Rick Steves

Keynote speaker Rick Steves advocates smart independent travel. As host, writer and producer of the popular public television series Rick Steves’ Europe, and best-selling author of 30+ European travel books, he encourages Americans to delve deep into Europe and become “temporary locals.” He helps American travelers connect much more intimately and authentically with Europe — and Europeans — for a fraction of what mainstream tourists pay.

Over the past 15 years, Rick has hosted over 100 travel shows for public television (most still airing in rebroadcasts), and numerous pledge specials. Rick’s relationship with public television began with his first series, Travels in Europe with Rick Steves. Since then, he has become one of public television’s top pledge drive hosts, raising millions of dollars annually for stations across the U.S. His current Rick Steves’ Europe TV series has grown to 70 half-hour shows carried by over 300 public television stations annually, reaching 95 percent of U.S. markets. Rick writes and co-produces his television programs through his company, Back Door Productions.

Rick recently launched a weekly public radio program, Travel with Rick Steves. Focusing on world travel, each hour-long program has a guest travel expert for interviews, followed by call-ins with questions and comments. This show airs across the country and has spawned a popular podcast.

“Europe Through the Back Door” with Rick Steves

Join the travel expert–acclaimed for his bestselling guidebook series, public television series, and public radio shows–as he shares all the latest in smart European travel. Freshly back from lots of travels, Rick Steves explains the practical, money-saving ins and outs of independent travel. His 90-minute seminar is packed with tips on getting the most out of every mile, minute, and dollar on your next trip.

Travel as a Political Act

Rick Steves–author of over 50 European travel guidebooks and host of the public television series, Rick Steves’ Europe–believes that thoughtful travel expands our world view and shapes how we address the challenges confronting our nation politically. Having spent four months a year overseas for the last 30 years, Rick feels that travel helps us “challenge truths we were raised to think were self-evident and God-given.” His classes have helped millions of Americans not only enjoy maximum travel thrills per mile, minute and euro…but become better citizens of our planet. Rick shares how the other 96 percent of humanity sees our nation and explores how his social activism has grown naturally out of his travel experiences. He’s fresh back from lots of travels and will be on hand after his talk for questions and autographs.

Rick Steves’ Iran

Rick Steves calls Iran “the most poorly understood yet fascinating land” he’s ever visited. In his upcoming 90-minute slideshow, he takes us on a journey of discovery. His hope? To learn more about this perplexing nation whose government so exasperates America. And to better understand the 70 million people who call Iran home. Steves’ presentation shows the splendid monuments of Iran’s rich past, as well as Iranian life today–in its giant metropolis, historic capital, and in a countryside village. Steves captures Persian culture vividly: from Friday prayer in a mosque to non-conformist teen fashions at the mall; from anti-American murals to the hospitality of a family dinner; and from the tranquility of rural life to the crazy traffic of modern Tehran. Rather than a political talk dealing with the complex issues that confront our governments, Steves’ presentation is a travelogue, designed to increase our understanding of a mighty, ancient nation that has been a leader in its corner of the world for 2,500 years.