Looking for a subject matter expert or keynote speaker to elevate your next convention? Contact the Mollie Plotkin Group today to book a world-class keynote speaker who will engage, inspire, and leave a lasting impact on your audience.
At MPG, we specialize in securing top-tier keynote speakers for conventions, expos, and industry events across the globe. From Fortune 500 summits to exclusive corporate retreats, we have worked with organizations of all sizes to bring leading talent to the stage. With this experience, we understand exactly what makes a keynote speaker stand out—thought leadership, audience engagement, and lasting impact.
With that in mind, we have carefully selected the following top convention speakers of 2025. These speakers bring a wealth of expertise in fields ranging from supply chain management and artificial intelligence to psychology, digital marketing, and fitness. Whether you’re looking to inspire a sales team, engage an executive audience, or energize an industry-wide event, these speakers will help make your convention unforgettable.
What makes a great convention speaker?
To uncover what truly defines a great convention speaker—and to shed light on our meticulous selection process—we turned to one of the world’s foremost futurists and strategic visionaries, Matthew Griffin, founder of the 311 Institute. With his deep expertise in emerging technologies and their impact on global industries, Griffin provided invaluable insights into the qualities that set exceptional speakers apart.
1. Expertise That Commands Attention
“Audiences aren’t coming to an event to learn what they already know and see what they’ve already seen,” says Griffin. A truly impactful speaker is a recognized subject matter expert with both depth and breadth of knowledge in their field. Their insights should challenge conventional thinking, introduce fresh perspectives, and offer valuable takeaways that leave a lasting impression.
2. The Art of Performance and Connection
The most memorable convention speakers go beyond simply delivering a speech—they create an experience. Whether through storytelling, humor, or dynamic delivery, they establish a genuine connection with their audience. The best speakers engage each listener on a personal level, making them feel seen, heard, and inspired to take action.
3. Cultivating a Space for Innovation
A great speaker doesn’t just inform—they ignite imagination. Conventions provide a unique opportunity for attendees to step away from their daily routines and explore bold, forward-thinking ideas without fear of judgment. The best speakers create an environment where curiosity thrives, encouraging audiences to embrace new possibilities and challenge the status quo.
Beyond the Ordinary: What Sets a Great AI Keynote Apart
A great convention speaker doesn’t just share information—they challenge expectations and offer unique insights that transform the way audiences think. This is especially important for popular topics like cyber security and supply chain management.
Take AI, for example. One of the hottest topics in recent years, it has been the subject of countless keynotes. Yet, as Matthew Griffin points out, if you were to watch 100 of these speeches, 80–90% would cover the exact same material—often a generic, boilerplate presentation that fails to inspire:
- AI Today – Large Language Models (LLMs)
- AI Tomorrow – Agentic AI
- The Future of AI – Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)
Griffin, however, takes a different approach. He doesn’t just repeat industry buzzwords; he provides clear, thought-provoking frameworks to help audiences truly grasp the evolution of AI.
To make complex ideas tangible, Griffin grounds his audience with familiar benchmarks. For instance, he might compare AI’s intelligence to human IQ. Today’s AI, like ChatGPT, has an estimated IQ of 155—but by 2028, Artificial General Intelligence could surpass an IQ of 1,600. With this striking comparison, audiences aren’t just hearing about AI’s future—they’re visualizing its exponential growth and beginning to form their own insights about what’s coming next.This ability to break down complexity, challenge assumptions, and spark curiosity is what separates an average speaker from a truly exceptional one.
Top 18 Convention Speakers of 2025
Matthew Griffin
Matthew Griffin isn’t just a futurist—he’s a strategic visionary shaping the conversation around the future of technology, business, and society. As the founder of the 311 Institute, he doesn’t deal in vague predictions; he delivers clear, data-driven insights that help organizations prepare for the rapid pace of innovation.
His talks don’t just explore AI, automation, or the future of work—they challenge conventional wisdom and push audiences to rethink what’s possible. With a talent for breaking down complex ideas into eye-opening concepts, Griffin makes the future feel tangible. From exploring AI’s trajectory to redefining how industries will evolve in the coming decades, his keynotes leave audiences with more than just knowledge—they walk away with a new way of seeing the world.
He’s a great pick for a convention because he doesn’t just inform—he provokes, engages, and sparks curiosity. If your event needs a speaker who will shake up perspectives and ignite conversations long after the conference ends, Matthew Griffin is that speaker.
Dr. Jody Carrington
Dr. Jody Carrington is a renowned psychologist, bestselling author, and keynote speaker celebrated for her expertise in fostering authentic human connections. She addresses topics such as reconnection, mental health, leadership, and resilience, offering audiences practical strategies to navigate challenges and build meaningful relationships. Her dynamic and humorous approach makes complex psychological concepts accessible and engaging. Dr. Carrington is an excellent choice for conventions because her insights resonate across various industries, inspiring attendees to cultivate healthier personal and professional interactions.
Dr. Yossi Sheffi
Dr. Yossi Sheffi is a leading expert in supply chain management, logistics, and risk resilience, serving as a professor at MIT and director of the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics. He speaks about global supply chains, sustainability, AI-driven logistics, and how businesses can navigate disruption in an unpredictable world. His research and real-world experience provide actionable insights for companies looking to build more agile and resilient operations.\
For businesses looking to future-proof their supply chains and stay ahead of industry shifts, Dr. Sheffi offers a masterclass in risk management, efficiency, and sustainability. His ability to translate complex logistics challenges into clear, actionable solutions makes him an essential speaker for conventions navigating modern global trade.
Amy Cuddy
Amy Cuddy is a social psychologist, bestselling author, and expert on body language, confidence, and human connection. Her groundbreaking research on power poses and presence has changed the way individuals and organizations think about self-perception, leadership, and influence. With one of the most-watched TED Talks of all time, she has captivated audiences worldwide with her insights into how small shifts in behavior can create big changes in confidence and success.
Cuddy is an ideal speaker for organizations that want to empower their teams to communicate with confidence and lead with impact. By blending science with storytelling, she delivers keynotes that are both engaging and practical, leaving audiences with tools to step into their power, communicate effectively, and thrive under pressure.
Rachel DeAlto, JD
Rachel DeAlto is a relationship and communication expert, bestselling author, and keynote speaker, known for helping individuals and organizations build authentic connections. She speaks about emotional intelligence, leadership presence, and the power of effective communication in personal and professional success. Her insights provide audiences with actionable strategies to foster trust, confidence, and deeper human connections.
For events focused on leadership, workplace culture, or team dynamics, Rachel brings a warm, relatable, and interactive approach that resonates with audiences at all levels. Her expertise in navigating complex human interactions makes her an excellent speaker for corporate events, leadership summits, and team-building conventions.
AK Ikwuakor
AK Ikwuakor, known as Coach AK, is a former world-class athlete, leadership coach, and corporate strategist who helps individuals and organizations unlock their full potential. He speaks about high-performance mindset, resilience, leadership, and navigating change in competitive environments. His dynamic approach blends storytelling, sports psychology, and business strategy to inspire actionable growth.
For audiences seeking motivation, peak performance strategies, and leadership development, Coach AK delivers high-energy, transformative experiences that leave attendees feeling empowered and ready to take action. His ability to connect across industries and backgrounds makes him a standout speaker for leadership workshops, corporate events, and high-impact conferences.
Leslie Maxie
Leslie Maxie is an Olympian, lifestyle entrepreneur, and former sportscaster who shares her powerful story of perseverance and peak performance. Drawing from her experiences in competitive sports and media, she delivers high-energy talks on discipline, goal-setting, and overcoming challenges, making her an inspiring speaker for corporate, leadership, and personal growth conventions.
Tobias Ellwood
Tobias Ellwood is a former British Army officer, Member of Parliament, and global security expert known for his insights on geopolitics, defense strategy, and international relations. He speaks about global security challenges, leadership in crisis, and the future of diplomacy in an unpredictable world. His experience in government and military service provides a unique perspective on navigating complex political and security landscapes.
Ellwood is an excellent choice for conventions where audiences need a clear and informed perspective on today’s geopolitical uncertainties, leadership in high-stakes situations, and the global forces shaping our future.
Nathalie van Sasse van Ysselt
Nathalie van Sasse van Ysselt is an executive creative leader specializing in innovation, immersive experiences, and brand storytelling. With a background that includes leadership roles at Sphere and Moment Factory, she speaks about the intersection of technology, entertainment, and experiential design, helping brands create unforgettable, cutting-edge experiences.
For organizations looking to redefine audience engagement and push the boundaries of storytelling, Nathalie is an ideal speaker. Her ability to merge creativity with emerging technology makes her a standout voice in the evolving world of immersive brand experiences.
Book Nathalie van Sasse van Ysselt
Dr. Daniel Kraft
Dr. Daniel Kraft is a physician-scientist, inventor, and globally recognized expert in healthcare innovation and exponential technologies. He speaks about the future of medicine, digital health, AI-driven diagnostics, and how emerging technologies are revolutionizing patient care and the healthcare industry. His work explores the intersection of biotechnology, robotics, and personalized medicine to improve global health outcomes.
For organizations shaping the next generation of healthcare, biotech, or medical innovation, Dr. Kraft offers a forward-thinking perspective that is both inspiring and deeply informative. His ability to demystify complex medical advancements ensures audiences walk away with a clear understanding of where medicine is headed.
Charlene Li
Charlene Li is a renowned business strategist, bestselling author, and expert in digital transformation and leadership. She speaks about disruptive innovation, the future of work, and how organizations can embrace change to stay competitive in a fast-evolving digital world. With decades of experience advising top executives, she provides actionable strategies for companies looking to lead through disruption.
She is a great pick for a convention because her insights on leadership, technology, and business transformation empower organizations to rethink their strategies and cultivate a culture of innovation that drives long-term success.
Dr. Frederik G. Pferdt
Dr. Frederik G. Pferdt is a leading expert on innovation, creativity, and the future of work, best known for his role as Google’s first Chief Innovation Evangelist. He speaks about how organizations can foster a culture of experimentation, unlock creative potential, and embrace the mindsets necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world. His approach combines insights from behavioral science, leadership development, and emerging technology to help businesses think differently and adapt to the future with confidence.
For organizations looking to fuel innovation and drive meaningful change, Dr. Pferdt delivers an experience that is both thought-provoking and transformative. His engaging, interactive keynotes encourage audiences to reimagine how they approach challenges, collaboration, and creative breakthroughs.
Sam Rad
Sam Rad is a futurist, technology strategist, and global keynote speaker, known for her expertise in emerging tech, AI, and the future of human-machine collaboration. She speaks about how disruptive innovations are reshaping industries, the evolving digital landscape, and the impact of AI on business and society. Her insights help organizations prepare for the rapidly changing future by embracing adaptability and strategic foresight.
Sam is an exceptional choice for organizations looking to stay ahead of technological disruption. With a dynamic, thought-provoking approach, she makes complex technological shifts engaging, accessible, and actionable, ensuring audiences leave with fresh perspectives and real-world strategies.
Dr. Cassie Kozyrkov
Cassie Kozyrkov is a leading expert in artificial intelligence, data science, and decision intelligence, known for her work as Google’s first Chief Decision Scientist. She speaks about the intersection of AI, human judgment, and data-driven decision-making, helping organizations harness technology while maintaining ethical and strategic oversight.
For businesses looking to build a competitive edge in the AI-driven world, Cassie delivers insightful, engaging, and accessible keynotes. Her ability to bridge the gap between complex analytics and practical business strategy empowers organizations to make smarter, more informed decisions in today’s data-driven landscape.
Barbara Corcoran
Barbara Corcoran is a real estate mogul, investor on “Shark Tank,” and entrepreneur who shares her lessons on business success, leadership, and overcoming setbacks. Her straightforward, no-nonsense approach makes her an exciting and motivational speaker for business, entrepreneurship, and leadership conventions.
Sekou Andrews
Sekou Andrews speaks about disruptive thinking, leadership, and the power of storytelling. As a poetic voice performer, he transforms keynotes into unforgettable experiences.
He is a great pick for a convention because his unique blend of poetry and business insights captivates audiences like no other.
Dr. Joshua Coleman
Dr. Joshua Coleman speaks about family dynamics, resilience, and workplace relationships. As a psychologist, he helps organizations foster stronger personal and professional connections.
He is a great fit for a convention because his expertise in human behavior offers valuable insights for leadership and team development.
Julie Wainwright
Julie Wainwright talks about entrepreneurship, brand reinvention, and leadership. As the founder of The RealReal, she shares her experiences in disrupting the luxury fashion industry.
She is a great pick for a convention because her story of resilience and business transformation resonates with aspiring entrepreneurs and executives alike.
How to Hire Top Convention Speakers
The right speaker doesn’t just fill a slot on the agenda—they shape the experience, energize the audience, and leave a lasting impact. A great keynote can spark new ideas, challenge perspectives, and set the tone for meaningful conversations long after the event is over.
At the Mollie Plotkin Group, we specialize in connecting organizations with world-class speakers who inspire, inform, and engage. Whether you need an expert in business, technology, leadership, or personal development, these speakers bring the insights and presence to elevate your convention.
If you’re planning an event and want a speaker who will truly resonate with your audience, start here. These thought leaders are among the best in the industry, ready to deliver unforgettable keynotes that make your convention stand out.
