Table of Contents
Introduction
Feeling stuck in the search for a tech speaker who not only knows their stuff but can also engage an audience?
It’s a common challenge among event organizers, leading to hours of research with often minimal results.
This article cuts through the noise, offering clear, actionable advice on finding and hiring the ideal technology keynote speaker—read on to simplify your search.
Top Technology Keynote Speakers for 2024
We’ve selected these top tech speakers for you. Interested in one? Click the button below to chat.
Michio Kaku: Renowned Physicist, Co-Founder of String Theory
Dr. Michio Kaku is an internationally recognized authority on theoretical physics and the environment and is co-founder of String Field Theory. Dr. Kaku’s engaging speaking style makes him one of the world’s foremost STEM advocates and science popularizers.
Jason Silva: Storyteller, Futurist, Keynote Speaker
Jason Silva is an Emmy-nominated and world renown TV personality, storyteller, filmmaker, and sought-after keynote speaker and futurist. Jason is known for hosting 5 seasons of the Emmy-nominated, global hit TV series Brain Games, on the National Geographic Channel, broadcasted in over 171 countries. A global keynote speaker, Jason has given talks at events for Microsoft, Intel, Cisco, Oracle, Adobe, Electronic Arts, Cannes Lions, Tribeca Film Festival, National Geographic, Discovery Channel, 20th Century Fox, Cosmopolitan, PHD Worldwide, Google Zeirgesit, TED Global, The Economist, and more.
John Imah: Entrepreneur, Tech Advisor, Gaming & Brand Strategy Expert
John Imah is the Head of Brand & Games Partnerships at Snap Inc. John has led massive teams at scale and has been employed at some of the world’s biggest tech companies, including Facebook/Instagram, Snapchat, Amazon, and Twitch, where he worked with top brands, agencies, celebrities, and influencers. John currently serves as an executive at Snapchat, leading overseeing Snapchat’s Gaming and Brand strategy, partnerships, and business development. He is also a tech advisor for start-ups and many of Hollywood’s A-list celebrities, such as Kevin Hart, Martin Lawrence, The Boondocks’ creator Aaron McGruder, and many more.
Justin Kan: C0-Founder, Twitch
As the co-founder of Twitch–the internet’s most popular live streaming platform–no one is more comfortable in the world of virtual events than Justin Kan. Justin can teach you how to thrive in a digital world. In 2007, Justin co-founded Justin.tv, a 24/7 live video feed of his life, broadcast via a webcam attached to his head. Justin.tv then transitioned to providing a platform so anyone could publish a live video stream and soon became one of the largest live video platforms in the world with more than 30 million unique users every month. After seeing that gaming had become the most popular content on the site, Justin spun-off gaming content to its own home, TwitchTV, instantly becoming the world’s leading live streaming platform for gamers. Twitch launched officially in June 2011 and was acquired by Amazon.com in August 2014 for $970 million dollars.
Paige Holland-Thielen: Former SpaceX Employee
Paige Holland-Thielen is a leader of engineers, an operator of satellites, a dedicated friend, a dog and cat mom, a coffee enthusiast, and a maker of things.
Mackey McCandlish: Creative Designer Behind Call of Duty and Titanfall
Slava Rubin: Founder of Indiegogo
Slava Rubin is an entrepreneur and innovator in the fintech space for nearly 20 years. Slava built an alternative investment platform (Vincent), a venture fund (humbition, an equity and perks crowdfunding platform (Indiegogo) and an angel investment portfolio with multiple unicorns.
Jeff Greenspan: Creative Director, Writer and Comedian
Jeff Greenspan is best known for his comedic, political (and questionably legal) street art and pranks. His mischief has been shared by millions online, covered extensively by the press, and exhibited at museums and galleries. After working as an award-winning advertising creative for over 20 years, Jeff rose to become BuzzFeed’s first Chief Creative Officer. Nowadays, he performs standup all over the world and runs Chattabnooga’s “Carpetbagger’s Comedy Night,” a regularly sold-out show that brings together NYC comics and Southeast faves.
John McElligott: CEO of York Exponential, President of the Fortress Initiative and the Fortress Academy
John McElligott has always had a passion for helping and improving the quality of life of others. Known professionally as a Vision Caster and Technical Futurist, John believes that emerging technology represents an incredible opportunity for all of our citizens and that it is his responsibility to do what he can to expose our citizens to robotics and other technology in an effort to leave no community behind.
Josh Linkner: Serial Entrepreneur, New York Times Bestselling Author, and Venture Capital Investor
Josh Linkner is a New York Times bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, venture capital investor, professional jazz guitarist, and a globally-recognized innovation expert.
Alexa Clay: Researcher, Writer and Public Speaker
Alexa is a researcher, writer and public speaker on topics related to underground and grassroots innovation, technological change, economic transition, and the power of misfits. Her background is in ethnography, the history and philosophy of science, creative writing under poet Bob Creeley, and 18th and 19th century moral philosophy and economic theory. Currently, Alexa is the Director of the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce in the U.S.
Garry Kasparov: Legendary Chess Grandmaster
Garry Kasparov, a legend in the international sports arena for his 20-year reign as the world’s #1 chess player, Kasparov was also a pioneer thanks to his famous matches against the IBM super computer Deep Blue.
Brian David Johnson: Futurist & Director of Future Casting, Intel Corporation
The future is Brian David Johnson’s business. As chief futurist at Intel Corporation, his charter is to develop an actionable vision for computing in 2023. His work is called “future casting”–using ethnographic field studies, technology research, trend data and even science fiction to provide intel with a pragmatic vision of consumers and computing.
What to Consider When Hiring Technology Speakers
When you’re looking to hire a technology speaker, it’s not just about finding someone who can talk tech. There are a few key things you should keep in mind to ensure they’re the right fit for your event. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider, straight from our experience at Gotham Artists:
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Expertise | The speaker should be an expert in the specific tech topic of your event. They need to bring valuable insights and deep understanding to the table. |
| Audience Relevance | Their topics should resonate with your audience. Whether it’s a group of seasoned tech professionals or beginners, the content should be tailored to their level of understanding. |
| Speaking Style | A great speaker engages the audience. Watch videos of their past talks to gauge if they’re dynamic and interesting, or if they can turn a complex topic into something accessible and exciting. |
| Previous Engagements | Check out where they’ve spoken before. High-profile events on their resume? That’s usually a good sign they’re respected and can handle the spotlight. |
| Feedback and Reviews | Look for testimonials or ask around for feedback from previous events. Hearing what others have to say can be incredibly insightful. |
| Compatibility with Event Format | Some speakers are great in workshops, while others shine in large keynote presentations. Make sure their style matches your event’s format. |
| Availability and Cost | Obvious, but important. Can they fit into your event schedule? And does their fee align with your budget? |
These are the criteria we’ve found most important in selecting the perfect tech speaker for any event. It’s not just about the speaker’s knowledge, but also how they deliver that knowledge to your audience, making the event as impactful as possible.
Where to Find the Best Technology Speakers
Finding a great tech speaker can really make your event stand out. Here’s a no-nonsense guide on where to look:
- Industry Conferences and Seminars: Regularly attending or reviewing past major technology conferences, such as CES (Consumer Electronics Show) or TechCrunch Disrupt, can provide insights into speakers who have successfully engaged large audiences. These events often feature thought leaders at the forefront of technological innovation and trends.
- Professional Speaker Bureaus: Reputable speaker bureaus, specializing in technology topics, are invaluable resources. Companies like Gotham Artists curate a roster of experienced technology speakers, offering a wide range of expertise from blockchain technology to artificial intelligence, ensuring a perfect match for your event’s specific needs.
- Academic Institutions: Universities and tech institutes frequently host guest lectures by experts in the technology sector. Professors and visiting lecturers can provide deep insights into emerging technologies and research developments, offering a unique perspective to your event.
- Online Platforms and Social Media: Platforms like LinkedIn, TED Talks, and even YouTube host a wealth of technology talks and presentations. Speakers who are active on these platforms often share valuable content and insights, showcasing their expertise and speaking abilities.
- Recommendations from Peers: Leverage your network by asking for speaker recommendations from colleagues who have organized similar technology-focused events. First-hand accounts of a speaker’s impact and audience engagement can be incredibly telling.
- Tech Company Executives: Innovators, founders, and C-suite executives from successful tech companies often make excellent speakers, offering real-world insights into the technology landscape, entrepreneurship, and future trends.
Remember, you’re not just looking for anyone who knows a thing or two about technology. You want someone who can capture the audience’s attention and make your event memorable.
Hiring Technology Keynote Speakers the Easy Way
Hiring the right technology keynote speaker doesn’t have to be a daunting task.
At Gotham Artists, we leverage our extensive experience and a curated roster of tech experts to make finding the perfect match for your event effortless and straightforward. Trust us to bring the insights, engagement, and inspiration your audience deserves, simplifying your planning process every step of the way.
Reach out to us to simplify your speaker selection and bring unparalleled value to your audience.
FAQs
What information should I provide a speaker bureau when looking for a technology keynote speaker?
When reaching out to a speaker bureau like Gotham Artists, provide as much detail as possible about your event. This includes the event date, location, audience demographics (such as their tech expertise level), and what you’re hoping to achieve with the keynote speech (inspiration, education, etc.). The more information you give, the better they can match you with the perfect speaker.
Can I request a custom presentation from a tech speaker?
Absolutely. Many technology keynote speakers are more than willing to tailor their presentations to your specific event theme or audience’s needs. When you make your booking, discuss any particular topics, themes, or outcomes you’re aiming for. Be sure to provide this information well in advance, giving the speaker ample time to customize their content for maximum impact.
