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Hot Speaking Topics for 2025: What's in Demand for Corporate Events?

As we step into 2025, hopefully well rested and full of that annual ‘new year, new me’ optimism, here at The Speakers Agency we are taking a moment to predict what’s on the radar for speech topics in 2025.

We always find that our clients’ corporate events tend to reflect the shifting priorities of two things: organisations and the broader societal landscape.

We’ve noticed a growing demand for specific themes that address the challenges and opportunities of working in the twenty first century. So, using the speaker briefs that we have received recently from our clients, let’s dive into the key speaking topics we anticipate will dominate the stage in 2025:

1. AI and Emerging Technologies

The demand for speakers on artificial intelligence skyrocketed in 2024, but the conversation is set to evolve in 2025. Clients are no longer just asking for general AI overviews, now we all know what AI is.

Instead, they’re interested in how AI agents, autonomous systems, and generative AI will reshape industries and individual roles.

For instance, how will AI impact decision-making in leadership? What does the rise of autonomous systems mean for the future workforce? These are the pressing questions organisations are grappling with.

Speakers to Watch:

Crystal Washington:

Known for her practical approach to technology, Crystal simplifies complex topics like AI and helps businesses understand how to apply them strategically.

Daniel Hulme:

A leading authority on AI and CEO of Satalia, Daniel dives into the ethical implications and transformative potential of artificial intelligence, helping audiences understand the intersection of AI, leadership, and decision-making.

Karl Lillrud:

As an eCommerce and AI expert, Karl delivers actionable insights into how AI will redefine customer behaviour, innovation, and business success in the coming years.

2. Leadership for a New Era

Leadership remains one of the most popular topics at corporate events, but the lens is shifting. With hybrid working now firmly established and AI transforming workflows, companies are looking for leadership speakers who can address how to lead cohesive, high-performing teams in increasingly disparate and digital environments.

Speakers to Watch:

Karren Brady:

A trailblazing business leader known for her appearances on The Apprentice, Karren combines her vast corporate experience with practical advice on how to lead with impact in today’s dynamic workplace.

Jason Fox:

Drawing from his time in the Special Forces, Jason provides a raw and engaging perspective on teamwork, resilience, and leading in high-pressure situations.

3. Workplace Culture in the Age of Hybrid and AI

Hybrid working is now the norm. A report by the World Economic Forum indicates that 73% of young workers desire flexible work setups that combine onsite, remote, and hybrid models.

We are finding that our clients are keen to hear guidance on how to create a cohesive and inclusive workplace culture with many people working from home.

Add AI to the mix, and the challenge becomes even more complex.

In 2025, we anticipate a growing need for speakers who can explore how to build trust, foster collaboration, and maintain strong company values in a digital and decentralised world that is very different to a typical office setup 15 years ago.

Speakers to Watch:

Richard Gerver:

With his focus on human connection and empathy, Richard helps organisations navigate change while keeping people at the heart of their culture.

Bruce Daisley:

A former VP at Twitter, Bruce’s expertise in workplace culture and well-being makes him a leading voice in creating happier, more productive teams.

Blaire Palmer:

Known for her practical insights and relatable approach, Blaire helps leaders rethink traditional workplace norms to foster innovation and collaboration.

Butzi:

A creativity and innovation expert, Butzi empowers teams to think outside the box, encouraging engagement and adaptability in hybrid workspaces.

4. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Evolving Conversations

While DEI remains an essential focus for organisations, we often find that it is no longer a standalone topic in our speaker briefs.  Instead, it’s becoming intertwined with other areas like workplace culture and leadership. Companies are now seeking speakers who bring lived experience of DEI and can address the idea of diversity within broader themes.

Speakers to Watch:

Baroness Floella Benjamin

With her compelling personal story and advocacy for diversity, Floella continues to inspire audiences to build a more inclusive and equitable world.

Ade Adepitan

As a Paralympian and broadcaster, Ade’s talks on overcoming adversity and embracing inclusion resonate with audiences worldwide.

Jo Salter

A the UK’s first female fast-jet pilot, Jo uses her story to challenge biases and inspire inclusive leadership, especially in her current role in management at PwC.

5. Sustainability and Climate Action

Sustainability has been steadily gaining traction over the past few years, but in 2025, we expect (and hope) it will be front and centre for many organisations. Companies are looking for speakers who can offer solutions to climate challenges and inspire innovation in this difficult space.

Speakers to Watch:

Gunter Pauli

Known as the “Steve Jobs of sustainability,” Gunter shares groundbreaking ideas on how industries can drive positive environmental change.

Chris Hines

A renowned environmentalist, Chris speaks passionately about protecting our planet and the role businesses can play in sustainability.

Michael Sheldrick

As co-founder of Global Citizen, Michael brings a unique perspective on how collective action and leadership can drive impactful environmental change.

6. Mental Health and Well-being

Mental health has been a consistent focus for corporate events over the years. However, while past discussions often centred on raising awareness of mental health challenges, companies are now looking for strategies to actually integrate mental wellbeing into their workplace culture.

With hybrid working, AI-driven workloads, and economic pressures of today, our clients have fed back that they find it incredibly challenging to support employees’ mental health in a world that feels increasingly unpredictable. Organisations want to know how to create systems that are not only reactive but also proactive in supporting emotional well-being.

Speakers to Watch:

Wynne Evans:

Known for his openness about mental health challenges, Wynne’s talks are a mix of humour, vulnerability, and hope that resonate deeply with audiences.

Katie Piper:

Sharing her inspiring journey of resilience, Katie is an utter inspiration. She shares her account of what she found helpful when faced with the toughest time of her life.

Andrew McNeill:

With a background in leadership, Andrew helps organisations understand the power of empathy and creating supportive work environments.

Here’s to 2025!

We can’t guarantee what this year will bring for speakers and their audiences, but based on the trends of our speaker briefs and enquiries, it’s shaping up to be a brilliant year which tackles leadership, AI, wellbeing and how corporate culture can make or break an organisation.

We’re proud to represent a diverse roster of talented speakers equipped to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the year ahead.

Get in touch to explore our roster of world-class speakers today.

Call +44(0)1332 810481 or email enquiries@thespeakersagency.com

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