An ex-sales and marketing professional with over 14 years experience, Marc’s Funny Business, S.A.L.E.S. and InspirationalCommunication programmes have inspired audiences to seek out opportunities, tackle challenges & improve their communication and influencing skills.

Can a sales & communications trainer become an Edinburgh Festival comic in less than 12 months - all to win a £1 bet?

In August 2008, while giving a talk to a business audience, a fellow speaker told Marc that he was “quite funny”. But would a paying audience who expect – nay, demand - laughs, think the same?
“So, you want me to do an open mic spot at a comedy club then?” Marc replied, “Right you are!”

But that was far too easy a challenge. Surely a professional speaker, used to playing big audiences, and sometimes even getting a laugh, should set his sights higher… or at least further North.
“I bet you £1 that you can’t put on a successful show at the 2009 Edinburgh Fringe Festival.”

The bet was on: Marc had less than 12 months to perform a 1 hour comedy show for 21 nights at the world’s largest comedy festival.

And so it began; the open spots, the sleepless nights, the laughs, the silences, the boos, the booze,and the endless, endless writing, rewriting, rephrasing and finding different words for what became the biggest challenge of Marc’s life.

His personal and inspirational journey into comedy, complete with setbacks, triumphs and even a few tears and tantrums, will inspire the audience to see new possibilities and will teach them how to take personal action to achieve their goals. They will leave the room energised and empowered, ready to take on whatever lies ahead.

The presentation is ideally suited as a conference keynote or after dinner speech.

Audience Profile: From senior management to executive level.

Best suited to audiences of over 30 people. It can be tailored to focus on dealing with challenges, taking risks, presentation skills, networking and team building.

Edinburgh Festival Feedback

“Marc exudes confidence on the stage…and fulfils his aim to entertain his crowd and to win a £1
bet with his mate. He may have already won his bet, but if Marc’s opponent was to offer ‘double
or quits’, I’d strongly urge Marc to accept and return to Edinburgh next year.”
All The Festivals


“Marc Hogan …. is affable, very likeable and boundlessly enthusiastic.”
Broadway Baby


“Most definitely recommended – not just for the laughs but for the way it makes you feel like you
too could achieve something you never thought possible. In betting terms, it's a dead cert winner.”
The Skinny


“Hogan generally maintains a varied comedic flow, undoubtedly rising to his set challenge of
bringing a full-length comedy show to the Fringe.“
Three Weeks


“A master class in PowerPoint, using slides, graphs, photography, subliminal advertising, video and
audio to great comic effect. “
BBC News Magazine


“Thank God Marc is not scared to take on a bet! I never thought £1 could amount to so much!”
Edfringe


“I saw Marc Hogan's one man show in Edinburgh this week and it was remarkable. A massive
achievement, lots of fun and oodles of charm.”
Jamie Glassman - Writer on Da Ali G Show & consultant on Borat & Brüno.

Corporate Testimonials

"Amazing! Marc challenged, provoked and entertained our International Technical Team, no mean
feat since the 20 high ranking delegates were from all over Europe and Asia. We all left the
training with a new perspective and we have all put the skills to good use since the event!"
Liz Kynoch - Group Technical & Trading Law Director, TESCO plc


"Marc was our guest speaker at our parties to celebrate becoming the National Customer Service
Team of The Year. It was really going to take something special to engage this team. Marc was
able to provide a fresh spark of inspiration and provoke people to think beyond their favoured
ways of thinking. Engaging, energetic and inspirational - great stuff!"
Richard Brown - Head of Operations, BAA (Heathrow Express)


"The feedback we have had from participants has been extremely positive and some of your
techniques could be witnessed in action during the day and later in the evening. We have all come
away from the day feeling energised, motivated and more connected as a group. We really value
the input you had into making this day a success."
Gwyn Griffiths - National Risk Manager, Deloitte


"Marc's presentation at our breakfast seminar was immensely enjoyable. His engaging and
inspirational presentation style had the whole audience spellbound. Through his humorous and
interactive approach, he motivated every single audience member and gave them skills to take
away and practice."
Sandy Jarrett - Head of Marketing and Communication, Select Group


"Very funny, interesting, useful, and most importantly different."
John Penny - General Manager, Reebok Sports Club London
“Our delegates found Marc’s session great fun and useful.”
Lene Pederson Events Manager Incisive Media


"Marc was definitely the best guest speaker we have ever had presenting at our User Group
meeting, which is quite a feat considering we have had guest speakers who have climbed Everest
and sailed around the world! - I can't praise him enough."
Tony Flanagan - Marketing Manager, ASR Computers Ltd


"Outstanding speaker, really engaged with the whole audience. Marc has a natural ability to make
people feel at ease and interact. His S.A.L.E.S input, with a comical slant really comes across well.
Marc's talk would benefit everyone from all areas of business and I would highly recommend.
Jason Grove - Police Analyst, West Midlands ACPO Region