Artificial Intelligence continues to redefine the way we live and lead in 2026. Its growing presence across business, government, and education has made it essential to understand not just the tools but the minds behind the movement. As the demand for expert guidance grows, so too does the importance of choosing the right speakers who can translate AI’s complexity into clarity and impact.
At Speakers Inc., we’ve curated a fresh list of five world-class speakers who are setting the tone for the global AI conversation in 2026. These individuals offer a rare mix of deep expertise, visionary leadership, and an ability to engage audiences across industries.
These are the voices shaping AI’s future and decoding its present making them the ideal keynote choices for events focused on innovation, leadership, policy, or digital transformation in 2026.

Zack Kass brings a unique blend of strategic insight and real-world experience to the AI conversation. Formerly Head of Go-To-Market at OpenAI, Zack has helped translate cutting-edge AI research into practical business strategies for organizations navigating digital transformation. His talks focus on demystifying artificial intelligence and equipping leaders with tools to leverage AI for innovation, growth, and competitive advantage. Whether unpacking how generative AI reshapes industries or outlining frameworks for ethical AI adoption, Zack’s keynotes are both actionable and inspiring for executive audiences.

Kay Firth-Butterfield is a globally recognized authority in AI governance, ethics, and human-centered technology. As an early pioneer in responsible AI, she served as the Head of AI and Machine Learning at the World Economic Forum and has guided organizations around the world on how to build trustworthy and ethical AI systems. Kay’s keynotes explore the moral, societal, and regulatory dimensions of artificial intelligence making complex discussions about fairness, accountability, and human impact both accessible and deeply relevant.

Futurist, author, and workforce transformation expert Elatia Abate helps audiences understand AI’s impact on work, leadership, and organizational culture. A seasoned strategist with a focus on human potential in the face of technological disruption, Elatia challenges traditional thinking about the future of careers and skills in an AI-driven world. Her presentations emphasize adaptability, resilience, and the strategic imagination needed to lead in times of exponential change. Elatia’s engaging style connects big ideas with practical advice that resonates with leaders across industries.

Azeem Azhar is the creator of Exponential View, one of the most influential technology newsletters globally, and a respected voice on how AI and other exponential technologies are reshaping business, society, and public policy. His keynote addresses often explore the broader systemic forces driving change especially how institutions and leaders can adapt to accelerating technological disruption. Azeem’s perspectives are rooted in deep analysis and a holistic view of technology’s role in economic and cultural transformation, making him an ideal speaker for audiences seeking big-picture AI context.

Dario Amodei is an AI researcher and entrepreneur widely recognized for his leadership in AI safety and large-scale model development. Co-founder and CEO of Anthropic, Dario advocates for building powerful AI systems that are also transparent, controllable, and aligned with human values. His talks tackle both the technical and ethical frontiers of AI helping audiences understand not just what AI is capable of, but how to ensure it evolves in ways that benefit society responsibly. Dario’s thought leadership bridges cutting-edge research with practical implications for innovation strategy, risk management, and governance.
Each of these speakers has their finger on the pulse of AI’s global trajectory. They represent diverse dimensions of the conversation from technical architecture and safe deployment to workforce evolution and ethical accountability. If your event aims to explore what’s next in leadership, innovation, or future thinking, these speakers offer the clarity, credibility, and impact your audience deserves.
At Speakers Inc., we believe in connecting visionary content with inspired audiences. Let us help you bring one of these AI trailblazers to your next event and shape the future, together.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and view our International site
Top Speaker Topics of 2025: What Today’s Events Are Looking For As Top Speaker Topics of 2025 unfolds, event planners are making more strategic decisions than ever when it comes to selecting speakers for conferences, summits, and leadership gatherings. Beyond simply delivering inspiration, today’s most in-demand speakers offer real-world insight, practical takeaways, and a dynamic […]
Top 5 Booked Speakers in South Africa, this winter through Speakers Inc South Africa, we’re tracking the pulse of the event market and this quarter the bookings tell a clear story: South African organisations are looking for leadership, transformation and authentic voices. Here are five speakers who are dominating the stages right now: 1. Bryan HabanaBryan needs little […]
We’re thrilled to bring back our Speakers Inc Virtual Speaker Showcase in 2026 and this edition is proudly focused on spotlighting the exceptional speaker talent emerging from South Africa. This isn’t just another webinar. It’s a curated, high-production showcase designed to present dynamic speakers to the people who book them such as corporate event planners, […]
In today’s business world Make Employee Engagement Your Business Strategy, most leaders will agree that employees are a company’s most valuable asset. But that statement only holds true when employees are truly engaged in their work. Without engagement, the workforce may be doing the bare minimum or worse, becoming a silent force of resistance within […]
Keynote Speakers Inspiring You, Go Beyond Motivation at Your Next Event If you’re planning a high-impact conference or corporate event in Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Durban, you already know that your keynote speaker sets the tone for everything. You’ve probably searched for “top keynote speakers in South Africa” or even “inspirational public speakers near me” […]
In today’s unpredictable and complex business environment, one Important Question for Leaders Today stands above all others as the defining challenge for forward-thinking leaders: “How do I lead people through change while inspiring them to thrive, not just survive?” This question cuts to the core of what leadership must become in a post-pandemic, AI-powered, hybrid-working, […]
The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the modern workplaces and how Leaders Can Support Their Female Workforce across the world and the United States. Unfortunately, women were disproportionately impacted sparking the “She-Cession.” According to McKinsey’s Women in the Workplace annual study, one in four women are considering stepping out or stepping back from the workplace which is […]
Do you remember THE OLD BAIT SWITCH DOES NOT WORK and the first time you were disappointed by a large organisation? My earliest memory of corporate greed (we all have those, right?) was what I recall being a few months after Smarties Mini Eggs were launched in South Africa. As a lifelong fan of the […]
No results available