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Frank Gardner Keynote Speaker and BBC Security Correspondent

Frank Gardner

BBC Security Correspondent | OBE for Services to Journalism | Bestselling Author, Blood and Sand & the Luke Carlton Thrillers

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Frank Gardner OBE has reported on global security for the BBC for more than two decades. In 2004 he was shot six times while filming in Saudi Arabia and returned to reporting within a year. The bestselling author of Blood and Sand and the Luke Carlton thrillers gives audiences an expert read on the threats shaping the world, and a remarkable lesson in resilience.

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    Frank Gardner biography

    Global affairs speaker Frank Gardner OBE is one of Britain’s most trusted voices on international security, terrorism, and the Middle East. He has been the BBC’s Security Correspondent since 2002, reporting from the front lines of global conflict and briefing millions of viewers and listeners on the threats that shape our world, from jihadist networks and state-sponsored attacks to cyber warfare and great-power rivalry.

    Gardner studied Arabic and Islamic Studies and built deep expertise in the Gulf region before joining the BBC. In June 2004, while filming in Riyadh, he and his cameraman Simon Cumbers were ambushed by militants. Cumbers was killed, and Gardner was shot six times, leaving him partially paralyzed. He returned to active news reporting within a year and has continued to travel and report from around the world as a wheelchair user, becoming an enduring example of courage and determination. He was awarded an OBE in 2005 for services to journalism.

    Bestselling Author and Storyteller

    Gardner told his story in Blood and Sand, a bestselling memoir of his years in the Middle East, and later published Far Horizons, an account of his travels to some of the world’s remotest places. He is also the author of the Luke Carlton thrillers, beginning with Crisis, a Sunday Times No. 1 bestseller, and continuing with Ultimatum, Outbreak, Invasion, and Ballistic, all published by Penguin. His novels draw on decades of access to the intelligence and security world, bringing an insider’s realism to fiction.

    As a speaker, Frank Gardner combines expert analysis with powerful personal storytelling. He gives business and government audiences a clear, authoritative briefing on the global threats and geopolitical shifts affecting their organizations, and shares an unforgettable account of resilience after tragedy. Audiences leave better informed about the risks ahead and inspired by his determination to keep moving forward.

    Frank Gardner Speaking Videos

    Misunderstanding the Middle East | Frank Gardner OBE | TEDxYouth@Bath
    Frank Gardner: What does it mean to suddenly become disabled? - BBC

    Frank Gardner Speaking Topics

    From terrorism and state-backed sabotage to cyber attacks and conflict between major powers, Gardner gives audiences a clear, expert briefing on the security risks shaping the world. Drawing on more than two decades as the BBC’s Security Correspondent, he explains where the threats come from, how they are evolving, and what they mean for businesses, governments, and individuals.

    An Arabist with long experience in the Gulf, Gardner explains the forces driving the region, from rivalries between regional powers to energy, security, and reform, and helps audiences understand the risks and opportunities for organizations operating there.

    In 2004 Gardner was shot six times in Riyadh in an attack that killed his colleague. In this deeply personal talk, he shares how he rebuilt his life and career, returned to reporting, and continues to travel the world, offering audiences a powerful perspective on courage, adaptation, and purpose.

    Gardner helps leaders connect global events to strategic decisions, exploring how conflict, instability, and security threats affect supply chains, investment, and operations, and how organizations can build resilience against the shocks ahead.

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    FAQs on Booking Frank Gardner

    Booking Frank Gardner OBE brings your audience one of the most respected security journalists in the world. As the BBC’s Security Correspondent since 2002, he offers unmatched insight into terrorism, conflict, and geopolitical risk, delivered with clarity and authority. His personal story of surviving a 2004 attack in Saudi Arabia and returning to the front line adds a powerful message of resilience. A bestselling author of nonfiction and thrillers, he is an ideal choice for leadership conferences, risk and security events, and organizations seeking an expert view of a turbulent world. To book Frank Gardner, contact Aurum Speakers Bureau and one of our founders will respond within 24 hours.

    In June 2004, while filming in Riyadh, Frank Gardner and his BBC cameraman Simon Cumbers were attacked by militants. Cumbers was killed, and Gardner was shot six times, leaving him partially paralyzed. He returned to reporting within a year and has continued to work as the BBC’s Security Correspondent.

    Gardner is the author of the bestselling memoir Blood and Sand, the travel collection Far Horizons, and the Luke Carlton thriller series: Crisis, Ultimatum, Outbreak, Invasion, and Ballistic.

    Gardner speaks on global security threats, the Middle East, geopolitics and business risk, and resilience in the face of adversity. Each talk is tailored to the audience. Contact Aurum Speakers Bureau to customize a session for your event.

    Aurum Speakers Bureau can help you book Frank Gardner as a speaker for your next event, conference, or board meeting. Simply fill out our contact form to inquire about Frank Gardner's availability for a speaking engagement. One of our booking agents will respond to your request immediately and contact the speaker to let them know you want to hire them. We will assist you with obtaining speaking fees, booking information, and confirming availability for Frank Gardner or any other top keynote speaker or celebrity of your choice.

    Frank Gardner speaking fees are determined by several factors, including the event's date, whether it's a virtual or in-person event, the duration, format, preparation required for their speech, and more. The same applies to the cost to hire any other top expert speakers and celebrities. The Speaker Fee Range listed on our website is simply a guideline and is subject to change without notice. If you would like to hire Frank Gardner to deliver a keynote speech for your event, please fill out the contact form or email us at info@aurumbureau.com with as much detail as possible. One of our experienced agents will get in touch with you and let you know exactly how much it will cost to book Frank Gardner.

    We only work with Frank Gardner on paid speaking engagements. Aurum Speakers Bureau can assist you in booking Frank Gardner and will handle all negotiations, contracts, and logistics associated with having Frank Gardner speak at your event. We will be your sole point of contact throughout the process. Get in touch with Aurum Speakers Bureau today, and we will reach out to any motivational speaker or celebrity you want to enquire about speaking at your event. If you wish to contact Frank Gardner for any other reason, we will be unable to assist you as we are not authorized to provide personal contact information.

    Yes, Frank Gardner is available for virtual keynotes and webinars. To book Frank Gardner for a virtual event, please complete the contact form or send us an email to inquire about the special fees for virtual engagements.