Robert Ballard

Robert Ballard is the legendary oceanographer and explorer who discovered the wreck of the Titanic in 1985 and has gone on to find numerous other significant shipwrecks including the German battleship Bismarck, the lost fleet of Guadalcanal, the U.S. aircraft carrier Yorktown, and John F. Kennedy’s PT-109. He is one of the most accomplished ocean explorers in history.

The Man Who Found the Titanic

Dr. Ballard has conducted over 150 deep-sea expeditions using advanced technologies including remotely operated vehicles and deep-sea imaging systems that he helped pioneer. His discovery of the Titanic captivated the world and launched a new era of underwater archaeology. He is the founder of the JASON Project, an educational program that has connected millions of students with real-time scientific exploration, and he has served on the faculty at the University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Oceanography.

Innovation Born from Impossible Goals

Ballard’s career demonstrates that the most ambitious goals demand creating tools and methods that do not yet exist. His decades of ocean exploration required developing new technologies, staying motivated through failed attempts, and refusing to abandon visions others considered impossible. His keynotes deliver compelling presentations on innovation and the pursuit of seemingly impossible goals, persistence through failure on the path to discovery, the leadership required for extraordinary expeditions, and inspiring the next generation through science and exploration.

What does Robert Ballard speak about?

Dr. Robert Ballard is one of the world’s most celebrated marine geologists and explorers, best known for discovering the wreck of the Titanic in 1985 using pioneering deep-sea exploration technology. He speaks on exploration, discovery, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, drawing on decades of deep-sea expeditions and technological innovation to show audiences what genuine, patient, high-stakes discovery actually requires.

What is Robert Ballard’s background?

Robert Ballard is known for: Discoverer of the wreck of the Titanic, pioneering marine geologist and deep-sea explorer, longtime National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence.

Who books Robert Ballard to speak?

Meeting planners book Dr. Robert Ballard for innovation and exploration-themed conferences that want the actual scientist behind one of the most famous discoveries of the 20th century, not a secondhand account of the Titanic search.

Living the Dream: Adventures in Deep Sea Exploration

In this keynote speech, through the use of stunning high quality images and personal accounts, Dr. Ballard will present his most recent work in deep water archaeology and the technology of tele-presence. He discusses motivating people to think outside the box, learning how to deal with failure, that failure is just a step along the way to success, motivating children to choose careers in math, science and engineering, and how to live your dream.

Dr. Ballard is a dynamic speaker who will have your audience on the edge of their seats wanting to start a whole new career in exploration!

The Personal Account of How the Titanic Was Found, and a Look into the Future

Dr. Ballard shares his incredible story of the significant discovery of the Titanic, the advanced technology he used for this world famous expedition, and what’s ahead for the future in deep sea exploration.