Top Speaker Trends for Business Events in 2025
Let’s face it: planning business events in 2025 and 2026 is not for the faint-hearted. Between AI taking over (almost) everything, shifting workplace values, and employees demanding more than a free lanyard and a sad sandwich at lunch, event organizers have their work cut out. The good news? The right keynote speakers for business events can bring your event to life — and I’m here to share what’s hot on the speaker circuit this year. So, grab a coffee (or something stronger) — here’s what’s trending in the world of business event speakers for the last quarter of 2025 and beyond.
1. Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies
AI isn’t just a buzzword anymore — it’s transforming everything from decision-making to customer experience. Business audiences want speakers who can break down the tech without the confusion or jargon.
⭐ Notable speakers:
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NINA SHICK – A renowned thought leader in Generative AI, guides global conversations on how artificial intelligence is reshaping society, politics, and power dynamics.
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KAY FIRTH-BUTTERFIELD – AI ethics guru and — because someone needs to talk about AI’s moral compass.
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NEIL PATEL – E-Commerce wizard with a crystal ball on AI and customer behaviour.
2. Emotional Intelligence, Wellness, and Resilience
Let’s be honest: the modern workplace can feel like a rollercoaster without a seatbelt. Why do you think employee’s want to stay at home? Hardly anyone we’ve talked to is keen to return to the office! That’s why emotional intelligence, well-being, and resilience are evergreen topics. Speakers here help your audience handle stress, lead with heart, and stay sane in a fast-changing world.
3. Leadership During Change and Uncertainty
It’s all about leading when the going gets tough (and let’s be real, the going is always tough these days). The best speakers on this theme blend real-world experience with research-backed strategies to help leaders guide teams through turbulence without losing their minds — or their people.
4. Change Management and Communication
Because nothing says “2025” like trying to communicate across five generations and two time zones on Slack. Speakers on this topic help break silos, improve collaboration, and make sure messages don’t get lost in translation (or buried under emojis).
5. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
No longer a tick-box exercise. The best DEI speakers bring creative strategies and authentic insight on building inclusive cultures, addressing bias, and actually walking the talk. We know it’s not on the top of the list everywhere but it is a huge priority.
6. Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility
If your event doesn’t address sustainability, you’re missing the boat (and the next generation of customers). Speakers here focus on practical steps: reducing environmental impact, adopting renewable energy, and building responsible supply chains.
7. The Future of Work and Talent Strategy
Hybrid workforces. Talent wars. Skills gaps. It’s a lot. Speakers covering future of work help organizations adapt, attract great people, and future-proof their teams.
8. Customer Experience and Innovation
Data, tech, and customer love — the magic trio.
These speakers show how to leverage analytics and creativity to build customer loyalty and spark growth.
9. Data-Driven Decision Making
Gone are the days of gut-feel strategies (mostly). Speakers here teach how to turn analytics into action — because what’s the point of dashboards if no one knows what to do with them?
10. Personalization, Community, and Connection
People want to feel seen, heard, and valued — at work and at events. These speakers inspire companies to build authentic engagement and genuine connections that go beyond KPIs.
So on that note….
Here are a few names shaking things up so far in 2025:
Calum Chace or Dr. Kai-Fu Lee – AI, emerging tech, digital transformation without the jargon.
Nick Bostrom, Garry Kasparov Gary Marcus – AI ethics, leadership, autonomous systems.
Brian Solis, – eCommerce, AI, innovation — and how your customers really think.
Adam Grant – Emotional intelligence, brand magic,
Derek Thompson, –Ricardo Semler – Future of work, tech, media
Susan David– Grit, resilience, and why it matters (bestselling author).
William Nordhaus and Paul Romer – (Emerging markets, economics, Nobel-level insight)
Michelle Rozen – Change management, behavioural science (helps you actually change).
Reid Hoffman and Sanna Suvanto-Harsaae – (Business transformation, strategic planning, executive leadership) – Business strategy, leadership (author, sharp thinker).
Amy Webb and Monika Bielskyte – Futurism, AI, innovation (she sees what’s coming).
Tali Sharot – Well-being, psychology (your audience will love her).
Douglas Rushkoff and Jamie Bartlett – (Digital culture, future of business)
Ready to Book Your 2025 Fall Speaker?
At Oration Speakers, we help connect visionary thought leaders with business events that matter. No generic lists — just the right voices for your audience, your goals, and your budget.
👉 Let’s chat about your 2025 and 2006 event — contact us today to get started!
