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Speakers Bureau

As part of the Chicago Fed’s outreach and education efforts, Bank economists, researchers and subject matter experts may be available for speeches to civic, educational and nonprofit organizations. Topics include:

  • Role of the Federal Reserve
  • Regional/national economic outlook
  • State and local government issues
  • Economic and community development
  • Manufacturing trends, particularly in the automotive sector
  • Agricultural outlook

Speakers are generally unable to address for-profit entities. Here is an article about the Bureau’s efforts in 2023.

How Do I Schedule a Speaker?

Speaking requests will be evaluated based on Federal Reserve blackout date schedule (see below), speaker availability, the forum and subject matter. The recommended audience size is at least 50 people. Please submit requests at least 60 days but no more than 6 months before your event to allow sufficient time for preparation.

To request a speaker, fill out the speaker request form

Request Speaker

How Much Will It Cost?

There is no charge. However, Chicago Fed speakers are provided only for events within the Seventh Federal Reserve District, which includes Iowa and most of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.

Is My Event Appropriate?

Our employees can speak to non-profit professional, business and civic groups and are prohibited from speaking to for-profit entities, political organizations, at political gatherings or at fundraising events. Please note that there is limited availability of our speakers and they are not available during Federal Reserve blackout periods (see below).

FOMC Blackout Periods

Federal Reserve staff, including those at the Chicago Fed, generally do not speak publicly between a week prior to the Saturday preceding a Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting and the Thursday following that meeting. This time is referred to as the FOMC blackout period. Blackout periods for 2024 are detailed below.

Federal Reserve blackout period:

2024
January 20–February 1
March 9–21
April 20–May 2
June 1–13
July 20–August 1
September 7–19
October 26–November 8
December 7–19

Compensation

Chicago Fed policy prohibits Bank officers and employees from accepting gifts, honoraria or compensation. We kindly ask that you do not purchase or present any gift or memento that our speakers would be required to decline or return.

Contact Us

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Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, 230 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60604-1413, USA. Tel. (312) 322-5322

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