The Sweeney Agency

About Robert Ballard - Deep Sea Explorer:

As the world's foremost Deep Sea Explorer, Dr. Robert Ballard will inspire any audience by taking them on a journey full of adventure to the bottom of the ocean. Best known for his 1985 discovery of the Titanic, he and his team have succeeded in tracking down numerous other significant shipwrecks, including the German battleship Bismarck, the lost fleet of Guadalcanal, the U.S. aircraft carrier Yorktown (sunk in the World War II Battle of Midway), and John F. Kennedy's boat, PT 109.

Dr. Robert Ballard has 13 honorary degrees and six military awards. He is also a commander in the U.S. Naval Reserve. He received the National Geographic Society's prestigious Hubbard Medal in 1996 for extraordinary accomplishments in coaxing secrets from the world's oceans and engaging students in the wonder of science. Ballard has published numerous books, scientific papers, and a dozen articles in National Geographic magazine. Ballard also has been featured in several National Geographic television programs, including the record breaking Secrets of the Titanic.

His discoveries also include the Mediterranean Sea finds of sunken remains of ships along ancient trade routes, two ancient Phoenician ships off Israel, the oldest shipwrecks ever found in deep water, and four 1,500 year-old wooden ships, one almost perfectly preserved in the Black Sea. Ballard's Black Sea project seeks evidence of a great flood possibly linked to Noah's Ark that may have struck the region thousands of years ago.

Dr. Robert Ballard is also the founder and president of the Institute For Exploration (IFE) at Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut. Specializing in deep-sea archaeology, IFE's goal is to establish this new field of research utilizing evolving technology, such as advanced mapping and imaging systems, underwater robotics and remotely operated vehicles. Another Institute for Exploration objective is to share Ballard's most recent discoveries with guests in the Challenge of the Deep exhibition, completed as part of a $52 million expansion at Mystic Aquarium in 1999.

Dr. Ballard’s 1997 best-selling book, Lost Liners, tells the story of the great transatlantic liners through memorable wrecks he has visited. Ballard has also acted as a special adviser on Steven Spielberg's futuristic Sea Quest television show.

What Dr. Robert Ballard Talks About:

Science, Exploration and the Miracles of Human Achievement
In his gripping presentation, Dr. Robert Ballard shares his passion for the last great uncharted territory. Dr. Ballard's talk will inspire, entertain and motivate your audience as he discusses discoveries past and present, including his 1985 discovery of the Titanic wreckage. Ballard’s passion for adventure is matched by a practical approach to motivation, team building and execution. The skills that led to his incredible achievements are the same skills that lead his audience members to focus on their own dreams.

Human History Underwater
From perfectly preserved wooden ships lying on the bottom of the Dead Sea to historically significant ships from the great world wars, Ballard's discoveries add to the knowledge of our past.

Adventures in Deep Sea Exploration: Living the Dream

-Thinking out of the box and taking risks to achieve long-term goals.
-You don't really know where the boundaries of achievement are unless you push the envelope and find them.
-Great goals are achieved by great teams.
-It is your dreams and your passions that provide you with the motivation to overcome failure and find success.