Welcome to our list of the best AI speakers of 2026.
As we step into 2026, the landscape of artificial intelligence continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, reshaping industries and redefining the boundaries of innovation. In this dynamic environment, the role of keynote speakers has never been more critical.
These thought leaders not only illuminate the complexities of AI but also inspire audiences with their visionary insights and practical applications. From groundbreaking researchers to industry pioneers, the best AI keynote speakers of 2025 are poised to captivate and educate, offering a glimpse into the future of technology and its implications for society.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the most influential voices in the AI space this year, highlighting their contributions, unique perspectives, and the transformative ideas they bring to the forefront of discussions on artificial intelligence. Whether you are an industry professional seeking to stay ahead of the curve or an enthusiast eager to understand the latest trends, these speakers are sure to provide invaluable knowledge and inspiration. Join us as we delve into the profiles of these remarkable individuals who are shaping the narrative around AI in 2026 and beyond.
Top 13 AI Keynote Speakers of 2026
Dan Chuparkoff
Dan Chuparkoff is a technology keynote speaker who helps organizations make AI practical, clear, and usable.
- Proven experience: Former leader at Google, McKinsey, and Atlassian
- What he speaks on: Applied AI, innovation, collaboration, and modern work
- Why he resonates: He translates complex tech into simple, actionable takeaways for non-technical teams
- What audiences leave with: Next steps they can use right away to improve productivity and performance
Charlene Li
Charlene Li is a leading voice on how technology is reshaping leadership and business transformation. With 30+ years of experience as an author, analyst, and entrepreneur, she has helped organizations navigate major shifts from the early internet era to today’s AI-driven workplace.
- What audiences get: Clear frameworks, real-world examples, and practical guidance leaders can use immediately
- Known for: Making complex tech trends simple, strategic, and actionable
- Core topics: AI and disruption, digital transformation, customer experience, and the future of work
- Where she’s spoken and advised: Adobe, Southwest Airlines, TED, and the World Economic Forum
Dr. Daniel Kraft
Dr. Daniel Kraft is a physician, scientist, and leading AI and healthcare keynote speaker known for making the future of medicine feel clear and close at hand. With training at Stanford and Harvard, multiple TED and TEDMED talks, and research published by NASA, he brings rare credibility and real-world perspective to every stage.
- Best for organizations that want: A forward-looking, practical view of what’s next in health and technology
- Deep expertise: Medicine, emerging tech, and applied AI in healthcare
- Trusted voice: 6-time TED speaker with extensive global speaking experience
- What makes him different: Customizes each keynote to match the audience and event goals
Shweta Maniar
Shweta Maniar delivers informative, engaging keynotes that help audiences understand where life sciences and healthcare technology are headed. Her expertise covers digital health, pharmaceutical innovation, medical devices, and how biotechnology is evolving with AI.
- Core expertise: Digital health, pharma advancements, medtech, biotech and AI integration
- Great fit for events on: Healthcare technology trends, data and analytics in biotech, wearables, and IoT-enabled diagnostics
- What audiences get: Clear connections between emerging trends and real-world industry applications
- How to tailor the talk: Schedule a pre-event Zoom to align on themes, priorities, and key takeaways
Chris Barton
Chris Barton, the visionary Founder & Creator of Shazam and a pivotal figure at Google and Dropbox, is celebrated as one of the best AI speakers. Known for his infectious optimism and ability to turn visionary ideas into reality, Barton has profoundly impacted how we interact with technology. His most famous innovation, Shazam, revolutionized music discovery and paved the way for consumer AI applications. Barton’s latest project, Guard, introduces an unprecedented use of AI to prevent drowning in pools. A sought-after keynote speaker, Chris captivates his audience with the Start From Zero approach, which involves questioning established norms and embracing innovative thinking. Moreover, his speeches are rich with insights on overcoming adversity and pushing beyond the limits to achieve extraordinary success. Barton’s compelling narratives inspire attendees to foster creativity and innovation in their own fields.
Dr. Adam Gazzaley
Dr. Adam Gazzaley, a renowned neuroscientist, AI speaker, and is the founder and executive director of Neuroscape at UCSF, where he also serves as a distinguished professor of neurology, physiology, and psychiatry. Over the last decade, Dr. Gazzaley has spearheaded groundbreaking research on the therapeutic potential of customized video games and VR technologies for treating mental health disorders such as ADHD, depression, and dementia.
Recognized globally as a leading authority on the impact of distractions and multitasking on the brain, Dr. Gazzaley frequently delivers keynote speeches that explore the challenges our brains face in today’s hyper-connected world. His talks delve into the cognitive limitations that arise from our evolutionary makeup and how these contribute to our struggles with interruptions from both internal and external sources. Dr. Gazzaley concludes his compelling presentations by offering actionable strategies for behavioral modification and shares innovative solutions from his research aimed at enhancing cognitive function to help individuals better manage and thrive in the information age.
Sam Rad
Samantha Radocchia, or Sam Rad, is a renowned futurist, anthropologist, entrepreneur, author, and top AI speaker recognized for her insightful predictions on how emerging technologies will reshape society. With a unique blend of expertise in technology and anthropology, she offers a grounded perspective on future innovations. Sam has co-founded several ventures, including LOVE, a Generative AI communication platform based in London, and Chronicled, a blockchain company in San Francisco aimed at enhancing trust in global commerce and supply chains. She is also the driving force behind Radical Next, a meta-media studio that crafts transformative stories and media productions.
Sam authored the #1 Best Seller Bitcoin Pizza: The No Bullshit Guide to Blockchain and occasionally writes for Forbes. A competitive skydiver with over 700 jumps, Sam embodies a truly radical spirit. Moreover, her pioneering work in Applied Cryptography and Blockchain systems, including her contributions to the development of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), has established her as a leading figure in linking the physical and digital worlds. In 2017, Forbes honored her on their 30 Under 30 list for Enterprise Technology.
Henry Coutinho-Mason
Henry Coutinho-Mason is a top AI speaker, bestselling author, and a foremost expert on consumer trends and organizational adaptation to change. With over a decade of experience as the managing director of TrendWatching, he has established himself as a global authority in identifying and analyzing consumer behaviors. Henry is the author of influential books such as Trend-Driven Innovation and The Future Normal, which explore groundbreaking ideas and the forces shaping the future of business and society.
As a sought-after speaker, Henry has delivered over 100 compelling keynotes and workshops in more than 30 countries, engaging with major corporations like J&J, Calvin Klein, Mastercard, and the Tata Group. Additionally, his presentations offer actionable insights on future consumer trends, designing people-first AI strategies, and cross-industry innovation. Each session is meticulously tailored to the specific industry and audience, enriched with practical case studies and actionable tactics. Henry also contributes as a guest lecturer at HEC Business School in Paris, further influencing the next generation of business leaders.
Cassie Kozyrkov
Cassie Kozyrkov is a renowned data scientist and artificial intelligence speaker. Moreover, she was the pioneering Chief Decision Scientist at Google, now serving as CEO of Data Scientific. Recognized globally as a top keynote speaker, she specializes in AI, machine learning, and decision-making. With her extensive expertise, Cassie has been instrumental in introducing Decision Intelligence at Google and continues to lead initiatives that enhance data-driven decision-making and AI strategy through her company. Moreover, her talks provide deep insights into AI, decision-making frameworks, behavioral economics, and psychology, offering practical guidance for business leaders on leveraging artificial intelligence effectively. Cassie’s work not only shapes how organizations approach complex decisions but also advances the field of cognitive enhancement through technology.
Jim Carroll
Jim Carroll is a top-booked futurist and AI keynote speaker who specializes in providing precise, tailored insights into the trends and innovations shaping various industries. With his deep understanding of disruptive and accelerating futures, Jim’s presentations offer detailed forecasts on specific industry trends that are essential for staying ahead in today’s fast-paced, complex world. Organizations book Jim Carroll for his ability to deliver strategies that align with these emerging trends, leveraging his extensive research across a wide array of sources including industry reports, news media, and academic papers. Moreover, his expertise covers over 100 topics, including artificial intelligence, digital twin technology, advanced genomics, and material science. To book Jim Carroll for your next corporate or private event, contact the Mollie Plotkin Group to discuss his availability and fees.
Zack Kass
Zack Kass is one of the most influential voices helping organizations understand the practical implications of artificial intelligence. As the former Head of Go-To-Market at OpenAI, he played a key role in bringing transformative AI technologies to businesses around the world and worked at the forefront of the generative AI revolution.
Known for his optimistic and human-centered perspective, Kass helps leaders cut through the noise surrounding AI and focus on the opportunities that matter most. His keynotes explore how artificial intelligence will reshape business strategy, workforce productivity, innovation, and the future of human potential. Rather than focusing solely on technology, he challenges audiences to think about how organizations can thrive in an era of unprecedented change.
A highly sought-after keynote speaker, Kass has advised executives, entrepreneurs, and global organizations on navigating disruption and preparing for an AI-powered future. Through engaging storytelling, real-world examples, and actionable insights, he helps audiences understand not just where AI is headed, but how they can position themselves to succeed alongside it.
James Taylor
James Taylor is a leading authority on creativity, innovation, and artificial intelligence, recognized globally for his expertise in these fields. As an award-winning keynote speaker, he has dedicated over two decades to teaching entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and renowned artists how to foster innovative environments. What’s more, his clients range from Grammy award-winning musicians and best-selling authors to Silicon Valley startups and forward-thinking multinationals. James Taylor has developed a unique framework for creativity that has been instrumental in driving exponential growth for individuals and organizations alike. His contributions to the field have earned him prestigious accolades such as The Modern ONTRApreneur Award and the S.D. Southern Award. James Taylor also holds a Masters in Business Administration, further underlining his deep understanding of both creative and business strategies.
Michael Rogers
Michael Rogers, an award-winning journalist, best-selling author, and acclaimed AI keynote speaker, is a prominent keynote speaker renowned for his insights on artificial intelligence and emergent technologies. Regularly featured on major media outlets like Good Morning America, the Today Show, and CNN, Rogers brings his expertise to a global audience. His speaking engagements have addressed top-tier organizations such as Boeing, GE, Microsoft, Pfizer, American Express, NASA, and the Department of Defense.
With a decade-long tenure as Vice President of The Washington Post Company’s new media division and pioneering interactive media projects with giants like LucasFilm and Apple, Rogers has left a significant mark on the tech world. He is also celebrated with inductions into the Magazine Industry Digital Hall of Fame and has received the World Technology Network Award for Lifetime Achievement in Media and Journalism. His latest publication, Email from the Future: Notes from 2084, explores futuristic insights and is available in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook formats.
Hire the Best AI Keynote Speakers
With our extensive experience and deep connections, we can help you identify the right speakers who align with your event’s theme and objectives. Moreover, we handle all the logistics involved in securing these esteemed speakers for your event, ensuring a seamless process from start to finish.
We understand that every corporate event is unique and requires a tailored approach. That’s why we work closely with you to understand your specific needs and expectations.
Remember, the right speaker can transform an ordinary corporate event into an extraordinary one. So don’t settle for anything less than the best AI keynote speakers. Contact us today at the Mollie Plotkin Group to start planning your next inspiring corporate event.