logo

Updated September 18, 2026

Which speaker to choose for a conference on crisis management?

cover-image

The choice of the ideal speaker for a crisis management conference depends first and foremost on the specific objective of your event, and not solely on the general theme being addressed. This guide offers you a detailed comparison of the approaches of Laurent BERNAT, Laurent COMBALBERT, Eric MESNIER, Christopher Pratt, and Vincent Boichard, to help you identify which speaker’s presentation will best meet your expectations. This is not a ranking of the top five speakers, but rather a comparative analysis of the different perspectives offered: strategy, management, operations, decision-making, human dimension, etc. The table below specifies for each one the preferred angle, the intended objective, and the target audience. This way, you can make your choice fully informed.

How to Decide Quickly

Identify the priority of your event, then follow the rule that applies.

  • If you want a powerful testimonial about rebuilding after a deep crisis, with emotional impact. → Laurent BERNAT Laurent BERNAT — to illustrate resilience in the face of extreme adversity
  • If you want practical tools from the field to manage uncertainty and organizational complexity. → Laurent COMBALBERT Laurent COMBALBERT — to strengthen collective agility in uncertain environments
  • If you want to illustrate crisis management with concrete feedback from rescue operations in extreme conditions. → Eric MESNIER Eric MESNIER — to reinforce risk management in extreme situations
  • If you’re looking for concrete parallels between crisis management and sailing, with a focus on anticipation and cohesion. → Christopher Pratt Christopher Pratt — to anticipate and steer the way out of a crisis
  • If you want to benefit from real-world feedback on decision-making and leadership in extreme situations. → ▶️ Vincent Boichard ▶️ Vincent Boichard — to prepare for operational crisis management
Speaker Overview Angle Objective Target

Angles and Specificities of Each Speaker

Laurent BERNAT
Laurent BERNAT
Former paratrooper non-commissioned officer who survived an attack, I share my experience of resilience and leadership.

Angle: He shares how to survive and rebuild after a major shock, embodying resilience and post-traumatic leadership.

For which audience / event: Companies undergoing transformation, conventions, audiences sensitive to human experience

Choose if… Choose if you want a powerful testimony about rebuilding after a deep crisis, with emotional impact.

Conference to watch: DEFLAGRATION AND RECONSTRUCTION: THE ART OF GETTING BACK UP

Laurent COMBALBERT
Laurent COMBALBERT
professional negotiator and expert in crisis management and complex negotiations

Angle: He shares the expertise of crisis negotiators and special forces to act effectively in complex environments.

For which audience / event: Executive Committees, Management Committees, leaders, teams in charge of crisis management

Choose if… Choose if you want practical, field-tested tools to manage uncertainty and organizational complexity.

Conference to watch: Collective Agility

Eric MESNIER
Eric MESNIER
Former High Mountain Rescuer (PGHM), high mountain guide, and ski instructor

Angle: The Keys to Optimizing Crisis Management

For which audience / event: Managers, operational teams, team-building seminars

Choose if… Choose if you want to illustrate crisis management with concrete feedback from rescue operations in extreme conditions.

Conference to watch: The Keys to Optimizing Crisis Management

Christopher Pratt
Christopher Pratt
Professional skipper (17 years of experience). Master’s degree in psychosociology of Sport and management. Head of MARSAIL, trainer and speaker.

Angle: He shares a skipper’s strategies for anticipating, managing, and overcoming a crisis as a team under pressure.

For which audience / event: Managers, project teams, team-building seminars

Choose if… Choose if you’re looking for concrete parallels between crisis management and sailing, with a focus on anticipation and team cohesion.

Conference to watch: Managing a crisis and anticipating the way out

▶️ Vincent Boichard
▶️ Vincent Boichard
When Impossible Is Not an Option

Angle: Expertise in field command during major disasters.

For which audience / event: Executive committees, crisis units, managers of teams exposed to emergencies

Choose if… Choose if you want to benefit from concrete feedback on decision-making and leadership in extreme situations.

Conference to watch: Leadership in Crisis Situations

FAQ

How do I choose a speaker suited to the technical level of my audience?

Identify your audience’s level of specialization: for example, Laurent BERNAT easily addresses experts, while Vincent Boichard knows how to make complex topics accessible to a broader audience. Specify this criterion when you first make contact to ensure a relevant presentation.

What conference format should I choose to maximize engagement on crisis management?

Depending on your objectives, opt for an interactive session with case studies, as offered by Laurent COMBALBERT, or an inspiring talk followed by a Q&A session. Determine the ideal duration based on your event’s overall schedule.

How can I effectively brief a speaker on the specific challenges of my organization?

Prepare a concise document outlining your expectations, your sector’s context, and the challenges you face. A preliminary discussion with Eric MESNIER or Christopher Pratt allows the content to be tailored to your reality and ensures the relevance of the presentation.

What speaker profiles should I prioritize based on the conference objective?

To raise awareness about crisis management, choose a speaker with hands-on experience like Vincent Boichard; to delve deeper into methodologies, an expert such as Laurent BERNAT is recommended. Clarify your objective to guide your selection.

Where can I quickly find a speaker specialized in crisis management?

Platforms like Lespeakers offer a selection of experienced profiles such as Laurent COMBALBERT or Eric MESNIER. You can filter according to your criteria and receive quotes tailored to your event.

What’s next?

Once the angle is clarified, the simplest way forward is to formalize your brief (objective, audience, format, duration, constraints). We can help you match with the right speaker on crisis management.

For a detailed shortlist with biographies, see also our selection of speakers on crisis management.