Major Speakers in Tulsa

[sportyart]

When was the last time that Tulsa has a major speaker come to town and speak to the masses about world events or social changes? People like Al Gore, Justice O'Connor, Bill Clinton, and the like. I would love to see a nonprofit or country funded project to bring speakers to speak to people in a large event center where everyone, not just the rich or powerful could attend. It would be nice to have three to four speakers a year to come and discuses items, maybe even a panel discussion. I believe that this would go along way to getting Tulsa's name out along with letting national companies know that we care about our local people's education in world matters, and that we are more then a regional city.

[YoungTulsan]

The big speakers all command an extremely large amount of money.   Doubtful.

I did hear a commercial though saying Vicki Lawrence (Mama from Mama's family) is coming to Tulsa.  That'll help get us on the map, right?

[Cubs]

Rudy Giuliani and George W. Bush came to Stillwater. That's good.

[YoungTulsan]

quote:Originally posted by Cubs

Rudy Giuliani and George W. Bush came to Stillwater. That's good.

Big colleges have the big money to pay these guys. I don't think TU's pockets are quite as deep as OSU or OU are they?

Also I dunno if I'd like to see Bush speak, as much trouble as he seems to have doing so.

[AMP]

I liked it when they shot off fireworks from the buildings downtown and project media on screens hung from the sides of those buildings.

A major Rock Concert protesting the second unpopular Oil War and pushing for alternative fuels would be nice.

What happened to the energy of the 70's?

[sportyart]

Yes, we would be talking about six figure costs, but I think it would be well worth it. Would a million a year be too much to ask to better our community and knowledge? Your correct in thinking that TU does not have the funds to start such a project, but this would be killing three or four birds with one stone by having all four universities being able to say that they live in a city that brings in such major names. If OU or OSU can have people come and speak at their schools that is paid for by public and privet funds, why can't some of that public education funding go to the bettering of our city via public speaking in Tulsa?

[YoungTulsan]

Our city puts public safety at risk by turning off streep lamps along dangerous stretches of highway because it can't afford the utility bill without rolling blackouts.   So there probably isn't a million sitting around for this.  Actually, the city just spent about a million dollars turning the streets into Saudi Arabia.  So much sand remains on the roads I feel like I'm in a desert.

[waterboy]

quote:Originally posted by sportyart

Yes, we would be talking about six figure costs, but I think it would be well worth it. Would a million a year be too much to ask to better our community and knowledge? Your correct in thinking that TU does not have the funds to start such a project, but this would be killing three or four birds with one stone by having all four universities being able to say that they live in a city that brings in such major names. If OU or OSU can have people come and speak at their schools that is paid for by public and privet funds, why can't some of that public education funding go to the bettering of our city via public speaking in Tulsa?

I'm going to propose a couple of reasons why we don't get too many big name speakers. Most of those speakers are political in nature. Tulsa is a rubber stamp conservative city. There is nothing to be gained by speakers from either end of the political spectrum to come and speak unless its to raise funds and that leaves out the general public. We have generally been taken for granted by conservatives and written off by liberals.  Thats just two reasons. We're also a small state with only a few electorals.

That said, during the last few years we have had John Edwards speak to the general public. Cheney came and spoke to his beloveds, ex-cia director John Woolsey visited his hometown and several other names were on the Town Hall series if I remember. Didn't Nader visit? We're not invisible, just not very available.

Maybe they're just not being invited.

[sportyart]

quote:Originally posted by YoungTulsan

Our city puts public safety at risk by turning off streep lamps along dangerous stretches of highway because it can't afford the utility bill without rolling blackouts.   So there probably isn't a million sitting around for this.  Actually, the city just spent about a million dollars turning the streets into Saudi Arabia.  So much sand remains on the roads I feel like I'm in a desert.

Oh, I am not disagreeing with you at all. I think the way that our current funding is spent is a lark. I could speak volumes on how we have lost sight about the basic needs for our city such as our roads, parks and public works. But the Tulsa Metro Chamber or other leaders do not add these things to the top priorities of the city; I thought I would just add to their list (2/3/07 A11 Tulsa World). Since that they are going after so much tax dollars for education, why not have some for everyone, not just people seeking higher education degrees.

[pfox]

Tim Russert was just here. *shrugs*

[rwarn17588]

Why do we need to have speakers come here to tell us what's going on when we have more media at our disposal than anytime in human history?

I just don't see it as a high priority.

[Double A]

Edwards is supposed to be back in town on
Valentine's day.

[DM]

quote:Originally posted by Cubs

Rudy Giuliani and George W. Bush came to Stillwater. That's good.

Well, I guess the topic said big speakers so I would have to agree about this. But if it was GOOD speakers, I would have to say otherwise. lol

[cannon_fodder]

TU has has speakers of note all the time.  In many areas: poets, authors, engineers, politicians.

The law school has international conference of scholars that are open to the public.

The school of music brings in performers and stages free concerts.

Most of the people that speak are not "headlining" speakers.  They do not command speaking fees of $100,000+ or $25,000 required by Maya Angelo or Bill Clinton.  But those TU offers are nearly, if not all free and clear of charge.  But does anybody go to those?  Not really.  So what are the odds that they could fill their auditorium with 3,000 people at $25 each to hear someone else speak?

If its enlightenment you want, and not just a name, go see the ones that are already there.

[Renaissance]

quote:Originally posted by sportyart

When was the last time that Tulsa has a major speaker come to town and speak to the masses about world events or social changes? People like Al Gore, Justice O'Connor, Bill Clinton, and the like. I would love to see a nonprofit or country funded project to bring speakers to speak to people in a large event center where everyone, not just the rich or powerful could attend. It would be nice to have three to four speakers a year to come and discuses items, maybe even a panel discussion. I believe that this would go along way to getting Tulsa's name out along with letting national companies know that we care about our local people's education in world matters, and that we are more then a regional city.

First, the premise that big speakers command lots of money is simply untrue.  The very most we're talking about is an honorarium of $10,000 or so, plus travel costs.  That's the sort of money that can be raised in a second if you've got the right name.  All it takes to get any speaker in the world is a credible invitation.

Cities don't do this.  Organizations of every stripe do.  And usually the events are open to the public.  Look for plenty of "major" speakers to come through during the next 18 months as campaign season ramps up.  If you want to get a particular speaker to show up, form a credible organization and get in contact with your target's PR person about extending an invitation.  Put some money together to fly the person out and put him or her up, and you'll have your speaker.