Speaking Events

Mike Aponte was the leader of the MIT Blackjack Team, a group of college students that defied the odds and legally won millions at the game of 21. Applying an ingenious spin on the mathematics of card counting, Mike’s team turned blackjack into an innovative and lucrative business venture. The team’s exploits captured the public’s imagination in the best selling book, Bringing Down The House, and the major motion picture, 21.

Mike speaks professionally for companies, groups and universities such as Liberty Mutual, Wharton Private Equity Network and NYU.

Highlights and Key Messages of Mike’s Events

Companies and organizations – Behind the glitz and glamor of high stakes professional blackjack, were key drivers that enabled the MIT Team to succeed where so many have failed. An entrepreneurial leader, Mike provides surprising insight into how the start-up and growth of his team mirror the determinants of success in the business world. Instrumental to the team’s achievements were fundamental business principles and objectives such as recruiting and developing top talent, strategic analysis and focus, teamwork and collaboration, adapting to change, and risk management.

Colleges and universities – Born at the university level, Mike’s story truly resonates with college students. Along with providing an exciting account of his professional blackjack career, Mike also draws on his experience as an undergraduate when he was searching for his path in life. In recounting his experiences as both a high roller extraordinaire and a college student, Mike delivers entertaining, insightful and inspirational takeaways. Mike does a fantastic job of connecting with young people and opening their eyes to their potential and life’s opportunities.

The True Story of the MIT Blackjack Team – You’ve read the book and seen the movie. Now hear first hand how a bunch of college kids banded together to form a high stakes card counting team and conquered Vegas.

Finding Your True Passion – Discovering what you’re truly passionate about is paramount to achieving success and personal fulfillment.

Entrepreneurial Spirit – Keeping an open mind and having the courage to take chances often yields the greatest rewards in life.

Living a Life of Conscious Intent – Proactively making decisions based on rational thinking and self integrity is crucial to defining and realizing your goals and dreams.

Whether you are seeking a unique speaker or would like to host a one-of-a-kind entertainment event, Mike can provide you with a memorable engagement tailored to your needs. For more information, please contact Roger Roth at (505) 816–8869. Email: roger@mikeaponteevents.com

"My company hired Mike for a corporate event for our biggest customers. We could not have been happier with the result as it was the most successful event I have put on in my entire career. Immediately after and even in subsequent years customers have told me that the “21” event with Mike Aponte was the best conference event they have ever attended."

Brian Mahoney - President
Peerless Institute
Vista, CA

"Mike is definitely one of the best speakers we have ever had. He really connects with the audience on a personal level that engages everyone. This especially showed when so many people spoke to Mike after the event as if they were long time friends. I also loved how Mike allowed the audience to participate in a meaningful way during his strategy demonstration and clips of real life card counting. I think there are so many more students who stand to gain from what Mike has to offer."

Pierre Tasci
Executive Director
Academic Culture Assembly
U. of Southern California
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"Our goal was to attract and bring in a select group of financial executives for an exclusive event. Mike delivered with an entertaining and engaging evening for our guests. He was very personable and easy to work with and everyone loved hearing Mike's story and learning how to play blackjack like a pro."
Jennifer Feldman - Director
Connance - Waltham, MA
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"Mike's presentation is unique in many aspects and makes for a great event on any college campus. Students really enjoyed hearing about Mike’s exciting experiences from his college days and they also took away important life lessons."
Sean Marks
Campus Activities Board
Drexel University