Table of Contents
Introduction
Are you looking for dynamic corporate event speakers who can captivate your audience and inspire transformative change at your next corporate event?
Identifying speakers who can truly connect and deliver messages that resonate can be a game-changer for your business.
Dive into our curated list of the 15 best corporate keynote speakers who can elevate your event to the next level.
Top 15 Motivational Speakers for Corporate Events
Discover our top speaker picks for your next event. See someone of interest? Just click the button below to make contact.
1. John Imah: Entrepreneur, Tech Advisor, Gaming & Brand Strategy Expert
John Imah is a multifaceted and accomplished executive leader with an extensive background in the technology and media industries, possessing a wealth of expertise that encompasses a diverse range of sectors beyond gaming. Throughout his distinguished career, John has held pivotal executive positions at leading companies such as Snap Inc., Meta, and Amazon/Twitch and many more, where he has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of technology and media.
2. Kendra Scott: Philanthropist and Founder & Executive Chairwoman of Kendra Scott, LLC
Designer, CEO and philanthropist, Kendra Scott started her company in 2002, with only $500 and just three months after her first son was born. Going door to door at boutiques armed with only a tea box full of her jewelry, Kendra wowed potential customers with her infectious personality and unique eye for design. The foundation of Kendra’s success has been her innate ability to utilize natural stones and custom designed shapes, which has brought her from a small start-up to a multi-million dollar business loved globally. Kendra has created collections of timeless pieces that have won over loyal fans, media and celebrities alike.
3. Daymond John: Founder & CEO of FUBU, Star of ABC’s Shark Tank
From humble beginnings to a self-made multimillionaire with over $6 billion to date in global product sales and a starring role on ABC’s business reality TV show, Shark Tank. As “The People’s Shark“, Daymond continues to set standards of excellence while expanding his interests in fashion, branding, marketing, consulting, entertainment, and beyond.
4. Justin Kan: Twitch Co-Founder
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.
5. Danny Meyer: Founder & Executive Chairman of The Union Square Hospitality Group
Danny Meyer is the CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group and the founder of Shake Shack. Danny, his restaurants and chefs have earned an unprecedented 28 James Beard Awards, and in 2015, Danny was named to the TIME 100 list of the Most Influential People in the World.
6. 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.
7. Eddie Huang: Celebrity Chef, Best-Selling Author and Host for VICE and MTV
Celebrity chef. Charismatic host of Huang’s World on VICE. Bestselling author of Fresh Off the Boat—adapted into the groundbreaking hit ABC sitcom—as well as Double Cup Love. Yes, entrepreneur EDDIE HUANG is many things, but beneath each incarnation is an irresistible story of entrepreneurship and self-made success. He speaks on how embracing cultural diversity—your own story—is vital if we want to grow as people, and as a society.
8. Roy Choi: Owner & Chef, Kogi Truck
Roy Choi is best known as the godfather of the Food Truck Movement, as co-owner, co-founder and chef of the celebrated Kogi Truck.
9. Dawn Dickson: Serial Entrepreneur and Inventor, Automated Retail & WEB3 Pioneer
Dawn Dickson is a serial entrepreneur and inventor with over 20 years of experience in technology and business development. She has founded six successful cash-flow-positive companies since 2001, including Flat Out of Heels (2011) and PopCom (2017), and has successfully exited one company (Lifestyle Cafe, 2021). Dawn is the first female founder globally to raise over $1M in a secure token offering under a Reg CF of the JOBS Act. She is considered to be a pioneer in Web3 and equity crowdfunding and her company PopCom leverages AI, facial recognition, and blockchain technology to revolutionize retail.
10. Jesse Itzler: Entrepreneur and Author
JESSE ITZLER only eats fruit ’til noon, loves Run-D.M.C., and enjoys living life “out of the box.” In fact, he doesn’t even have a box. The author of the New York Times bestseller, Living with a Seal, cofounded Marquis Jet, the world’s largest private jet card company which he and his partner sold to Berkshire Hathaway/NetJets. Jesse then partnered with Zico coconut water, which he and his partner sold to The Coca-Cola Company.
11. Shabnam Mogharabi: Entrepreneur, Entertainment Executive & Author
Shabnam Mogharabi is an entertainment entrepreneur, author, and journalist with more than 20 years of experience in media and storytelling. She is a lifelong student of positive psychology and an expert on how to create socially impactful and entertaining content.
12. Kristen Kish: Winner of “Top Chef Season 10: Seattle,” Co-host of “36 Hours” on the Travel Channel, Cookbook Author
Kristen Kish is a Korean-American chef who is best known for winning the 10th season of the competition television series “Top Chef.” She has since released her first cookbook, “Kristen Kish Cooking”. Kish has also been co-host of the Travel Channel show “36 Hours”, which in each episode Kish and Kyle Martino have 36 hours to explore a different cities foods and attractions to show off what they have to offer.
13. Barbara Corcoran: Founder of The Corcoran Group & Shark on ABC’s “Shark Tank”
Entrepreneurs, business managers and salespeople alike benefit from lessons on how to get people moving on the path to greatness. Barbara is an expert in the art of leading a team to success and how to build a successful business.
14. Kindra Hall: Expert Storyteller, Columnist, Author
Kindra Hall is President and Chief Storytelling Officer at Steller Collective, a consulting firm focused on the strategic application of storytelling to today’s communication challenges. Kindra is one of the most sought-after keynote speakers for business events trusted by global brands to deliver presentations and trainings that inspire teams and individuals to better communicate the value of their company, their products, and their individuality through strategic storytelling.
15. Alex Rodriguez: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of A-Rod Corp
Alex Rodriguez is a businessman and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of A-Rod Corp, a broad-based investment firm that bets on world-class startups and partners with leading global companies across the real estate, health and wellness, technology, and sports & entertainment industries. While best known as one of the world’s greatest athletes (a 14x MLB All-Star and a 2009 World Series Champion with the New York Yankees), for more than 25 years, Alex leads a team of experts building high-growth businesses and is co-owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
How to Choose the Right Business Event Speaker for Your Event
Selecting the ideal keynote speaker is a critical step in ensuring your event resonates with your audience and meets its objectives. It’s not just about the name but aligning the speaker’s expertise with your audience’s needs and your event goals. Here’s a streamlined approach to making this vital decision:
Understanding Your Audience
Know who your audience is, what challenges they face, and what inspiration they seek. This understanding will guide you in choosing a speaker who can connect and communicate effectively, ensuring the message not only reaches them but also moves them.
Aligning with Event Goals
Your event’s objectives should dictate your choice of speaker. If fostering innovation is the goal, a speaker known for disruptive thinking in your industry might be ideal. Aligning the speaker’s message with your event’s aims is key to creating moments that inspire and engage.
Logistics and Engagement
Considerations such as budget, availability, and the speaker’s engagement level with the audience are crucial. Collaborating with a booking agency like Gotham Artists can simplify this process. We bring expertise and an extensive network to the table, helping you navigate the logistics and find a speaker who complements your event perfectly.
Leveraging Expertise from Agencies
A partnership with a speakers’ bureau like ours can provide access to a wide range of speakers and valuable insights into the most effective ways to engage your audience. Our experience in negotiations and understanding of contractual nuances can be indispensable in ensuring your chosen speaker delivers value beyond the keynote address.
In essence, the right corporate speaker can transform your event, and carefully considering your audience, your goals, and practical logistics, with the support of a seasoned agency, will set the stage for a successful and memorable experience.
Navigating Challenges in Speaker Selection and Event Execution
Choosing and working with corporate keynote speakers involves careful planning and foresight. Event organizers often face challenges related to budget constraints and the logistics of event execution. Here’s how to navigate these common hurdles:
Overcoming Budget Constraints
Budget often dictates the pool of business event speakers you can consider. However, limitations in funds don’t have to limit the impact of your event. Here are strategies to maximize your resources:
- Negotiate Speaker Fees: Don’t hesitate to discuss fees with speakers or their representatives. Many are willing to negotiate, especially if they’re passionate about the event’s theme or see value in reaching your audience.
- Explore Rising Talents: Emerging voices in your industry may offer fresh perspectives at a more affordable rate. These speakers are often eager to share their insights and build their reputations.
- Seek Sponsorships: Partner with businesses looking to reach the same audience. They might cover part or all of the speaker’s fee in exchange for branding opportunities at your event.
- Virtual Engagements: Consider a virtual or hybrid format. Without the need for travel and accommodation, you can allocate more of your budget to securing the right speaker.
Ensuring a Smooth Event Execution
A flawless event day requires meticulous planning and backup strategies. Here are key considerations to ensure everything runs smoothly:
- Technical Setup: Confirm the technical requirements of your speaker’s presentation well in advance. Test audio-visual equipment, internet connections, and any special software or platforms needed.
- Logistics Coordination: Stay in close communication with the speaker and their team. Confirm travel arrangements, accommodation, and the schedule of the day to prevent any last-minute hiccups.
- Contingency Planning: Always have a plan B. From backup corporate keynote speakers to additional technical support on standby, be prepared for unforeseen changes or challenges.
- Audience Engagement Tools: Ensure interactive elements like Q&A sessions, live polls, or social media interaction are set up and tested. These tools not only engage but also provide valuable feedback for future events.
Below is a table that provides a quick reference for event organizers to efficiently address the common challenges faced when hiring corporate keynote speakers, ensuring both the selection process and the event day itself run as smoothly as possible.
| Challenge | Strategy |
|---|---|
| Overcoming Budget Constraints | – Negotiate speaker fees – Explore rising talents – Seek sponsorships – Consider virtual engagements |
| Ensuring a Smooth Event Execution | – Confirm technical requirements in advance – Coordinate logistics with the speaker – Have a contingency plan – Utilize audience engagement tools |
Facing these challenges with strategic planning and creative solutions can not only help you navigate through budget and execution hurdles but also enhance the overall experience of your event. Remember, the goal is to deliver a memorable and impactful event that resonates with your audience long after it concludes.
Finding and Hiring Corporate Keynote Speakers Made Simple
Navigating the complexities of selecting and working with the right corporate keynote speaker can be streamlined with the right partner. Gotham Artists specializes in connecting event organizers with speakers who not only fit their event’s theme and budget but also leave a lasting impact on their audience.
Contact us to ensure a simplified, efficient process for finding and hiring the perfect keynote speaker, transforming your event into an unforgettable experience.
FAQs
How far in advance should I book corporate keynote speakers?
It’s advisable to start your search and booking process as early as possible, ideally 6 to 12 months before your event. This timeframe allows you to secure your preferred speaker, as top professionals often have busy schedules. Early planning also provides ample time for negotiations, logistical arrangements, and promoting the speaker’s participation to maximize event attendance.
How can we maximize the impact of a keynote speaker at our corporate event?
To maximize the impact of your keynote speaker, promote their participation well in advance through social media, emails, and your event website. Consider organizing pre-event activities such as webinars or Q&A sessions to build anticipation. During the event, engage your audience with interactive sessions like live polls or Q&A to foster a connection. After the event, share key takeaways and content snippets to sustain the momentum and reinforce the message.
How do I ensure the speaker’s message aligns with my company’s values and event goals?
Conduct thorough research on potential corporate keynote speakers, including reviewing past speeches, publications, and feedback from previous engagements. Before booking, have a detailed discussion with the speaker about your event’s objectives, your company’s values, and the key message you wish to convey. This alignment is crucial for delivering a coherent and impactful message to your audience.
