Travel Technology Entrepreneur & Platform Innovator; Co-Founder of TripAdvisor; Founder of Give Freely; Former CEO at TripAdvisor
Stephen Kaufer Biography
Stephen Kaufer is an American entrepreneur recognized as the co-founder of TripAdvisor, a travel platform that transformed how travelers plan and book trips online. A Harvard College computer science graduate, Kaufer launched TripAdvisor after encountering challenges in finding unbiased hotel reviews, identifying a widespread need for reliable travel information. He co-founded TripAdvisor with Langley Steinert, aiming to provide travelers with access to crowd-sourced, honest information.
Before TripAdvisor, Kaufer served as president of CDS, Inc., an independent software vendor, and previously co-founded CenterLine Software, where he was vice president of engineering. TripAdvisor initially operated as a business-to-business database for travel information, but Kaufer shifted the company to a consumer-focused model, making the platform publicly accessible and encouraging user-generated reviews. This strategic pivot led to the aggregation of hotel and attraction information and the development of revenue streams through referral fees from travel companies. Under Kaufer’s leadership, TripAdvisor expanded to include multiple travel media brands operating in numerous global markets, attracting hundreds of millions of monthly visitors.
Kaufer has received recognition within the technology and travel industries, including induction into the British Travel & Hospitality Hall of Fame, the Pioneer Award from the International Society of Hospitality Consultants, and the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. He holds several software patents and has spoken at travel and technology conferences worldwide.
After retiring as TripAdvisor’s CEO, Kaufer founded Give Freely, a company focused on directing retailer-paid affiliate marketing commissions to charities, enabling users to support causes through online shopping. In addition to his entrepreneurial work, Kaufer is active in philanthropy, particularly in funding research for neuroendocrine cancer following the loss of his first wife, Caroline. He has served on the Board of Directors for Glassdoor and CarGurus. Kaufer’s career spans software engineering, travel technology, and philanthropic innovation, consistently emphasizing the development of platforms that empower users and support charitable initiatives.
Stephen Kaufer Videos
Breakthroughs Today, Cures Tomorrow | Stephen Kaufer
Board Member Stephen Kaufer discusses the personal reason behind his involvement with NETRF and why he continues to stay engaged.
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Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Stephen Kaufer 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 Stephen Kaufer, 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 Stephen Kaufer or any other speaker of your choice. -
What are the speaker fees for Stephen Kaufer
Speaking fees for Stephen Kaufer, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Stephen Kaufer are $100,000 - $200,000 for live events and available upon request for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Stephen Kaufer, 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 Stephen Kaufer speak about?
Stephen Kaufer is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Adventure, Business, Business Leadership, Computer Science, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Executive Leadership, Finance, Hospitality, Inventors, Leadership, Social Entrepreneurship -
Where does Stephen Kaufer travel from?
Stephen Kaufer generally travels from Newton, MA, 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 Stephen Kaufer’s agent?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Stephen Kaufer 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 Stephen Kaufer for your next private or corporate function. -
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Stephen Kaufer is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Stephen Kaufer for your event is $100,000 - $200,000. Stephen Kaufer generally travels from Newton, MA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Eric Glyman, Brian Kelly, R "Ray" Wang, Barbara Corcoran and Shegun Otulana. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Stephen Kaufer for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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