
On May 3, 2012 the Brilliant Lecture Series hosted “A Conversation with George Clooney” which presented the international artist, philanthropist, humanitarian and role model to a sold out audience at Houston’s Brown Theater in the Wortham Theater Center. Mr. Clooney’s dialogue provided a rare and interactive glimpse into his life’s journey, fears, passions, inspiration, and motivations that have led to his extraordinary level of achievement.
Our mission is to motivate and inspire Houston’s youth and their families and we work very hard to make our programs accessible and affordable for everyone. Through the generous support of our sponsors, forty percent of total tickets sold were provided at no charge or between $25 to $55 each to ensure the lecture reached the largest and most diverse audience possible.
Our programs have highlighted Houston and the Brilliant Lecture Series as the destination to hear from the most extraordinary people in the world – directly. For example, we have the honor and distinction of presenting former U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan for his first public appearance after his retirement, the first lecture program ever given by Diana Ross, and the first extended public appearance by opera singing sensation, Jackie Evancho. The George Clooney lecture was Mr. Clooney’s first public lecture to a North American audience and was internationally recognized as an enormously successful program.

Although, primarily serving Houstonians, the Brilliant Lecture Series continues to attract guests from outside of Houston City limits, Harris County, Texas and the U.S.A. For our most recent program, 41 percent of the audience traveled from beyond Houston City limits, 14 percent from beyond Harris County lines, and 2 percent traveled from beyond Texas to participate in this historic and exciting event. Brilliant Lecture Series attracted almost 1,400 people from outside the City of Houston to attend the lecture with a direct and conservatively estimated economic impact of over $337,000 attributed to this one event.
Also included in the audience were some of Houston’s resettled Darfurian refugees who demonstrated their gratitude to Mr. Clooney for bringing light to their plight and suffering, Houston for its willingness to accept them into the fabric of our society, and gratitude to the Brilliant Lecture Series for sponsoring their attendance.
Your Feedback
Thank you to everyone who participated in our post-event survey. Based on your direct feedback, we will improve our future programs by ensuring:
• Media Does Not Distract The View Of The Audience
• Be More Cautious Of Speaker Placement
• Utilize Professional Interviewer
• Expand Our Program Notification To Include Greater Use Of Electronic & News Media
• Opportunity to Purchase Memorabilia/Souvenirs Of The Program
Did you Know?
The Brilliant Lecture Series continues to increase its outreach and partnership with schools. Below is a list of some of our school and outreach partners. Please contact your school or non-profit organization if it is not listed below and encourage them to join our team. You can also contact our office and we will reach out to the school or organization on your behalf.
• Fifth Ward Enrichment Program
• Houston YMCA
• Change Happens!
• Darfur Association of Greater Houston
• Houston Holocaust Museum
• Interfaith Ministries
• Houston Area Urban League
• Houston, Aldine, Alief, Channelview, and Spring Branch Independent School Districts
• Kipp Academy-Houston
• Houston Community College System
• Lone Star Colleges
• University of St. Thomas
• University of Houston
• Houston Baptist University
• University of Texas Medical School-Houston
• Baylor College of Medicine
• Texas Southern University
The mission of The Brilliant Lecture Series is to educate, inspire, and increase public awareness within our community by providing a forum for interaction with national and international leaders, role models, philanthropist, artists, humanitarians, and other prominent members of our society.
T: 713-974-1335 | Brilliantlectures.org