Our mission is to bring nationally and internationally renowned, thought-provoking speakers who inform, educate, and to entertain our audience! San Joaquin Valley Town Hall is a non-profit organization that is run by an all-volunteer board of directors. Our daytime speaking events are held at the beautiful Saroyan Theatre.
We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate our 82nd year of service to the San Joaquin Valley.
Equal parts comedian and social commentator, Dennis’s scathing-yet-playful perspective reminds audiences not to take themselves (or anyone else for that matter) too seriously. He brings a pragmatic take on the world in these polarizing times. Miller’s inventive and humorous presentation will teach us the art of how to disagree agreeably.
Nick Buettner will discuss the secrets of the “Blue Zones”—communities where people routinely live to be 100.
Jimmy Chin—mountaineer, skier and National Geographic photographer—will discuss his Oscar winning 2018 film, Free Solo.
General Kelley will offer insight into the evolving geopolitical landscape around the world based upon his unique experiences.
Rebecca Skloot will illuminate the intersections of scientific progress and morality, bringing public attention to vital bioethical issues.
Dr. Hessburg will discuss the causes, impacts and implications of the mega-wildfires currently plaguing the western United States.
Cokie Roberts will share the oft-untold stories of the women who “supported, encouraged, and even advised” the Founding Fathers.
Who We Are
Join Us
Dennis Miller
America, How Can We All Play Nice Again?
Nick Buettner
Live Long and Happy – The Blue Zones
Jimmy Chin
World’s Greatest Climb – Free Solo in Yosemite
General John F. Kelly
Geopolitics – Our Future on the Global Stage
Rebecca Skloot
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Dr. Paul Hessburg
Megafires: How Do You Want Your Smoke?
Cokie Roberts
The Founding Mothers Who Raised Our Nation!
Special Event
Please join us for our annual special evening event, featuring Dennis Miller: America, How Can We All Play Nice Again? Tuesday, November 5, 2019. William Saroyan Theater. Lecture at 7:30pm. VIP reception beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Evening event ticket orders can not be processed by mail. Please purchase your reserved seats through the Ticketmaster link on our website (Ticketmaster fees apply). No additional fees will be charged if purchased in person at the Fresno Convention Center Box Office: 700 ”M“ Street, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
More DetailsLecture ONLY TicketsVIP Reception + Lecture TicketsFeatured Lecture Sponsors
The Frances F. Ermoian Memorial Lecture
Ralph Ermoian Foundation &
Harry M. Ermoian Foundation
Sharon Hanley Lecture
Educational Employees Credit Union
Cicely Elahi Roberts MD JD
Sierra Pacific Orthopedics
Bob Smittcamp
Bernice and Jack Woolf Lecture
Be Part of Something Special
We appreciate the generosity of the individual and corporate lecture sponsors, benefactors, underwriters, and patrons who make it possible for us to continue the tradition of bringing outstanding speakers to the Central Valley.