Speaking & Booking

Conversations That Inspire Action

Tony Forte brings the lived experience of building Coffee Uplifts People — from a single idea to a movement — to stages, boardrooms, and communities worldwide.

Tony Forte speaking on stage

Signature Topics

What Tony Speaks On

01

From Startup to Scale

The strategic and mindset shifts required to grow a business beyond its founding stage — navigating capital, culture, personal wellness and clarity.

02

Brand as Culture

How the most enduring brands are built on cultural truth, not just marketing spend. Coffee Uplifts People as a case study.

03

Entrepreneurship & Uplift

Building businesses that create genuine value for communities and drive systemic change — purpose as competitive advantage.

04

Doing the Common things, Uncommonly.

Exploring the rise of Coffee Uplifts People (CUP) within the saturated coffee and tea space and how you can identify and leverage your brand's distinction in a crowded or open field.

Engagement Formats

How We Can Work Together

01

Keynote Address

High-impact 45–60 minute keynotes for conferences, summits, and corporate events.

02

Panel & Moderation

Thought-provoking panel participation or moderation for industry conversations.

03

Workshop & Masterclass

Hands-on half-day or full-day sessions for leadership teams and entrepreneur cohorts.

04

Podcast & Media

Long-form conversations on entrepreneurship, brand, and community for audio and video platforms.

Past Engagements

Stages & Conversations

T. D. Jakes Good Soil Forum

Featured Speaker

HBCU Entrepreneurship Forum

Featured Speaker

National Urban League Annual Conference

Guest Lecturer

HBCU Kings & Queens Conference

Featured Speaker

Nike Hoop Summit

Featured Speaker

NBA Rookie Transition Program

Featured Presenter

Press & Media

As Featured In

Black Enterprise

"How Coffee Uplifts People Is Redefining Community Commerce"

New York Amsterdam NEWS

"CUP (Coffee Uplifts People) opens new outpost in Harlem’s Africa Center"

NBC New York

"Coffee Uplifts People, With a Mission to Change an Industry"

ABC

"Eat Up NYC w/ Marcus Samuelson"

Booking Inquiry

Start the Conversation

Tell us about your event and we'll be in touch within 48 hours.

Whether you're planning a conference, corporate retreat, or community event — Tony brings energy, insight, and a story that moves people. Reach out to start the conversation.