speaking

A versatile speaker, Mary offers content-rich presentations ranging from 20-minute luncheons to 60-minute keynotes for groups of 100 to 5,000. All information in her PowerPoint presentations is current and documented within the 12 months preceding any speaking engagement.

Typical audiences include parents and educators.

National convention speaking venues have included:

• Book Expo (American Booksellers Association)
• National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
• National School Supply and Educational Association Ed Expo (dealers seminar)
• National Religious Broadcasters
• National Catholic Education Association
• Lutheran Education Association
• Christian Booksellers Association
• Children's Pastors' Conferences (International Network of Children's Ministry)

Mary customizes her message to match a specific audience and conference focus, but trends that impact children and their families is a consistent theme.

“Trend trackers are everywhere, but I go beyond the headlines to look at the implications and applications of societal waves,” Mary says.

“Here’s an example: Many 6- and 8-year-olds want cell phones. That's understandable, as having a cell phone is emerging as a rite of passage in middle school. But how does having a cell phone change family communication? When a child carries a cell phone, is he allowed to become emotionally independent? And what about the parent: does a child’s cell phone become a high-tech umbilical cord? Statisticians document the trends, but I help people look at the implications for life.”

To book Mary as a speaker at your next event, please contact Jeff Atwood at 615 406-6416 or jeff@jeffatwood.com. To see where Mary is scheduled to speak next, click here.

Conference evaluations consistently underline Mary’s effectiveness as a motivational and inspirational presenter:

• The content was rich and engaging ... I was in the back of the room watching them bring chairs in by the dozens ... As usual, you nailed it -- thanks for sharing your gifts and talents (and heart) with us all. various attendees in Colorado
  

• "Thank you so much for sharing with our staff of volunteers and school teachers. I heard many positive comments about your sessions. Several stated it was our best workshop ever." Alabama

• "Absolutely wonderful-So encouraging and informative! What a communicator!!" Illinois

• "Loved your presentation. I'm glad I came, even on my birthday!!" Ontario, Canada

• Your workshop was wonderful, as always. I hope your feedback was off the charts again. I'm trusting that the powers to be understand how important your analysis is." Georgia

• "Inspiring, encouraging, practical, relevant, great resources, research and handouts. Full of practical information and inspiration." Colorado
  

• "One of the things I most respect about your presentations, beside being very well-prepared and put together is the substance of knowledge and research that is so obviously behind what you are sharing." Michigan

• "The weekend was so beneficial to us. I've heard nothing but rave reviews." Texas

• "Thank you for letting Jesus show through in what you do." British Columbia, Canada