 years of experience while partnering with more than 35,000 events. PSB has also built a streamlined, fully online process that makes booking a speaker, handling travel and payments extremely easy for anyone looking to plan a speaker led event.

How does Premiere Speakers Bureau's 'Zero Cost Service' model work?

Premiere Speakers Bureau operates on a 'Zero Cost Service' model for event planners. Our services—including research, booking, and logistics—are always free to the client. The speaker covers our commission from their standard honorarium as payment for our role in marketing and managing their engagements.

How are speaker fees structured, and what is typically included?

A speaker's fee typically covers the keynote presentation, a pre-event planning call, and standard customization. Travel expenses are usually billed separately.

What are the standard policies for speaker travel and expenses?

Travel expenses are negotiated during contracting. We generally recommend a flat travel fee for simplicity, though we also offer line-by-line invoicing when preferred. PSB ensures these expenses adhere to professional standards, and our Event Portal allows for easy tracking and invoicing.
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