The
ENCORE
EXPERIENCE®
BEGINS BEHIND THE SCENES
The number one question Greg gets prior to bookings is:
“SO… HOW DO WE HANDLE
GETTING YOU A PIANO?”
It might surprise you to learn that what the audience believes to be a real piano is actually a custom-built piano shell with an electric keyboard inside connected directly to the audio system.
The whole setup weighs about 150lbs and can be easily delivered, setup, and removed almost anywhere by vendors we partner with around the world.
THE BEST PART?
We handle all the logistics so you don’t have to. One less thing on your plate.
It might surprise you to learn that what the audience believes to be a real piano is actually a custom-built piano shell with an electric keyboard inside connected directly to the audio system.
The whole setup weighs about 150lbs and can be easily delivered, setup, and removed almost anywhere by vendors we partner with around the world.
THE BEST PART?
We handle all the logistics so you don’t have to. One less thing on your plate.
BOOKING AND CONTRACTING
Once you decide to move forward, we’ll send over a simple agreement with e-signature capability for you to review and approve.
A 50% deposit officially reserves your date. No unnecessary back-and-forth.
PRE-EVENT PLANNING
Leading up to the event, our team works directly with yours to coordinate all program details, including:
~ AV and staging
~ Piano logistics
~ Travel coordination
~ Session timing
~ Audience and event context
We aim to be proactive and easy to work with so you’re not chasing down answers the week of the event.
FINAL COORDINATION
As the event approaches, we’ll confirm final logistics, travel timing, arrival details, and any last-minute updates so everyone feels aligned heading into the event.
The remaining balance is due 30 days prior to the program.
Event Day
Gregory is up early to ensure plenty of time for sound check and iron out any last minute details that may arise before event time.
BY THE TIME ATTENDEES WALK INTO THE ROOM, everything WILL BE READY TO GO.
THE MASTERCLASS
In the musical world, a masterclass is the breakdown of the technique behind a performance. In my four breakout programs, I go deeper into the frameworks from the keynote. This is where we get our hands dirty and start doing the real work.
THE TALKBACK
Come with a real problem. I'll have follow-up questions. Then we find the breakthrough together—in front of everyone else who needs to hear it. Zig Ziglar said it best: give me an hour and I can change your mind. Give me more time and we can start to change your life.
THE ^ FIRESIDE CHAT
THE Musical FIRESIDE CHAT
The fireside chat is where we go deeper: new stories, new ideas, and the questions your audience actually wants to ask. It's more personal, more intimate, and it often takes us somewhere cool and unexpected. And if the piano is still in the room, who am I to say no to one more song?
Enhance your
EXPERIENCE
Think of it like ordering a steak and adding the béarnaise. The keynote is the main event. These are the extras.
FAQs
FEES, PAYMENT & WHAT'S INCLUDED
Greg’s fees are handled by his management company, and presented as a fee + travel buyout = “all in number.” Clients pay for his hotel (up to 2 nights, if necessary) and venue city ground transportation to/from the airport. When your venue is +1 hour from the nearest airport Greg usually rents a car; and that cost is rolled into the travel buyout.
Greg welcomes all opportunities to speak, and is grateful to be among the most booked speakers in the business. Let’s have a conversation about your situation, and see what’s possible.
The cost of the musical equipment is built into Greg’s travel buyout, and the logistics are handled by his team. Here’s a quick video explaining the process.
Travel & Accommodation
This is a flat fee (travel buyout).
Greg’s team handles all air travel and logistics.
Yes. Greg has performed on 5 continents (he’d love to make it 7!)
The Piano, AV & Technical Requirements
Greg’s team handles all the logistics, and partners with professional vendors. Watch this video for more information.
Unfortunately, no. While Greg loves the sound of a real piano, it’s just not as versatile as the equipment he uses.
Please refer to the AV/Technical rider for more information, found here.
If you’re providing one, it should be large enough to accommodate the piano and give Greg enough room to move about the front of the stage while speaking (approx. 10’ x 10’). That said, Greg doesn’t need a stage to deliver his program.
Greg is open to all sorts of fun ideas; let’s talk about it!
Program Formats, Length & Logistics
We’ve found the “sweet spot” is 60-75 minutes, however Greg has versions of his keynote as short as 20 minutes, or as long as 90 minutes. And, if it’s 5 minutes before he’s scheduled to hit the stage, and you’re running late (or suddenly find yourself with a hole in the schedule you need to solve for) Greg can make adjustments to the program length on-the-fly to keep your event on track.
There are a lot of variables that go into making this happen. Let’s have a conversation and see what’s possible for your group / event.
Greg has performed for 40 attorneys in a boardroom, and for 4,000 nurses in an arena. He’s found that as the group size shrinks, the keynote becomes less of a “performance” and turns more “conversational.” But the impact—and fun—is world-class no matter what size group you’d like him to work with.
Yes, with the caveat that he has at least 30 minutes between programs, giving him time to rest his voice. Because of the many vocal cord surgeries he went through, ensuring his voice is protected is paramount.
Whether you want him as the opener to set the tone for the rest of your event, the closer to end things on a high note (literally), or somewhere in-between…Greg has you covered.
Greg is also able to (and often does) emcee events. He can do this exclusively, or in tandem with his role as your keynote speaker. Note: Emcee rates differ from keynote rates, and both may apply if you’re booking Greg to keynote and emcee at the same event.
Customization & Pre-Event Preparation
Yes, we love customization. Each keynote Greg delivers is customized to meet the moment, and needs, of your event and attendees.
Yes. On your pre-event call, Greg will ask about themes, company/organizational terminology, or specific initiatives you want him to incorporate.
Once the speaking agreement is signed, we’ll begin our prep work. This includes booking travel, sourcing the backline (more about that here), and will schedule a pre-event call with you. That call typically takes place 6-8 weeks before the event. If you need more customization, it can be scheduled sooner. While most organizations book Greg to speak several months in advance, we can arrange for him to appear with as little as 48hrs notice—subject to availability. Please note this is the minimum required lead time, as we need to arrange for the musical equipment to be delivered. Plus, we don’t recommend waiting til 2 days before your event to book a keynote speaker…though some people do like to live dangerously.
Choosing the Right Keynote / Audience Fit
The Encore Experience™ is Greg’s signature keynote, with 3 variations depending on who’s in the room. You don’t need to choose now, and Greg would actually prefer you don’t. Instead, he likes to get on a pre-booking call and learn about your audience, their roles / responsibilities, and make recommendations based on that information. Whether your group are entrepreneurs running small businesses, a few thousand franchisees, or something completely different…he ensures that the content and experience is adapted to meet them where they are, and get them where you want them to be.
Greg likes to say his keynote is perfect for “anyone with a head and a heart,” and his list of past clients reinforces that statement. From CEO’s to call center representatives, judges to janitors, there isn’t an audience Greg’s performed for that hasn’t had an Encore Experience. Though he’s never performed at a prison…yet?
Success is based less on the “type” of event, and more about what sort of experience you’re looking to create at the event. He’s happy to hop on a pre-booking call if you’ve got questions, and ensure that the experience your attendees have is tailor-made for their needs and your event.
Audience Participation & Content Suitability
Absolutely not. While there are opportunities for everyone to sing along, nobody will be singled out or made to feel uncomfortable. Greg has spent a lifetime learning how to work rooms of all sizes and audience compositions. You’d be surprised to learn how many audience members have remarked, “You know, I’m not usually a ‘music person,’ but I LOVED this keynote.”
Yes. Greg has a wide repertoire of music, and has performed at venues on 5 continents (he’d love to make it 7, so if you know anybody hosting an event in Australia or Antartica…). On your pre-event call, we’ll discuss the makeup of your audience, and ensure that the program is tailored perfectly for your attendees.
Yes. Greg does not discuss any controversial (political, religious, etc) topics from stage. His program is “all-ages” and family friendly.
Greg has carefully designed “The Encore Experience®” program to deliver high-value business content, while using music as a “teaching tool” to make the content stick.
He moves between singing at the piano and speaking on stage seamlessly, to deliver an unforgettable experience for your attendees. Greg invites attendees, via a QR code, to submit their song requests for the musical part of the keynote.
There are some “standards” (you’ll almost always find “Sweet Caroline” and “Piano Man” in the mix) and some surprises…but Greg incorporates as many audience requests as time permits.
Just as Greg moves between singing and speaking, you’ll find the audience taking lots of notes one minute, then the next minute they’re all singing and clapping along to a well-known song. The mix of content to music is about 60% content, 40% music.
Greg’s “An Evening With” program follows largely the same pattern as described above, however the content mix is 60% music and 40% inspirational stories that contain takeaways equally applicable to business and personal success.
Virtual & Hybrid Options
Absolutely. “The Encore Experience™” and “An Evening With Greg” are available as virtual programs, and he frequently delivers both virtual and hybrid programs.
Beyond the Keynote & the Book
The Masterclass - These are available as 60min, 90min, and 180min sessions. They’re similar to what other speakers might call “workshops” or “breakouts.” Greg has 4 different offerings, each diving deep into the content behind the keynote. While these do not include music, they do take a hands-on approach to learning. Expect lots of conversation, note-taking, and learning. It’s like a college lecture; just way more fun.
The Talkback - This is available as a 20, 30, or 60min session. The program is a mix of “hot seat” coaching, and Q&A, fully moderated by Greg. This often takes place immediately following a keynote, and (if done in the keynote space) might include music…but it’s designed not to need the piano. The focus is the audience. What challenges they’re dealing with, right now, that Greg can provide guidance and ideas that spark the solutions they’re craving.
The (Musical) Fireside Chat - This session is available as a 15-30min, moderated Q&A (typically by an emcee, sponsor, or executive). Before the event, Greg will help you curate a few pre-selected questions, and we also open up the floor to take audience questions. We’ve found the questions vary, from business topics (how do we solve for X) to Greg’s life working in piano bars (what’s your favorite song to play) and everything in-between. This session takes place on the keynote stage immediately following the keynote, as Greg incorporates the piano into his answers. This is Greg’s most requested add-on.
Yes. While Greg doesn’t bring books to “sell in the back of the room,” we can absolutely facilitate a bulk purchase for your organization. Lead times are typically 4 weeks (though we can manage tighter timelines for an additional shipping & expediting fee), and a book signing is included at no additional charge. Many conferences opt to have Greg do the book signing at a booth and wind up getting a vendor to sponsor the bulk book purchase in exchange for driving traffic to their booth.
Yes. We’re using the term “evening” loosely, as this program is often presented at luncheons and other daytime events. The primary difference is the “Evening With” program is light on business content and heavy on inspirational stories; and of course it is packed with high energy, interactive musical fun!
Event Day & Onsite Access
The truth is, “it depends.” We’ll work with you on the specific details of your event, and ensure a smooth day-of experience for you and your attendees. Greg typically sends an email or text when his flight to your event city departs, and lets you know when he arrives on-site at the hotel or venue. Typically, Greg arrives the night before his speech (if presenting in the AM) and loves to spend time on-site with attendees after the keynote, schedule permitting.
Schedule depending, absolutely (so long as he doesn’t have to “high-tail it out” to another speech). Greg loves to spend time with attendees—and always says “yes” to a photo with anybody who wants one.
A green room is always appreciated, but never required.
THE TIP JAR
CULTURE
THE TIP JAR CULTURE
In The Tip Jar Culture, Greg Offner, a dueling pianist turned award-winning workforce strategist, offers a unique perspective:
Drawing from his experiences at the keys, Greg unveils techniques to captivate even the toughest audiences. He then seamlessly translates these methods for the modern workplace, guiding organizations in crafting an employee experience that does more than just retain talent & reignite employee engagement. It demands an encore.
