Apr 14 - 17 2026
SIOR’s Spring 2026 Event – Keynote Speaker David Burkus – Palm Springs, CA
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
FBI-Trained Hostage Negotiator, SWAT Crisis Negotiator, and TEDx Speaker Scott Tillema helps audiences strengthen high-stakes communication, build trust, and lead difficult conversations with clarity.
Scott Tillema is a nationally recognized hostage and crisis negotiator, senior law enforcement leader, and expert in high-stakes communication. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience, he helps leaders and teams improve how they communicate under pressure, using practical lessons grounded in behavioral science, conflict resolution, and real-world negotiation.
His programs speak to organizations looking to build trust, defuse tension, and improve decision-making in critical moments. Scott Tillema is available to be booked for corporate and private events. Contact the Mollie Plotkin Group today to inquire about Scott Tillema’s fees.
Contact the Mollie Plotkin Group at (215) 995-0905 to book Scott Tillema for corporate or private events, keynote speeches, workshops, fireside chats, motivational speaking, or virtual appearances. Our agency will work directly with your organization and our keynote speakers to create an unforgettable event.
The Mollie Plotkin Group is the leading keynote speakers agency and entertainment bureau bringing excitement to audiences, clients, and employees. We represent subject-matter experts in every possible field. So whether we’re your partner in creating a memorable meeting or your meeting planner’s secret weapon in securing the perfect keynote speaker, we’re in this with you.
Scott Tillema is a nationally recognized FBI-trained hostage negotiator, SWAT crisis negotiator, and senior law enforcement leader with more than 20 years of experience in high-stakes communication. He is known for his calm authority and precision under pressure, along with a practical understanding of how people communicate, make decisions, and respond when the stakes are highest.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science and an advanced degree in forensic psychology. He also completed advanced negotiation training through Harvard Law School’s Program on Negotiation and later returned to speak and teach at Harvard events. Scott rose through the ranks to become a lead negotiator on one of the country’s largest SWAT teams, where he handled life-and-death scenarios that shaped his understanding of human behavior.
Scott’s expertise in emotional intelligence, decision-making, and conflict resolution has been trusted by Fortune 500 companies, healthcare systems, government agencies, and leading professional associations. His TEDx talk on negotiation has surpassed 1 million views, and his insights have been featured in Newsweek and on the Power of Connection podcast by Perkins Coie.
Today, Scott helps organizations improve communication when it matters most. His keynote presentations and workshops focus on high-stakes communication, emotionally intelligent leadership, conflict resolution, trust-building, difficult conversations, crisis response, and team performance.
Find out how to hire Scott Tillema to appear at your next event. Contact the Mollie Plotkin Group to inquire about Scott Tillema’s availability and cost. When booking Scott Tillema for an event, we need to know the type of venue and location the event will take place. Scott Tillema is a popular choice for corporate events, private events, and virtual events. So, you can click the Check Availability button or contact us and an MPG Scott Tillema booking agent will get back to you within 48 hours.
How much to book Scott Tillema depends on the type of event. So, the cost to hire Scott Tillema for corporate or private events is available by contacting a Mollie Plotkin Group Agent. Notably, Scott Tillema is available for conferences, festivals, private parties, and events. Just contact the Mollie Plotkin Group and tell the booking agent the proposed date, time, and location.
Our speakers are in high demand! View their upcoming events.
From armed standoffs to executive boardrooms, FBI-trained hostage negotiator Scott Tillema brings clarity to communication when the stakes are high. In this powerful keynote, Scott shares real-life stories from the field and translates them into practical, repeatable strategies for leaders and teams. Audiences learn how to build trust quickly, defuse tension before it escalates, and lead hard conversations with confidence and calm.
Key Takeaways:
Perfect for:
• HR and people leaders
• Culture and DEI-adjacent teams
• Law enforcement, healthcare, education
• Conflict-sensitive or leadership-focused audiences
Scott reveals the essential four-pillar framework he’s used in high-stakes negotiations, from SWAT incidents to business deals. This session demystifies negotiation, giving leaders and teams a clear, actionable roadmap for influencing outcomes, resolving conflict, and building lasting agreements.
Key Takeaways:
Perfect for:
Drawing on his SWAT and FBI experience, Scott teaches leaders how to stay calm, focused, and effective when the pressure is on. This keynote equips audiences with tools for clear thinking, rapid decision-making, and resilient leadership in high-stress situations.
Key Takeaways:
Perfect for:
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