Nelson Dellis
Six-time USA Memory Champion Nelson Dellis delivers unforgettable keynotes that turn powerful memory techniques into real-world performance.
Why you should book Nelson Dellis for your next event
- A six-time USA Memory Champion who combines jaw-dropping demonstrations with practical techniques your audience can use immediately.
- Turns complex brain science into engaging, memorable tools that improve focus, learning, productivity and confidence at work.
- An inspiring storyteller whose journey from average memory to world-class performance motivates lasting behavior change.
Non-binding request for Nelson Dellis
Memory expert, Grandmaster of Memory and brain health advocate
Inspired by his grandmother’s struggle with Alzheimer’s, Nelson Dellis set out to understand how memory really works and how it can be trained. What began as a personal mission quickly evolved into a world-class career. Born with an average memory, Nelson developed innovative training methods that transformed him into one of the most accomplished memory athletes in the world. Today, he is widely recognized for his ability to blend science, storytelling and spectacular demonstrations into keynote experiences that are as entertaining as they are practical. Audiences leave empowered with tools to strengthen their memory, sharpen their focus and enhance both professional and personal performance.
Nelson Dellis: From Personal Motivation to World-Class Memory
Nelson Dellis’s journey into memory mastery began with a deeply personal experience. Witnessing his grandmother’s battle with Alzheimer’s sparked a desire to better understand the brain and its remarkable potential. Starting with an entirely average memory, Nelson immersed himself in training techniques used by competitive memory athletes. Through discipline, creativity and persistence, he rapidly rose to the top of the field.
He went on to become a six-time USA Memory Champion and earned the elite title of Grandmaster of Memory. Along the way, Nelson broke multiple U.S. and international records, proving that extraordinary memory is not a gift reserved for a select few, but a skill that can be trained and refined. His story resonates with audiences because it demonstrates what is possible when motivation meets method.
Book Nelson Dellis for an Unforgettable Keynote Experience
When you book Nelson Dellis for your event, you book far more than a lecture. His keynotes are highly interactive experiences filled with jaw-dropping demonstrations of real-time memorization. From remembering long strings of numbers to dozens of names in minutes, Nelson showcases the true potential of the human brain—live on stage.
More importantly, he teaches audiences how to do it themselves. Nelson breaks down proven memory techniques into clear, practical strategies that can be applied immediately. Whether the goal is to remember names at a conference, master the details of a new product launch, or retain critical information under pressure, his keynotes deliver tools that stick. The result is an audience that is entertained, inspired and equipped with knowledge that continues to deliver value long after the event ends.
Memory Techniques That Transform Work and Life
Nelson’s work focuses on helping people improve memory in ways that directly impact performance. His techniques enhance learning speed, focus, creativity and confidence. Professionals discover how stronger memory leads to better communication, improved client relationships and more effective leadership. Teams learn how to retain complex information, reduce mental overload and perform at a higher level.
Drawing from his competitive background and academic training, Nelson connects memory improvement to broader brain health principles. He emphasizes the importance of mental fitness, physical activity, proper diet and social engagement, showing how these elements work together to support long-term cognitive performance. His message is practical, empowering and rooted in real-world application.
Record-Breaking Achievements and Global Recognition
Nelson Dellis holds an impressive list of memory records, including memorizing 217 names and 256 words in 15 minutes, as well as 907 digits and 9.02 decks of playing cards in 30 minutes. These achievements place him among the most accomplished memory athletes in the world.
His expertise has been featured across major media platforms, including The TODAY Show, CNN.com, ABC Nightline, The Dr. Oz Show and National Geographic. He has also received praise from respected brain health advocates such as neurosurgeon and CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta and journalist and Alzheimer’s activist Maria Shriver. This global recognition underscores both his credibility and his ability to communicate complex ideas in an accessible, engaging way.
Author, Educator and Advocate for Brain Health
Nelson is the author of the widely praised book Remember It!, which teaches the exact techniques he used to achieve record-breaking results. He has also written and illustrated the children’s book I Forgot Something (But I Can't Remember What It Was!) and the adventurous guide Memory Superpowers!, making memory training accessible to readers of all ages.
Beyond the stage and the page, Nelson is deeply committed to brain health advocacy. He is the founder and CEO of Climb For Memory, a charity that raises awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s disease research through mountain climbs around the world, including Mt. Everest. He is also the co-founder of the memory training app Memory League and co-founder and director of the Memory League Championships, the only digital, head-to-head tournament for competitive memory.
In addition, Nelson serves as a professor of computer science at the University of Miami, where he earned a master’s degree in computer science and a bachelor’s degree in physics. This academic foundation adds depth and rigor to his work, bridging science, performance and education.
A Keynote That Stays With You
With a passion for memory, brain training and human potential, Nelson Dellis works closely with event organizers to tailor each keynote to the audience. His presentations are entertaining, informative and designed to be remembered. When you book Nelson Dellis for your event, you give your audience a rare opportunity to experience the power of memory firsthand—and to walk away with skills that enhance focus, productivity and quality of life.
Keynotes
Keynote by Nelson Dellis:
Remember It! The Names of People You Meet, All of Your Passwords, Where You Left Your Keys, and Everything Else You Tend to Forget.
Nelson Dellis offers unforgettable instruction to sharpen your mind and unlock your memory.
He explores how our brains work by teaching strategies for remembering the everyday, practical things that we all seem to forget, such as:
- Where you left your keys
- Your grocery list
- The names of the people you just met
- Driving directions (No need for Google maps!)
- The phone number of someone you just met
- What your partner asked you to do this morning
- Every password you’ve ever created
- And much more!
Keynote by Nelson Dellis:
Brain Training for the Caregiver
Nelson Dellis never gave much thought to brain health until he saw his grandmother slowly pass away from Alzheimer’s disease. Knowing it could happen to him, he became passionate about how he could increase his own brain health and memory.
Caregivers have a lot to organize both for themselves and the ones they care for, and if left unchecked, it can take a toll on their health and state of mind. Feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, stress and burnout is inevitable.
Nelson teaches others how to improve their own memory and brain health to become clear, sharp, and thus, better caregivers. Because of his deep connection to the Alzheimer’s community, he has developed basic techniques on how to use your memory more efficiently.
Through interactive and fun demonstrations, Nelson shares will surely help caregivers regain their energy, optimism and hope.
Keynote by Nelson Dellis:
Everyday Genius: How to Learn Faster, Focus Deeper, and Think More Clearly
Based on Nelson’s upcoming book, this keynote reframes “genius” as a set of trainable skills.
Attendees learn how to improve focus, absorb information more efficiently, and retain what they learn in an age of constant distraction. Practical, motivating, and grounded in real-world application.
Steps to Improving Your Memory - Nelson Dellis
Watch Nelson Dellis in action
