2020 marks my fourth season as a guest lecturer onboard Princess Cruises as part of their award-winning “North to Alaska” program. New this year is an incredible opportunity to be a "theme host" onboard the Safari Endeavor, a beautiful ship which is part of the UnCruise fleet. What an opportunity to share my stories and images with people from all walks of life as we float on the same waters I paddled in 2010. Scroll down to view speaking dates onboard the Ruby Princess and UnCruise.

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2020 AUTHOR EVENTS: STORIES/IMAGES/INSPIRATION 
Please join me! Booking now for 2020.

More bookings coming soon!

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Come along for the nationwide ride—book Susan at YOUR venue!

Professional Speaker & Storyteller

Visual, Engaging & Dynamic Presentations

Inspiring Stories

A Visual Feast

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For event booking and media inquiries: email me

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January 27, 2:15 pm - Women's Day at The Seattle Boat Show, CenturyLink Field Event Center, 800 Occidental Ave. South,
Seattle. Come on down ladies (and gents) and get in on all kinds of festivities, including ten free presentations on boating. I'll take the stage at 2:15 in the North Hall. Click here for more info -- type my name in the box on the right side. The entire day is FREE for ladies!

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February 8, 2 pm - National Girls and Women in Sports Day, Whatcom Middle School, 810 Halleck St., Bellingham, WA.
Communities across the country are hosting events during the first week of February to acknowledge the accomplishments of female athletes, recognize the influence of sports participation for women and girls, and honor the progress and continuing struggle for equality for women in sports. I'm excited to be one of several speakers at our regional event in Bellingham! Hosted by Prime Sports Institute. Activities will include mini skill sessions, an obstacle course, a photo booth, art wall, inspiring speakers, and more. Local sports programs, businesses and organizations will be in attendance with information to highlight opportunities for girls to participate in events, races, and programs in our area. Door prizes and raffle items galore! More info HERE. Event admission is FREE and open to all ages

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March 28 - 29, 10:30 - 5:30 - Planning and Executing an Inside Passage or Other Paddling Expedition, REI Seattle, 222 Yale Ave N, Seattle. Once again, I'll be offering a comprehensive two-day workshop on how to plan and execute an Inside Passage Adventure. Although specific to sea kayaking the Inside Passage, the principles of adventure planning will apply to any destination, conveyance, or time frame. More details and how to register HERE. This is, in part, a fundraiser for Washington Water Trails a non-profit organization that protects and promotes public access to Washington waterways, shorelines, and marine trails for human-powered watercraft.

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April 4 - 5, 9am - 5pm, Planning and Executing an Inside Passage or Other Paddling Expedition, Grantham Hall, 6040 Island Highway, British Columbia. I get to take my two-day comprehensive workshop on how to plan and execute multi-day paddling adventures to Vancouver Island! Click HERE for more info. Hosted by the Comox Valley Paddlers Club​! Everyone is welcome! A portion of the proceeds will help support BC Marine Trails and the Kus-kus-sum Watershed project. A yummy and healthy buffet-style lunch is included in the price.

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2020 Speaking Engagements Onboard Inside Passage Cruise Ships:

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The Ruby Princess (embarkation date from Seattle):

• May 9-11

• August 29-31

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The Safari Endeavor (embarkation date from Juneau):

• September 13-27

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EXPED is a proud sponsor of my book tours! 
Visit their website to get the “inside scoop” on expedition equipment that’s made for the long haul.
 

 

 

 

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Thank you EXPED 
for supporting my journey!

Feedback from event hosts:

Susan shared her presentation with the Obsidians, an outdoor club in Eugene, Oregon which hosts monthly programs. She attracted a record-setting crowd and did not disappoint. She is so articulate, the slides are beautiful, the pace was excellent, and the stories are inspiring. For weeks afterwards, I heard "that was the best presentation ever!" We will invite her back!    

~ Lana Lindstrom, Entertainment Chair, Obsidians

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Susan’s intriguing and compelling tale of determination, courage and introspection was indeed riveting, and the standing room only crowd was thoroughly engaged throughout her presentation. Following her slide presentation, she eagerly entertained  many questions from the audience.

~ Alan M. Fisher, M.D., President, Oregon Ocean Paddling Society (OOPS)

 

Susan was one of the best presenters we have had in the nine years of the Olympia Mountaineers Speaker Series. She was well prepared, had fabulous maps/photos and was very entertaining.

~  Carolyn Burreson, Coordinator of the Olympia Mountaineer's Speaker Series 

 

We are big fans of Susan Conrad’s book Inside and were thrilled to bring her to our community. We had a large turnout and sold out of stock at the event. The audience loved her presentation and the Q&A after, with one reader comparing Conrad’s journey to Cheryl Strayed’s, ‘only better!’

~ Eagle Harbor Books, Bainbridge Island, WA

 

Susan Conrad’s presentation is fun and engaging. Her knowledge of the Inside Passage is impressive and her enthusiasm is infectious. The addition of a Keynote presentation to her book reading & story telling makes for an exciting, interactive author event.

~ Grass Roots Bookstore, Corvallis, OR

 

Your gift for story telling blended seamlessly with the beautiful photos of your incredible adventure. The entire room was thoroughly entertained and connected from the opening slide to the last question of the night. I am still getting compliments for your presentation.

~ Mike Hammond, Calusa Blueway Coordinator, Lee County Parks and Recreation, Fort Myers, Florida

 

The slideshow itself was an absolute success in every sense. Because of Susan’s hard work, the venue filled beyond seating capacity and attendees stood around the perimeter and sat on the floor around her transfixed by this amazing woman’s epic and inspirational journey. Susan’s background in photojournalism was evident in the picture quality and selection as they related to her story. She created a sense of intimacy with the audience, and as we shared her highs and lows and successes and struggles, nobody wanted the show to end. And while the show eventually had to end, the audience lingered around long after, wanting to continue the shared experience.

~ Dallas Betz, Education Coordinator, Community Boating Center, Bellingham, WA

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Feedback from audience members:

Your open inclusion of your human experiences of taking the challenge, your equal representation of your inspiration, determination, personal pride, and vulnerabilities is a very wholesome balance and a wonderful model for those who hear your story.

~ Phyllis Woolwine, President & Director of Education, Shearwater University, Anacortes, WA

 

Susan Conrad mesmerized us with her narrative talk. Every sentence she created came across as beautiful poetry. Awesome to learn first hand of her adventurous journey.

~ Chris and Walter

 

I went to Susan Conrad’s presentation of her new book "Inside: One Woman's Journey Through the Inside Passage“ in Bellingham last night. If you have not seen Susan talk about her journey, it is well worth the time. Her talk is riveting — great pictures and an overview of her epic solo kayaking journey up the Inside Passage to Alaska. She shared short stories about good times and not-so-good times with bears, weather and people. You get a clear sense of Susan’s passion for the sea, the unique challenges on such a trip, and the quality of her writing. I highly recommend her book and seeing her talk about it. 

~ Mac Carter

 

I am grateful that your book tour brought you to Silverdale, WA giving me the opportunity to meet you & hear your inspirational presentation. I enjoyed the way you were able to weave the stories regarding your fears and challenging times with those uplifting & amazing moments you also experienced. Your book is wonderful & I am soaking up the content, immersing myself in your journey as your words continue to inspire.

~ Judith L.

 

You appeared confident and calm and shared your story in a very enthusiastic, knowledgeable and courageous manner. It was incredibly inspiring.

~ Patia

 

Thank you, Susan, for sharing the gift of your slide show and presentation last night. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I have a newfound respect for the depth and breadth of your accomplishment! I was not alone in my admiration. At one point I looked around and saw a sea of faces in spellbound reverence. 

~ Mark

 

Susan,

Supercalifragilisticexpialidociously Fantastic -----------Really

Seriously.

~ Kenneth

 

Susan! It was such a gift in my week to see you and hear what you had to say... You came across really beautifully as you shared your story... I am embracing that whole idea that perhaps outer movement can create some inner movement....

~ Cathy 

 

Susan,

We enjoyed your presentation. You had a lot of great moments when the audience really connected with where you were taking them, and you moved through the story smoothly.

~ David

 

I applaud you for your courage. Your journey was remarkable. I was especially taken by how you shared your fears and horrific moments, and how you contrasted those with your magical moments.

~ John