Your resource for finding the best of the stage
Savvy meeting professionals know that there is no one best speaker in the world. The perfect face for your event is one who aligns with the vision of your program, delivers your message in a memorable way, fits your budget and works with you to achieve your attendance, visibility and program goals. Still, your fellow meeting professionals can be a treasure trove of knowledge when it comes to finding that perfect fit.
That is why we asked the Smart Meetings Community to name the speakers that delivered for them at programs large and small across the country. From AI to Wellness, these keynotes mastered the stage with expertise and inspiration. We narrowed down the list to the people who focused on the topics you say you are looking for and asked them some questions about how they work with planners as an extension of your team. Along with the winners from last year’s Smart Speaker Awards, this year’s list is filled with partners who will energize, enlighten and engage.
We’re proud to share them with you in a handy resource grouped based on blockbuster presenters and topics in the limelight today.
Keep the sharing going. Give a shout out to your favorite speakers in The Smart Connection on LinkedIn.
– JT Long
For tips on how to best work with speakers, check out An Insider’s Guide to Working with Talent.
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2023 Smart Speakers
Author of “Fear is My Homeboy”, host of the “Yes, And” podcast and alum of Second City Chicago’s Conservatory
World-class concert artist and author uses her insight and talent to help audiences find 360-degree personal development and strategic transformation
Women’s Basketball Commentator who speaks on resiliency, perseverance and empathetic leadership after helping her 12-year-old through a brain tumor and blindness
Former NFL player turned entrepreneur speaks on perseverance, leadership and teamwork
Host and contestant on American Ninja Warrior and author of ‘Be The Unstoppable You”
Former magician and father who always dreams big
Magician and TEDx speaker on executive presence and making magical moments
Entertainer, media personality with a passion for servant leadership speaks on emotional intelligence, motivation, mental health and sales performance
A C-suite executive who speaks on emerging technology, foresight strategies, sustainability and empowerment
Member of the National Speakers Association and the Black Speakers Network, her superpower is E-factor, energy, engagement and excitement
A hospitality veteran and author of Weird Girl Adventures who speaks about belonging
Author of “Rethink Work: A practical Guide to Finding and Keeping the Right Talent” speaks on the future of work, leadership and employee engagement
Using evidence-based insights, speaks about courage, resilience, motivation, empowerment and leadership
A professional training expert who speaks about leadership, sales and communications
An executive who gave it all up to live with a service mindset speaks on the power of paying-it-forward, kindness and gratitude
Chair of SEARCH and hospitality executive speaks about critical leadership, powerful communication for women and creating team culture
New York Times contributor and host of The Everyday Mindfulness Show, she started in non-profits and now curates experiential events that change hearts, minds and companies using a combination of strategic visio and mindful leadership practices
This article appears in the July/August 2024 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
