Who Are the Trending Keynote Speakers to Watch in 2026?
The keynote speaking landscape is shifting. In 2026, corporate audiences are no longer satisfied with generic motivation. They are more discerning, budgets are more scrutinised, and there is a high demand for sessions that provide tangible ROI rather than just filling a 45-minute slot.
To help event organisers, HR professionals, and senior leaders stay ahead, we’ve analysed the speakers gaining the most momentum for the coming year. These are the voices bridging the gap between high-level inspiration and boots-on-the-ground practicality. You heard it here first.
The 2026 Shift: What’s Driving the Trends?
Before we dive into the names, it’s important to understand why certain speakers are trending. Search trends for 2026 show that organisations are moving away from generic “hustle culture” and toward three core pillars:
- Meaningful Storytelling: Audiences crave authenticity. They want to hear from people who have faced real adversity and can translate those lessons into business resilience.
- The “Human” Side of AI: The conversation has moved from “What can AI do?” to “How do we stay human in an AI world?”
- Hybrid Mastery: With the 2026 workplace being more fragmented than ever, speakers who can command a room and a Zoom screen simultaneously are in high demand.
High-Demand Powerhouses: The “Must-Book” Speakers
These speakers have sustained massive momentum due to their consistent ability to deliver high-impact results for global brands.
Jamil Qureshi: The Mindset Architect
Jamil remains one of the UK’s most booked speakers. You only have to check out his Linkedin profile to see the volume of speeches he gives each week. And for good reason. Drawing on his background in elite sports psychology, he delivers multiple talks a week to leadership teams. His sessions are practical and commercially grounded, perfect for sales kick-offs or annual conferences.
James Taylor: The Future-Thinker
James bridges the gap between creative capability and business performance. In an era of uncertainty, his frameworks provide a roadmap for leaders to innovate under pressure.
Rising Stars: The Fresh Voices for 2026
If you want your event to feel “ahead of the curve,” these up-and-coming speakers are the ones to watch.
Jack Hunter-Spivey: Resilience with a Smile
Credit: Sam Mellish / Team England
Jack is fast becoming an event organiser’s dream. A Paralympian with the wit of a stand-up comedian, he covers:
- Mental health and resilience.
- Goal setting and mentorship.
- The power of a positive mindset.
Why he’s a 2026 standout: Jack delivers heavy, meaningful content with a lightness that ensures the audience stays engaged from start to finish.
Abigail Ireland: The Peak Performance Strategist
After leaving a high-stakes banking career due to burnout, Abigail now helps corporate teams manage energy and sharpen focus. Her approach is a far cry from “self-care” clichés; it is strategic, data-driven, and highly relatable for modern professionals.
The Technology Frontier: Human-Centric AI
Nathalie Nahai: Psychology in a Tech-Driven World
Nathalie Nahai is the leading voice in this transition. Her work explores how we maintain our humanity while leveraging technology. As ethics and human behavior take centre stage in 2026, Nathalie’s insights are more relevant than ever.
Pro Tips for Booking Your 2026 Keynote
To ensure your speaker delivers more than just a speech, keep these three criteria in mind:
- Relevance Over Profile: A “big name” is great, but a speaker who has researched your company’s specific 2026 challenges is better.
- Data-Informed Content: 2026 audiences respond best to speakers who ground their stories in psychology, behavioral science, or hard metrics.
- Post-Event Longevity: Look for speakers who offer “fireside chats” or follow-up resources to ensure the message sticks long after the applause ends.
Ready to find the perfect voice for your next event?
Navigating the speaker landscape is no easy feat. So let The Speakers Agency do it for you. Whether you need a high-energy motivator or a deep-dive technical expert, we can help you find the right fit.
Connect with The Speakers Agency today for a tailored shortlist of trending speakers for your 2026 calendar.
