Ryan Wilson
Keynote Speaker: Co-Founder & CEO at The Gathering Spot
-
Travels From:
-
Speaking Fee:
-
Categories:
Ryan Wilson Biography
Ryan Wilson is the co-founder and CEO of The Gathering Spot, a private membership network that fosters business, political, and cultural connections. A recognized entrepreneur and thought leader, he has been named Small Business Person of the Year by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, one of Goldman Sachs’ Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs, and has been featured in Forbes, The New York Times, Fast Company, Inc., Black Enterprise, Bloomberg Businessweek, and The Wall Street Journal.
He has been recognized among Georgia’s 500 Most Powerful Leaders, the Ebony Power 100, and The Root 100’s most influential African Americans. In 2023, he received the Philanthropic Leader of Tomorrow Award from the Association for Fundraising Professionals and Atlanta’s highest honor, the Phoenix Award.
A sought-after speaker and moderator, Wilson has delivered keynote addresses at leading corporations including Goldman Sachs, Delta, Google, Meta, Ford Motor Company, Nike, Coca- Cola, and White & Case, as well as top universities such as Georgetown University Law Center, Duke, Dartmouth, Northwestern, and The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
An Atlanta native, Wilson is deeply involved in civic life and serves on several boards, including Goodwill of North Georgia, The Carter Center, The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, The Woodruff Arts Center, The Atlanta Business League, the Atlanta Metro Chamber of Commerce, and Usher’s New Look. He is also a member of the Atlanta Chapter of the 100 Black Men and the Atlanta Rotary Club.
Wilson holds both his undergraduate and law degrees from Georgetown University, where he serves on the Board of Regents.
Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Ryan Wilson and other top speakers and celebrities.
Ryan Wilson Speaking Topics
Resilience isn't just about bouncing back—it's about building forward, even when the odds are against you. When Ryan Wilson first pitched the idea for The Gathering Spot, a private membership club now with four national locations, he and Co-Founder TK Petersen were turned down 97 times before landing their first investment. Years later, when the world shut down and gathering was banned, their business defied the odds and thrived. In this compelling talk, Ryan shares how bold vision, relentless optimism, and unshakable resilience can break through barriers and lead to revolutionary impact. Through personal stories and hard-earned lessons, attendees will see how perseverance in the face of adversity can build not just a company—but a movement.
Attendee Results:
- Understand how resilience and optimism are key drivers of long-term success.
- Learn how to navigate rejection and use it as fuel to sharpen your vision.
- Discover the power of community in building brands that outlast adversity.
- Gain insight into how seemingly impossible circumstances can be the spark for breakthrough innovation.
- Leave inspired to lead with conviction, even when the world says “no.”
In an era dominated by digital interactions and transactional networking, authentic relationships have become a rare currency—and a powerful one. Ryan Wilson, CEO & Co-Founder of The Gathering Spot, has built a nationally recognized brand by betting on community over clout. In this insightful talk, Ryan unpacks how genuine connection—not just access—has shaped his entrepreneurial path and propelled The Gathering Spot’s growth. Attendees will explore how investing in real relationships creates momentum, trust, and staying power in both business and life. For leaders, founders, and change-makers, this is a compelling case for why who you build with matters just as much as what you’re building.
Attendee Results:
- Learn the difference between transactional networking and authentic relationship-building.
- Understand how deep connections can drive long-term business growth and personal fulfillment.
- Explore how to build a values-driven ecosystem of partners, collaborators, and supporters.
- Gain practical insights on nurturing community in a fast-paced, digital-first world.
- Walk away inspired to lead with empathy, authenticity, and intentionality.
Ryan Wilson has become a trusted voice in connecting people who don’t usually share space. Whether it’s creatives and CEOs, policymakers and entrepreneurs, or students and tech giants—Ryan shares how he’s built environments where diverse communities come together, ideas flourish, and culture is made. This keynote is a masterclass in the power of inclusive connection.
Takeaways:
- How to build trust between groups with different lived experiences -The art of curating space where everyone feels seen and valued -Why connection is a leadership skill that breaks barriers
- Real stories of transformation through intentional collaboration
At just 24, Ryan Wilson launched The Gathering Spot with a vision bigger than business—it was about building a movement. From capital raising to a game-changing acquisition and bold reacquisition, Ryan shows how leading with values can scale both mission and margin. This is a blueprint for purpose-driven growth.
Takeaways:
- Embedding purpose into every part of the business model
- Lessons from navigating high-stakes ownership transitions
- Balancing social impact with investor expectations
- How to lead with authenticity while scaling your enterprise
Starting small is a strength—if you know how to scale it. In this talk, Ryan breaks down how The Gathering Spot went from an Atlanta-based idea to a national force, expanding into major markets while staying true to its roots. It’s a candid look at the mindset, team-building, and execution needed to scale with impact.
Takeaways: - How to know when you’re ready to scale—and what it really takes - The systems, people, and culture needed to sustain growth - Staying grounded in community as you grow your brand - Why scaling isn’t just about growth—it’s about multiplying purpose
Ryan Wilson Videos
How do I book Ryan Wilson to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Ryan Wilson for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Ryan Wilson, 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 speaking fee information and check availability for Ryan Wilson or any other speaker of your choice.
How much does it cost to book Ryan Wilson for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Ryan Wilson, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Ryan Wilson are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Ryan Wilson, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
What topics does Ryan Wilson speak about?
Ryan Wilson is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Executive Leadership, Black History Month, Black Heritage, Entrepreneurship, Government, Law, Business Leadership, Business Growth, Leadership, Social Activism and Personal Growth.
Where does Ryan Wilson travel from?
Ryan Wilson generally travels from Atlanta, GA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
Who is the agent for Ryan Wilson?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Ryan Wilson for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker 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. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Ryan Wilson for your next private or corporate function.
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Ryan Wilson or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
Ryan Wilson is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Executive Leadership, Black History Month and Black Heritage. The estimated speaking fee range to book Ryan Wilson for live events is $10,000 - $20,000, and for virtual events Below $10,000. Ryan Wilson generally travels from Atlanta, GA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Jasmine Crowe-Houston, Tyrone Poole and Daymond John. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Ryan Wilson for an upcoming event.
SPEAKING TOPICS
Ryan Wilson Speaking Topics
-
How Resilience Builds What the World Hasn’t Seen Yet
Resilience isn't just about bouncing back—it's about building forward, even when the odds are against you. When Ryan Wilson first pitched the idea for The Gathering Spot, a private membership club now with four national locations, he and Co-Founder TK Petersen were turned down 97 times before landing their first investment. Years later, when the world shut down and gathering was banned, their business defied the odds and thrived. In this compelling talk, Ryan shares how bold vision, relentless optimism, and unshakable resilience can break through barriers and lead to revolutionary impact. Through personal stories and hard-earned lessons, attendees will see how perseverance in the face of adversity can build not just a company—but a movement.
Attendee Results:
- Understand how resilience and optimism are key drivers of long-term success.
- Learn how to navigate rejection and use it as fuel to sharpen your vision.
- Discover the power of community in building brands that outlast adversity.
- Gain insight into how seemingly impossible circumstances can be the spark for breakthrough innovation.
- Leave inspired to lead with conviction, even when the world says “no.”
-
The Power of Real Connections: Why Authentic Relationships Are the Ultimate Advantage
In an era dominated by digital interactions and transactional networking, authentic relationships have become a rare currency—and a powerful one. Ryan Wilson, CEO & Co-Founder of The Gathering Spot, has built a nationally recognized brand by betting on community over clout. In this insightful talk, Ryan unpacks how genuine connection—not just access—has shaped his entrepreneurial path and propelled The Gathering Spot’s growth. Attendees will explore how investing in real relationships creates momentum, trust, and staying power in both business and life. For leaders, founders, and change-makers, this is a compelling case for why who you build with matters just as much as what you’re building.
Attendee Results:
- Learn the difference between transactional networking and authentic relationship-building.
- Understand how deep connections can drive long-term business growth and personal fulfillment.
- Explore how to build a values-driven ecosystem of partners, collaborators, and supporters.
- Gain practical insights on nurturing community in a fast-paced, digital-first world.
- Walk away inspired to lead with empathy, authenticity, and intentionality.
-
Breaking Barriers Through Connection: The Art of Uniting People Across Divides
Ryan Wilson has become a trusted voice in connecting people who don’t usually share space. Whether it’s creatives and CEOs, policymakers and entrepreneurs, or students and tech giants—Ryan shares how he’s built environments where diverse communities come together, ideas flourish, and culture is made. This keynote is a masterclass in the power of inclusive connection.
Takeaways:
- How to build trust between groups with different lived experiences -The art of curating space where everyone feels seen and valued -Why connection is a leadership skill that breaks barriers
- Real stories of transformation through intentional collaboration
-
Building with Purpose: The Intersection of Profit and Social Good – Why Business Is a Catalyst for Change
At just 24, Ryan Wilson launched The Gathering Spot with a vision bigger than business—it was about building a movement. From capital raising to a game-changing acquisition and bold reacquisition, Ryan shows how leading with values can scale both mission and margin. This is a blueprint for purpose-driven growth.
Takeaways:
- Embedding purpose into every part of the business model
- Lessons from navigating high-stakes ownership transitions
- Balancing social impact with investor expectations
- How to lead with authenticity while scaling your enterprise
-
Scaling on Purpose: Why We Must Focus on Scale—Not Just Start—in Business
Starting small is a strength—if you know how to scale it. In this talk, Ryan breaks down how The Gathering Spot went from an Atlanta-based idea to a national force, expanding into major markets while staying true to its roots. It’s a candid look at the mindset, team-building, and execution needed to scale with impact.
Takeaways: - How to know when you’re ready to scale—and what it really takes - The systems, people, and culture needed to sustain growth - Staying grounded in community as you grow your brand - Why scaling isn’t just about growth—it’s about multiplying purpose
VIDEO
Ryan Wilson Videos
NEWS
Ryan Wilson News
-
A Private Members Club Opens in L.A.’s Historically Black West Adams Neighborhood
The Gathering Spot, part of a national network with locations in Atlanta and D.C., has already hosted events with Ciara and Daniel Kaluuya.
-
Ryan Wilson, The CEO And Co-Founder Of “The Gathering Spot” Created Space For The Black Community To Come Together & Change The World
-
Vice President Kamala Harris Convened Men Of Color Entrepreneurs At The White House, Stresses Their Need For "Access"
Designer Brandon Blackwood and Ryan Wilson, CEO of the Gathering Spot, spoke to ESSENCE about the Administration’s work to support entrepreneurs and small business.
-
How These 27-Year-Old Entrepreneurs Are Disrupting The Coworking Industry
FAQS
-
How do I book Ryan Wilson to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Ryan Wilson for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Ryan Wilson, 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 speaking fee information and check availability for Ryan Wilson or any other speaker of your choice. -
How much does it cost to book Ryan Wilson for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Ryan Wilson, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Ryan Wilson are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Ryan Wilson, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Ryan Wilson speak about?
Ryan Wilson is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Executive Leadership, Black History Month, Black Heritage, Entrepreneurship, Government, Law, Business Leadership, Business Growth, Leadership, Social Activism and Personal Growth. -
Where does Ryan Wilson travel from?
Ryan Wilson generally travels from Atlanta, GA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. -
Who is the agent for Ryan Wilson?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Ryan Wilson for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker 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. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Ryan Wilson for your next private or corporate function. -
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Ryan Wilson or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us. -
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
BOOK RYAN WILSON
We are happy to assist you with your interest in booking a speaker or celebrity for your event, your organization, and the type of talent you would like to secure, and an agent will be in touch shortly.
Fill out the form below to or call us at 1-800-698-2536 if need immediate assistance.
We respond to most inquiries within 4 hours. Under special circumstances, it may take up to 24 hours.
We are happy to help! Call us to speak with a booking agent about your event or specific speaker request.
Gauge Interest and check availability for appearances, speaking engagements, or corporate events.
Provide you with speaking fee to book Ryan Wilson or other celebrity appearance fees
Give you personal recommendations for the best keynote speakers or celebrities
Assist you with any questions you have throughout the talent booking process
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.
