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Available to book

Tech entrepreneur & former U.S. CTO

Megan Smith

Drive innovation in the workplace and gain insights into the future of technology and politics with Megan Smith, speaker, award-winning tech entrepreneur, and former U.S. Chief Technology Officer.

Trusted by Google, PlanetOut, General Magic, Apple Japan

Megan Smith, Speaker | Tech Entrepreneur & Innovator
Megan Smith

Megan Smith

Seattle, United States

Typical fee range

$51k–75k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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Book Megan

Seattle, United States

Starting from

$51k–75k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

Give us a call

+44 203 835 2929

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Megan Smith's biography

At a glance

  • Third U.S. Chief Technology Officer
  • Vice President at Google, led Google Earth & Maps acquisitions
  • CEO of PlanetOut, early LGBTQ online community leader
Megan Smith is an award-winning tech entrepreneur, engineer, and evangelist. She served as the third U.S. Chief Technology Officer and played a key role in utilizing technology and data to address various issues, from economic growth to criminal justice reform. Smith recruited top tech talent to work across different government positions and collaborated on initiatives like TechHire and Computer Science for All. Prior to her role as U.S. CTO, she held a vice president position at Google, where she managed partnerships and led acquisitions of Google Earth and Google Maps. Smith also served as CEO of PlanetOut, an online LGBTQ community, and worked on early smartphone technologies at General Magic and Apple Japan. She currently sits on the boards of MIT and the MIT Media Lab. Smith holds a bachelor's and master's degree in mechanical engineering from MIT. Her speaking topics include innovation in the workplace, technology, politics, and pride.

Megan's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Tech, Policy, And Social Change: Insights From Megan Smith
Megan Smith, the former U.S. Chief Technology Officer, delves into the convergence of technology, policy, and social change. Leveraging her extensive background, spanning from Google to government, she imparts valuable insights on fostering innovation and inclusivity within the tech industry. Discover the power of strategic technology integration in addressing intricate societal issues.
Innovation Nation: Creative Ways to Find and Speed Up Solutions to Big Challenges
Can we scout and scale technology solutions to the biggest challenges our society faces using the venture capitalist model? Can We capacity build the American people? Megan Smith Argues that we can—in fact, she shows that we already are. At Google, General Magic, and Apple Japan, she brought deeply cross-functional teams together to solve significant challenges. Smith adopted that same approach in the federal government, identifying patterns and best practices that are making a difference in towns and cities across the United States, and then exploring how to reproduce them in other parts of the country. From retraining and building confidence in their colleagues in Eastern Kentucky to reducing prison populations in Miami-Dade County, Smith’s examples will illustrate how your organization can identify what’s already working and how best to replicate that success.
How To Build A Creative, Confident, Inclusive, And High-Impact Workforce
Megan Smith believes that, in order to fully unleash your organization’s economic potential and competitiveness, you have to include a broader team in problem-solving. She refutes the notion that diverse voices haven’t always been part of the story, pointing to significant contributors from America’s “missing history.” Smith also explains how we can move much faster to retain and recruit inclusive teams, mitigate unconscious and institutional biases, and foster “ecosystem thinking”—bringing more people to the table, inspiring creative confidence, and solving our biggest problems.

Why we recommend booking Megan

Megan brings a wealth of experience from her tenure as the U.S. Chief Technology Officer and her leadership roles at Google and PlanetOut, offering unparalleled insights into innovation, technology, and diversity. Her track record of fostering collaboration and driving significant tech initiatives, like TechHire and Computer Science for All, showcases her ability to inspire and enact change. Booking Megan as a speaker will empower your team or business with actionable strategies for leveraging technology to solve complex challenges and promote inclusivity.

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Trusted by Google, PlanetOut, General Magic, Apple Japan

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Megan Smith for my next event?
Email megan.smith@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Megan's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
What is Megan Smith's speaking style like?
Megan delivers insightful talks on technology and innovation, drawing from her extensive experience in government and industry. Her engaging style inspires audiences to embrace change and drive progress.
What topics does Megan Smith specialise in?
Megan Smith specialises in discussing technology, engineering, innovation and more.
Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a speaker booking?

Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

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When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

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How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Help, I need a last-minute speaker for my event!

No problem! We often handle last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, comedian, awards or event host quickly — almost anywhere in the world. However, speaker availability might be limited as the event date approaches. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.