Questions planners ask

Who is Gabriel Abikzer?

Gabriel "Gabey" Abikzer is a motivational and inspirational keynote speaker. Before a tragic accident cost him both legs, he worked as an executive chef, served as a firefighter and flew as a pilot. He is the father of Nicole, Andrew and Joshua, and he now speaks to audiences about resilience, perspective and the will to move forward.

What does Gabriel Abikzer speak about?

He speaks about resilience, perspective during adversity, gratitude, personal responsibility and the role other people play in helping us move forward. His talks are built around his own recovery rather than around theory.

What is his signature keynote?

His signature keynote is "From Darkness to Brightness — From Wheelchair to Will-Chair." It follows his life before the accident, the accident and rehabilitation, and the three powers that carried him through, then hands the audience a way to apply that to whatever they are carrying.

What does "turn your wheelchair into a will-chair" mean?

It is Gabey's core idea: "I have a wheelchair, but everyone has a ‘wheelchair’… everyone has a challenge." His is visible; most are not. Turning a wheelchair into a will-chair means accessing your will power to move past the shortcoming you were handed instead of being defined by it.

What are The 3 Powers?

The 3 Powers are the framework of the keynote: the Power of Others (no one moves forward alone), the Power of Comparison (perspective is a decision made daily, not a mood), and the Power of God (purpose that is bigger than circumstance).

How long is the keynote?

The keynote runs approximately 30 minutes as a live presentation. Anything beyond that is agreed with the organizer directly rather than offered as a fixed package.

Who books Gabriel Abikzer?

Corporate event planners, conference organizers, associations, schools and charitable organizations looking for an opening or closing keynote on resilience, perspective and overcoming adversity.

How do you book Gabriel Abikzer to speak?

Submit a speaking inquiry through the booking form on this site. It collects your organization, event date, location, format, audience and objective so management can respond with useful information. Submitting an inquiry is not a confirmed booking; a date is only held once it is confirmed in writing.

Is there a speaker kit for event planners?

Yes. The Resources page carries planner-ready material including copy-and-paste bios, and the About page includes 50-word and 100-word bios that can be used in programs and promotion without an email gate.

What are Gabriel Abikzer's AV and stage requirements?

Accessible stage access via a ramp or lift rather than stairs, a level unobstructed path from the accessible entrance to the stage, and a wireless lavalier or over-ear headset microphone are the essentials. No podium is needed; please leave open floor space center stage. A 16:9 screen, a confidence monitor and even front light aimed at seated height are helpful. The full AV and stage sheet is published on the Resources page.

What does the venue need to be accessible for Gabey?

Gabey presents from his wheelchair, so accessible stage access is the single most important logistical detail of the day. Please confirm an accessible venue entrance, a step-free route to the stage, an accessible restroom near the stage or green room, elevator access where relevant, and table or lectern heights that suit a seated presenter.

What travel and accommodation arrangements are needed?

Accessible ground transport to and from the airport and venue, and an accessible hotel room, ideally at or adjacent to the event venue. Travel and accommodation arrangements are confirmed with management as part of the agreement.

What is the speaking fee?

Fees are not published. Fee and terms are confirmed with management based on your date, location, format and audience — submit a speaking inquiry through the booking form and you will receive the information you need to plan.

Can the keynote open or close a conference?

Yes. The keynote is built to work as either an opening or a closing keynote, and is well suited to corporate meetings, leadership events, sales organizations, associations, conferences, employee engagement days and resilience or wellbeing programs.

What will the audience take away?

Perspective during adversity, a clearer sense of how much the people around them matter, and the will to keep moving forward. The line audiences repeat on the way out is the takeaway: everyone has a “wheelchair” — turn yours into a will-chair.

Where can planners get bios, photos, the one-sheet and program copy?

All of it is ungated on the Resources page: the Speaker Kit PDF, the Keynote One-Sheet PDF, 50/100/250-word and full bios, short and long keynote descriptions, an MC introduction, AV and stage requirements, accessibility and travel notes, headshots and the official logo.

More detail lives on the Gabriel Abikzer biography, the speaking overview for event planners, the media and speaker reel page and the press and speaker facts sheet.