Keynote Speaker in Vancouver, BC
Former Mayor · First Liberian-American mayor in U.S. history
Pacific municipal and university market — public-policy programs, municipal associations, and one of North America's largest newcomer communities make the immigrant-leadership and environmental-justice material directly relevant.
Direct flights from MSP.
Mike Elliott speaks on leading through crisis, community-centered public safety, environmental justice, pandemic leadership, and the refugee experience — told by the mayor who lived it, with the honest ledger intact.
Talks that fit Vancouver
From Refugee Camp to City Hall
Fleeing Liberia's civil war to becoming the first Liberian-American mayor in U.S. history — and what immigrant civic leadership means for America's future.
Building Communities That Work for Everyone
Community-centered leadership — equity, belonging, and practical civic leadership in diverse, working-class cities.
When the Highway Comes for Your Neighborhood
How a mayor put residents in charge of fighting a six-lane freeway expansion — and how their research helped defeat a state agency's environmental assessment.
Reimagining Public Safety
Inside the Community Safety & Violence Prevention Act — what it took to pass landmark reform, what implementation actually looks like, and the honest lessons for cities trying to build safety beyond policing.
Booking in Vancouver — common questions
How far ahead should we book a keynote in Vancouver?
Three to six months is typical for conference keynotes; municipal and community events can often be scheduled sooner. Commencement season (April–June) books earliest.
Does Mike Elliott charge travel fees?
Travel is billed at cost from Minneapolis–Saint Paul (MSP) — flights, hotel, and ground transport. Minneapolis–Saint Paul metro events carry no travel costs; mission-aligned community rates are available.
Can the talk be tailored to our city or organization?
Yes — every talk is tailored. Local references, your audience's specific questions, and format (keynote, panel, workshop, commencement) are worked out in a pre-event call.
Is a virtual or hybrid format available?
Yes — all talks can be delivered virtually to Vancouver audiences or hybrid with an in-person room.
Book Mike for your Vancouver event
Mention your Vancouver event in the request — date, venue, audience size, and format all help him tailor the talk.