
Chip Conley Speaking Fee: $50,000 to $75,000

Speaking Fee:
$50,000 to $75,000
Travels From:
SFO - San Francisco
Travels From:
SFO - San Francisco
Primary Topic Category:
Business & Entrepreneurship
Primary Topic Category:
Business & Entrepreneurship
Secondary Topic Category:
Leadership and Management
Secondary Topic Category:
Leadership and Management
Chip Conley Speaker Profile: At A Glance
The iconic boutique hotelier who helped Airbnb's founders turn their fast-growing tech start-up into a global hospitality brand, Chip Conley is a New York Times bestselling author whose manifesto on ageism, Wisdom@Work: The Making of a Modern Elder, is inspired by his experience of being both a mentor and an intern in his 50s. He served as Airbnb’s Head of Global Hospitality & Strategy for four years — while also being CEO Brian Chesky’s mentor — and continues today as a Strategic Advisor.
Chip Conley is a distinguished hospitality entrepreneur, author, and thought leader, best known for his innovative approach to modern business leadership and cultural transformation. His professional journey began in San Francisco in the late 1980s when he founded Joie de Vivre Hospitality, turning it into one of the largest boutique hotel brands in the country. Conley took inspiration from Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, leveraging it to create a company culture that emphasized employee satisfaction and customer delight. Over two decades, he grew the company from a single hotel to over 50 properties before successfully selling the enterprise.
In 2013, Chip joined Airbnb, a then-emerging startup, as the Head of Global Hospitality and Strategy. Asked to lend his vast experience to the tech-driven company, he built a bridge between traditional hospitality and the sharing economy. During his tenure, Conley cultivated the company's hospitality standards and systems to accommodate both hosts and guests across the globe, significantly contributing to Airbnb’s exponential growth. When he stepped down from his full-time role, he assumed the title of Strategic Advisor for Hospitality and Leadership, continuing to guide the company while pursuing other ventures.
Beyond his business accomplishments, Chip is a passionate advocate for lifelong learning and cross-generational collaboration. His time at Airbnb inspired him to explore the concept of the "modern elder," a role that values wisdom and the spirit of curiosity. This led him to establish the Modern Elder Academy in Baja California, a unique educational institution where midlife individuals can develop a renewed sense of purpose. Here, Conley emphasizes the importance of blending youthful energy with seasoned wisdom, preparing participants to thrive in ever-changing personal and professional landscapes.
Chip Conley is also a prolific author, having written several books that reflect his business philosophies and life insights. Titles such as "Peak: How Great Companies Get Their Mojo from Maslow" and "Wisdom@Work: The Making of a Modern Elder," offer readers an insider's perspective on the changing dynamics of leadership and aging in today’s world. Through candid narratives, Conley provides valuable lessons on achieving success by embracing vulnerability and continuous growth.
As a public speaker, Chip brings a wealth of experience and insight to the stage, delivering keynote addresses that resonate with audiences around the world. His presentations often explore the intersection of hospitality, empathy, and innovation, combined with personal anecdotes and practical advice. Conley’s unique ability to connect with diverse audiences stems from his genuine passion for helping others rediscover their purpose and potential at any stage of life. His professional and personal endeavors reflect a commitment to nurturing human connections and driving meaningful change.