Award-Winning Poet, Multi-Platinum Songwriter & Spoken-Word Artist; Bestselling Author of "Inquire Within"

Los Angeles, CA, USA

IN-Q Biography

IN-Q is an award-winning poet, multi-platinum songwriter, and spoken-word artist recognized as one of the most prominent voices in contemporary poetry. Born Adam Schmalholz in Los Angeles, he became the first poet to perform with Cirque du Soleil and has captivated audiences around the globe with his ability to blend raw emotion, storytelling, and social commentary into powerful spoken-word performances. His stage name, IN-Q, reflects his mission: to invite people into the question of their own lives.

His poetry has been featured on HBO’s "Def Poetry Jam," NPR, and A&E, and he has performed for diverse audiences ranging from corporate leaders to inner-city youth. IN-Q’s work often explores themes of love, loss, community, and personal transformation, bridging cultural divides and sparking meaningful conversations. In addition to live performances, he has collaborated with major brands and artists, bringing poetry into mainstream spaces where it had rarely been highlighted before.

In 2020, IN-Q released his critically acclaimed book "Inquire Within," which quickly became a national bestseller and expanded his reach as a writer and thought leader. Through his live shows, writing, and workshops, he continues to inspire audiences to reflect, connect, and engage with the world more deeply. Celebrated for redefining what poetry can be in the modern era, IN-Q remains dedicated to using language as a catalyst for change and connection.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 09/26/2025.

IN-Q Videos

IN-Q Performs His Poem, 'Birdsong'

IN-Q Performs His Poem, 'Birdsong'

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IN-Q - National Poetry Slam Champion & Multi-Platinum Winning ...

IN-Q - National Poetry Slam Champion & Multi-Platinum Winning ...

IN-Q Live @ WORLDZ 2016 - "We Are A Work of Art" Spoken Word Mastermind IN-Q performs two scorching, thought provoking poems from the ...

Keynote: Dan Geer CISO In-Q-Tel - YouTube

Keynote: Dan Geer CISO In-Q-Tel - YouTube

Dan Geer of In-Q-Tel delivers the keynote address at the 2014 Security of Things Forum.

  • How do I book IN-Q to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like IN-Q for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for IN-Q, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for IN-Q or any other speaker of your choice.
  • What are the speaker fees for IN-Q

    Speaking fees for IN-Q, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book IN-Q are $30,000 - $50,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire IN-Q, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does IN-Q speak about?

    IN-Q is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Author, Creativity, Disruptive Thinking, Music, Storytelling, Thought Leadership, Workshop
  • Where does IN-Q travel from?

    IN-Q generally travels from Los Angeles, CA, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
  • Who is IN-Q’s agent?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like IN-Q for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book IN-Q for your next private or corporate function.
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    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host IN-Q or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
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IN-Q is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book IN-Q for your event is $30,000 - $50,000. IN-Q generally travels from Los Angeles, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Matthew Luhn, Lane Gardner, Christopher Bell, Afdhel Aziz and Tommy Swanhaus. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling IN-Q for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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