Speaking Opportunities
Put Chris in front of an audience and he can talk about, well, anything!
Chris has been featured as a keynote speaker, discussion panelist, and master of ceremony for large scale public industry events and national conferences like the Marketing Magazine Conference.
Forgive the humblebrag, but at NAYDO (North American YMCA Development Organization) Chris has been given the highest rating from audience surveys two years in a row. Okay, that wasn't so much of a humblebrag as it was a brag brag, but you get the idea – Chris is really good!
Professionally, his favourite speaking topics are:
Diversity and inclusion.
Chris’ famous “Let Them Eat Gayke” talk.
How to be an ally.
Chris’ personal mental health journey.
How to build a community and connect with your audience.
THE GAYKE TALK
One hour keynote with Chris Farias on the topic of inclusion, diversity and belonging (creating a healthy community with a focus on the LGBTQ2S+ community.)
The essence of belonging is being accepted as a natural member of a group. So how do you not only include people, but make them feel like they truly belong? Through a personal journey that includes growing up gay in a small town, a run in with a totalitarian librarian, and the most famous cake in the world, Chris Farias walks you through the steps to make every space, a space for everyone.
Some topics include:
• Assumptions
• Inclusive language
• How to handle verbal abuse
• Dealing with bullies
• Confidentiality
“Attendees at the 2015 NAYDO Conference on YMCA Philanthropy described Chris as dynamic, funny and energetic! Chris gave very purposeful, positive and thought provoking information while keeping the audience engaged and laughing. His workshop was the best seminar of the session - so funny and so relevant! ”
“ From the moment Chris approached the stage until he exited the room, our conference participants clung to every word he shared. The message, the laughter and the energy... oh, the energy! Of the many talented speakers that I’ve had the pleasure of hearing over the years, I’ve never seen the level of humour, connection and inspired experience that Chris delivers. Your audience will thank you. ”
“ Chris Farias delivered a keynote presentation to my camp staff team on the topic of belonging. As a keynote for 200 teens and young adults, he had his work cut out for him early on a Sunday morning. Chris did a fantastic job and had the staff laughing in their seats and crying with the personal and emotional stories he shared with us. ”
“ Our Department was lucky enough to have Chris as a keynote speaker at our annual staff retreat. From the first sentence, it was obvious our staff became comfortable. He customized the keynote to our needs, proactively addressed issues he knew would be of concern, and gave us all a few good laughs. You don’t get the same old pre-packaged, reused content. It’s truly unique and is infused with his engaging personality. ”