Erik O. Ronningen

9/11 Survivor; Last Person To Escape The World Trade Center's South Tower Before It Collapsed; Author Of "From The Inside Out"

New York, NY, USA
Live Event: $10,000 - $20,000 Virtual Event: $5,000 - $10,000 More Fee Info
Crisis Management, Mental Health, Non-Fiction Authors, Overcoming Adversity, Security & Defense, Storytelling, Stress Management, Veterans
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Erik O. Ronningen Biography

Erik O. Ronningen was on the 71st floor of the North Tower the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, and was the last person to escape the South Tower before it collapsed. He is the author of the award-winning book "From the Inside Out: Harrowing Escapes from the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center." A Vietnam-era Army veteran, he holds a United States patent.

Ronningen has keynoted before law enforcement conferences, national and international security venues, Army Delta and Navy SEAL teams, the FBI, the TSA and CBP, 9/11 Memorial anniversary services, church congregations, public and private schools, and has appeared on multiple radio and television programs. He has guided many public and private tours of ground zero and the WTC Memorial and Museum.

Ronningen recounts his harrowing and exhausting escape down 142 flights of smoke-filled stairs, observing the unceasing carnage from the mezzanine of the North Tower, being in the lobby of the South Tower at the genesis of the collapse, and being corralled in the stampeding thousands. Ronningen describes being trapped in a pitch-black pyroclastic cloud, unable to breathe, and collapsing to the sidewalk.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 08/24/2026.

Erik O. Ronningen Speaking Topics

  • TAKE CONTROL OF YOURSELF IN CATASTROPHIC EVENTS

    The circumstances of our lives can change in the time it takes the second hand of our watches to tick from one increment to the next. The decisions one makes immediately following is critical to the success or failure of what is required to succeed. One does not need to experience a 9/11 event to understand this.

    How often has one had that moment of hesitation, that 'deer in the headlights' indecision? Who has not startled at the yap of a little dog, or backfire of a car? Or uttered an expletive for a paper cut?

    What do we lack? Self-Control—self-control over our emotions and ability to think clearly. Those seemingly insignificant events are not insignificant at all, but are indicative of one’s self-discipline, and willingness.

    Private and professional individuals alike, whether in Emergency Operations, Emergency Preparedness, Disaster Recovery, Life Safety & Security, or a survival prepper will appreciate the candor and composed realization of the magnitude of the catastrophe.

    Disasters come at the most inconvenient times. We are often caught sitting on our laurels, or putting off until tomorrow. This calm, dispassionate, captivating presentation redoubles one’s interest to look inward, to be introspective about the privileges and responsibilities in our lives.

    Listening to this harrowing and captivating presentation reignites one’s interest to make better efforts at self-control. It encourages one to think—to really think what matters; what is important in one’s life and taking corrective action. One begins to reevaluate what we have been taking for granted, and reassess the value and privilege we have with our spouse, family, friends, colleagues, and opportunities alike. There is more than Hope to self-improvement—there is a military aphorism: “Hope is not an option.” Planning and execution must be right the first time—When one realizes all it takes is an interest, and sustained right efforts to do what is right in one’s thoughts, speech and actions… this is the beginning of progress—taking control of oneself in catastrophic events.

Erik O. Ronningen Videos

Erik O. Ronningen Sizzle Reel

Erik O. Ronningen Sizzle Reel

9/11 Escape From the Twin Towers

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From the Inside Out Harrowing Escapes from the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, September 11, 2001
From the Inside Out Harrowing Escapes from the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, September 11, 2001

  • How do I book Erik O. Ronningen to speak at my event?

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  • What are the speaker fees for Erik O. Ronningen

    Speaking fees for Erik O. Ronningen, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Erik O. Ronningen are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and under $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Erik O. Ronningen, 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 Erik O. Ronningen speak about?

    Erik O. Ronningen is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Crisis Management, Mental Health, Non-Fiction Authors, Overcoming Adversity, Security & Defense, Storytelling, Stress Management, Veterans

  • Where does Erik O. Ronningen travel from?

    Erik O. Ronningen generally travels from New York, NY, 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.

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Erik O. Ronningen is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as TAKE CONTROL OF YOURSELF IN CATASTROPHIC EVENTS. The estimated speaking fee range to book Erik O. Ronningen for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Erik O. Ronningen generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Jonathan Turnbull, Peter Stephens, John Kriesel, Scotty Smiley and Noah Galloway. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Erik O. Ronningen for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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