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Dave Sanderson

Dave Sanderson

Keynote Speaker: Inspirational Survivor of the Miracle on the Hudson, Author & Nationally Recognized Leadership Speaker

Dave Sanderson Biography

Dave Sanderson is an inspirational survivor, author, and nationally sought-out leadership speaker.

When US Airways Flight 1549, or ‘The Miracle on the Hudson,’ ditched into the Hudson River on January 15, 2009, Sanderson knew he was exactly where he was supposed to be.

As the last passenger off the back of the plane on that fateful day, he took responsibility for the well-being and safety of others. He risked his own life in the frigid water to help other passengers off the plane but despite the hazards to himself, Sanderson thought only of helping others. He emerged from the wreckage that day with a mission to encourage others to do the right thing.

This profound experience changed his life and today he travels the globe sharing his inspirational and motivational leadership messages to help people make a difference in how they do business and in how they live their lives.

Named one of Inc.com’s Top 100 Leadership speakers, Sanderson travels the world to share his inspirational leadership lessons, raising over $14.8M USD for the American Red Cross over the last ten years through his talks.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Dave Sanderson and other top speakers and celebrities.

Dave Sanderson Speaking Topics

From Turmoil to Triumph: “How to Get Back on the Plane”

For over thirty years, Dave Sanderson was a top producer in some of the largest sales organizations in the world. On January 15, 2009, he was one of the last passengers off the plane that crashed into the Hudson River, best known as The Miracle on the Hudson, considered the most successful ditching in aviation history. Since that unique experience, Dave has built a career as a motivational speaker, mentor, and author and was recently named one of the top 100 Leadership Speakers in Inc.com. After he survived the plane crash, he started getting calls from people all over the world, asking him how he “got back on the plane,” and since the plane crash, Dave has been speaking, teaching, and consulting on how to bounce back and grow from the challenge’s life throws at you and how to turn your Turmoil into your Triumph. Now, more than ever, people need firsthand experience and guidance on how to not only bounce back from tumultuous times but actually grow from traumatic life events and crisis.

100 Days to Triumph

We all know, especially these days, that change will happen, but making progress towards what is most important to you is not. How do you clarify, simplify, and progress towards the significant outcomes that will change your life?

In “100 Days to Triumph,” Dave will share the proven and tested strategy how he was able in 100 days to go back into a place where his life was almost taken from him during the Miracle on the Hudson, beginning from not swimming for over forty years and 100 days later, swimming across the cold and rough Hudson River with the elite Navy Seals, this time leaving on HIS terms.

He will show your audience how they can accomplish any significant goal or initiative they may have within 100 days!

Whether it is obtaining sustainable weight loss, boosting your energy to finish a triathlon healthy, increasing your influence and exceeding your sales goals, creating a passionate long-lasting relationship, or discovering what is necessary to have an extraordinary life of happiness and fulfillment, Dave will simplify these strategies into easy-to-understand concepts that you can implement today, compressing the decades of what he learned and did into techniques you can use today to create the flight plan you desire for your life.

Brace for Impact

Ready to fly home after a quick business trip, Dave Sanderson settled into seat 15A. Shortly after takeoff however, it was evident that something was wrong. Just moments later, the captain said on the intercom " This is your captain, brace for impact"

Three simple words that proclaimed to all 150 passengers on board US Airways Flight 1549 on that cold, crisp New York afternoon of January 15, 2009, that their plane was about to go down in the icy Hudson River.

Three simple words that churned up their fear that the next two minutes would be their final moments on earth and spurred their most heartfelt, spontaneous prayers.

We all know about the stunning tale of survival against all odds that followed.

When US Airways Flight 1549, or “The Miracle on the Hudson” ditched into the Hudson River on January 15, 2009, Dave Sanderson knew he was exactly where he was supposed to be.

As the last passenger off the back of the plane on that fateful day, he was largely responsible for the well-being and safety of others. Risking his own life in frigid water to help other passengers off the plane, despite the hazard to himself, Sanderson thought only of helping others in that moment and he emerged from the wreckage with a mission: to encourage others to do the right thing.

In this stirring presentation, Sanderson shares the story of Flight 1549, revealing the inner strength it took to make it through the day, and how teamwork, leadership, and state management can help overcome any obstacle.

JOLT - How to bounce back even stronger!

How do you not only bounce back but actually grow from a traumatic event? After surviving US Airways Flight 1549 that landed on the Hudson River, Dave Sanderson experienced a major traumatic life event.

The truth is, we all at one time or another will experience a traumatic event.

It could be an accident, but it could also be a job loss or the death of someone close. For many, these traumatic events can be crippling and life changing. On the flips side, for some however, these traumatic events can actually spark growth. This growth mindset approach to adversity is known as Post Traumatic Growth Syndrome.

In this presentation, Dave illustrates and explains the three strategies that anyone can use to grow from any traumatic life event.

Moments Matter

In this stirring presentation, Dave Sanderson reveals the lessons and strategies that helped guide his decisions following the crash of US Airways Flight 1549, or “The Miracle on the Hudson”. Dave not only survived the “crash” but realized that there were key moments in his life that prepared him for how he came through the events of that day. In this 45-minute presentation, Dave shares practical and implementable strategies on resiliency, leadership, and state management anyone can use to not only survive their “personal plane crash” moment but grow and thrive.

Dave Sanderson Videos

Inspirational speaker and author | Dave Sanderson
An Experience with Post-Traumatic Growth Syndrome | Dave Sanderson

How to book Dave Sanderson?

Our booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure talent like Dave Sanderson for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment for over 15 years. The team at All American Entertainment represents and listens to the needs of organizations and corporations seeking to hire keynote speakers, celebrities or entertainers. Fill out a booking request form for Dave Sanderson, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get pricing information and check availability for Dave Sanderson or any other celebrity of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Dave Sanderson?

Booking fees for Dave Sanderson, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. Pricing often varies according to the circumstances, including the talent's schedule, market conditions, length of presentation, and the location of the event. Speaker fees listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only. In some cases, the actual quote may be above or below the stated range. For the most current fee to hire Dave Sanderson, please fill out the booking request form or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak with an experienced booking agent.

Who is the agent for Dave Sanderson?

All American Entertainment has successfully secured celebrity talent like Dave Sanderson for clients worldwide for more than 15 years. As a full-service talent booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Fill out the booking request form or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Dave Sanderson for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service talent booking agency?

All American Speakers is a "buyers agent" and exclusively represents talent buyers, meeting planners and event professionals, who are looking to secure celebrities and speakers for personal appearances, speaking engagements, corporate entertainment, public relations campaigns, commercials, or endorsements. We do not exclusively represent Dave Sanderson or claim ourselves as the exclusive booking agency, business manager, publicist, speakers bureau or management for Dave Sanderson or any other speaker or celebrity on this website. For more information on how we work and what makes us unique, please read the AAE Advantage.


Dave Sanderson is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Teamwork & Teambuilding, Personal Growth and Overcoming Adversity. The estimated speaking fee range to book Dave Sanderson for live events is $10,000 - $20,000, and for virtual events Below $10,000. Dave Sanderson can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Libby Gill, Eric Boles and Carey Lohrenz. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Dave Sanderson for an upcoming event.

Dave Sanderson Speaking Topics

  • From Turmoil to Triumph: “How to Get Back on the Plane”

    For over thirty years, Dave Sanderson was a top producer in some of the largest sales organizations in the world. On January 15, 2009, he was one of the last passengers off the plane that crashed into the Hudson River, best known as The Miracle on the Hudson, considered the most successful ditching in aviation history. Since that unique experience, Dave has built a career as a motivational speaker, mentor, and author and was recently named one of the top 100 Leadership Speakers in Inc.com. After he survived the plane crash, he started getting calls from people all over the world, asking him how he “got back on the plane,” and since the plane crash, Dave has been speaking, teaching, and consulting on how to bounce back and grow from the challenge’s life throws at you and how to turn your Turmoil into your Triumph. Now, more than ever, people need firsthand experience and guidance on how to not only bounce back from tumultuous times but actually grow from traumatic life events and crisis.

  • 100 Days to Triumph

    We all know, especially these days, that change will happen, but making progress towards what is most important to you is not. How do you clarify, simplify, and progress towards the significant outcomes that will change your life?

    In “100 Days to Triumph,” Dave will share the proven and tested strategy how he was able in 100 days to go back into a place where his life was almost taken from him during the Miracle on the Hudson, beginning from not swimming for over forty years and 100 days later, swimming across the cold and rough Hudson River with the elite Navy Seals, this time leaving on HIS terms.

    He will show your audience how they can accomplish any significant goal or initiative they may have within 100 days!

    Whether it is obtaining sustainable weight loss, boosting your energy to finish a triathlon healthy, increasing your influence and exceeding your sales goals, creating a passionate long-lasting relationship, or discovering what is necessary to have an extraordinary life of happiness and fulfillment, Dave will simplify these strategies into easy-to-understand concepts that you can implement today, compressing the decades of what he learned and did into techniques you can use today to create the flight plan you desire for your life.

  • Brace for Impact

    Ready to fly home after a quick business trip, Dave Sanderson settled into seat 15A. Shortly after takeoff however, it was evident that something was wrong. Just moments later, the captain said on the intercom " This is your captain, brace for impact"

    Three simple words that proclaimed to all 150 passengers on board US Airways Flight 1549 on that cold, crisp New York afternoon of January 15, 2009, that their plane was about to go down in the icy Hudson River.

    Three simple words that churned up their fear that the next two minutes would be their final moments on earth and spurred their most heartfelt, spontaneous prayers.

    We all know about the stunning tale of survival against all odds that followed.

    When US Airways Flight 1549, or “The Miracle on the Hudson” ditched into the Hudson River on January 15, 2009, Dave Sanderson knew he was exactly where he was supposed to be.

    As the last passenger off the back of the plane on that fateful day, he was largely responsible for the well-being and safety of others. Risking his own life in frigid water to help other passengers off the plane, despite the hazard to himself, Sanderson thought only of helping others in that moment and he emerged from the wreckage with a mission: to encourage others to do the right thing.

    In this stirring presentation, Sanderson shares the story of Flight 1549, revealing the inner strength it took to make it through the day, and how teamwork, leadership, and state management can help overcome any obstacle.

  • JOLT - How to bounce back even stronger!

    How do you not only bounce back but actually grow from a traumatic event? After surviving US Airways Flight 1549 that landed on the Hudson River, Dave Sanderson experienced a major traumatic life event.

    The truth is, we all at one time or another will experience a traumatic event.

    It could be an accident, but it could also be a job loss or the death of someone close. For many, these traumatic events can be crippling and life changing. On the flips side, for some however, these traumatic events can actually spark growth. This growth mindset approach to adversity is known as Post Traumatic Growth Syndrome.

    In this presentation, Dave illustrates and explains the three strategies that anyone can use to grow from any traumatic life event.

  • Moments Matter

    In this stirring presentation, Dave Sanderson reveals the lessons and strategies that helped guide his decisions following the crash of US Airways Flight 1549, or “The Miracle on the Hudson”. Dave not only survived the “crash” but realized that there were key moments in his life that prepared him for how he came through the events of that day. In this 45-minute presentation, Dave shares practical and implementable strategies on resiliency, leadership, and state management anyone can use to not only survive their “personal plane crash” moment but grow and thrive.

Dave Sanderson Videos

Inspirational speaker and author | Dave Sanderson
An Experience with Post-Traumatic Growth Syndrome | Dave Sanderson

How to book Dave Sanderson?

Our booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure talent like Dave Sanderson for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment for over 15 years. The team at All American Entertainment represents and listens to the needs of organizations and corporations seeking to hire keynote speakers, celebrities or entertainers. Fill out a booking request form for Dave Sanderson, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get pricing information and check availability for Dave Sanderson or any other celebrity of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Dave Sanderson?

Booking fees for Dave Sanderson, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. Pricing often varies according to the circumstances, including the talent's schedule, market conditions, length of presentation, and the location of the event. Speaker fees listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only. In some cases, the actual quote may be above or below the stated range. For the most current fee to hire Dave Sanderson, please fill out the booking request form or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak with an experienced booking agent.

Who is the agent for Dave Sanderson?

All American Entertainment has successfully secured celebrity talent like Dave Sanderson for clients worldwide for more than 15 years. As a full-service talent booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Fill out the booking request form or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Dave Sanderson for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service talent booking agency?

All American Speakers is a "buyers agent" and exclusively represents talent buyers, meeting planners and event professionals, who are looking to secure celebrities and speakers for personal appearances, speaking engagements, corporate entertainment, public relations campaigns, commercials, or endorsements. We do not exclusively represent Dave Sanderson or claim ourselves as the exclusive booking agency, business manager, publicist, speakers bureau or management for Dave Sanderson or any other speaker or celebrity on this website. For more information on how we work and what makes us unique, please read the AAE Advantage.


Dave Sanderson is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Teamwork & Teambuilding, Personal Growth and Overcoming Adversity. The estimated speaking fee range to book Dave Sanderson for live events is $10,000 - $20,000, and for virtual events Below $10,000. Dave Sanderson can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Libby Gill, Eric Boles and Carey Lohrenz. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Dave Sanderson for an upcoming event.

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DAVE SANDERSON

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This website is a resource for event professionals and strives to provide the most comprehensive catalog of thought leaders and industry experts to consider for speaking engagements. A listing or profile on this website does not imply an agency affiliation or endorsement by the talent.

All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.

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