Danny Meyer
Restaurateur; founder, executive chairman, and former CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group; founder of Shake Shack
Danny Meyer
Biography
A pioneer in farm-to-table fare, recognized as one of the most significant influencers to the multibillion dollar “fine casual dining” phenomenon, restaurateur and executive chairman of Union Square Hospitality Group, Danny Meyer, has helped shape consumer demand and expectations of food and restaurant experiences for more than 30 years.
When he opened Union Square Café in 1985, he pioneered a new breed of American eatery, featuring local ingredients and his model of enlightened hospitality, which have come to define his endeavors in the culinary world. Now with 10 unique restaurants, including beloved eateries such as Eleven Madison Park, Modern and Blue Smoke, Meyer and his establishments have earned critical and commercial acclaim and unprecedented honors, including 25 James Beard Awards.
In 2001, Meyer was again on the forefront of a growing trend, with what started as a gourmet hot dog cart, that he grew to become Shake Shack, a leader in the disruptive move toward “fine casual” fare. With a successful 2015 IPO and 63 locations from Dubai to London, Shake Shack continues to expand and attract devoted fans globally.
Guided by his philosophy of enlightened hospitality, featured in his book, Setting the Table, his unique employee-first business model prioritizes its people as the foundation for providing uncommon excellence and hospitality to guests, the community, suppliers and investors. An active leader in the fight against hunger, Meyer has long served on the boards of Share Our Strength and City Harvest and is equally active in civic affairs.
With a proven capability to identify and implement what’s coming next, Meyer captivates audiences with fascinating insight, visions of the future and strategies for business leaders and entrepreneurs that challenge conventional thinking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to some of the most common questions about booking Danny Meyer for your event.
How do I book Danny Meyer for my event?
Booking Danny Meyer 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.