Smiley is one of the top future of work, company culture & workplace belonging keynote speakers in the world for the associations industry.
Associations Industry Keynotes
↓ INDUSTRY CLIENTS ↓
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“Smiley was an outstanding opening keynote speaker for us."
-Meredith Rollins, Executive Director, PCMA Foundation -
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“Smiley was relatable, entertaining, engaging and offered practical takeaways. He knew how to captivate a crowd and shared relevant research, practical tips and best practices that everyone, no matter level or experience, could take back to their teams to implement. He customized for the association industry and was a pleasure to work with.”
- Alec Rosofsky, CAE, CMP, Director of Learning & Events, Association Forum
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“Smiley shared cutting-edge data, insights, and actionable tips on navigating the multigenerational workforce, hybrid work, AI's impact on employees, and how to build a culture of belonging in challenging times. Smiley also dedicated additional time to interviewing multiple EO members, integrating their insights on work culture into the content to tailor it for our audience. Best of all, many of our members have already begun implementing Smiley's ideas and strategies at their companies. .”
- Jess Owens, Learning Manager, Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) -
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“Smiley gave an incredible keynote and workshop at our annual ACAM-CEO Mindshare Retreat. His insights and perspectives left a lasting impact on the entire audience. Smiley's ability to connect with the audience and convey complex ideas in a relatable and practical manner was amazing. Not only that, Smiley took the time get to know our attendees and industry prior to the conference and gracefully address challenging and complex questions during his workshop. Our audience loved everything about Smiley's session and our attendees walked away with valuable tools to take back to their offices and implement immediately.”
- Andrea Daigle, Executive Director, ACAM-CEO -
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“Smiley provided key takeaways on the cross-generational workforce and engagement for the future in a clear, actionable way. One of our best speakers on this topic!”
- Tina Marie Wehmeir, CMP, CAE, Chief Executive Officer, AMC Institute -
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“Energetic, inspiring, thought provoking, and fantastic. Smiley provided practical and actionable tips to bridge generational gaps and build a high-performing culture of belonging. Smiley was easy to work with, stayed for a breakout Q&A with CEOs, and showed up fully for our employee owners."
- Amanda Rushing, Vice President of Events & Education, The ESOP Association
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“It was absolutely a pleasure to work with Smiley and his team. Smiley was a HUGE hit! Smiley really took the time to get to know us, our member organizations, and our industry's challenges; so impressive, and so much appreciated by our attendees, a 10!”
- Joyce MacDonald, President & CEO, Greater Public
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Keynote Speaker for the Associations Industry Specializing in Workplace Culture, Collaboration, Team Connection & Belonging in the Future of Work
The Future of Associations is Human Connection.
The associations industry in 2026 is driven by a commitment to attract new Gen Z members while engaging members across generations, and deliver memorable and immersive member experiences at meetings and events, amidst rapid technological change and disruption. AI is transforming association membership, with a focus on creating highly-customized and personalized programming and learning opportunities for members, hybrid and virtual networking, and diversifying revenue streams beyond traditional membership dues. Flexibility and innovation are paramount to prioritize financial sustainability, navigate complex regulatory environments, and improve well-being in the age of distraction and overwhelm.
Association leaders have a critical role in the Age of AI and Overwhelm: to harness the power of human connection to drive profitable growth and business innovation. With so many coworkers and colleagues not seeing each other regularly in a hybrid workplace, meetings and events have become the new office. The annual meeting isn’t just a meeting. It’s the most critical moment of the year.
With AI-driven association management tools, human connection is our moat, relationships are our true competitive advantage to win the future.
In a nonstop, disengaged, overwhelmed workplace; with wall-to-wall Zoom meetings, 24/7 Teams messages, AI agents, and the rapid adoption of GenAI & ChatGPT; the value of meaningful human connection increases exponentially and business is about building belonging for your people, your event attendees, your partners and stakeholders, and your community. High-levels of employee belonging create a 56% increase in job performance, lead to a 50% drop in turnover risk, and can save a company $52 million a year.
Smiley’s practical keynotes provide an actionable toolkit for associations industry leaders to create transformative experiences, attract and retain new and existing members, increase membership connection and engagement, engage high-performing teams, and create a workplace culture of belonging at our associations and our member organizations.
Speaking Reels
2026 Keynote Preview
2026 Speaker Reel
Smiley’s Keynote Outcomes:
Learn 5 ways to increase human connection at work
Foster higher levels of psychological safety on your team
Deepen trust + build high-value relationships
Navigate uncertainty, drive massive business growth in the age of AI
Lead through change + build culture transformation
Keynote Topics for Associations Industry.
How Meeting and Event Planners Can Increase Member Engagement, Build High-Value Relationships, and Create Belonging in a Digital World
Building Connection, Value and Community at Associations in the Age of Disruption, AI, and Evolving Member Expectations
How to Attract, Retain, and Engage Members Across Generations and Thrive in the Future of the Associations Industry
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Building High-Performing Teams to Adapt to Rapid Change, Transform Culture and Drive Member-Centered Growth in the Evolving Associations Industry
Building a Care-Driven Member Experience to Deepen Relationships, Foster Connection, Improve Well-Being, and Increase Member Engagement in the of Era of Hybrid, AI, and Burnout
Client Value Cycle
Pre-Keynote
Exploratory call to align on client vision and event goals
Deep dive pre-event call
Smiley customizes his presentation to meet your audience’s unique needs and priorities; interviews 3-4 leaders, team members, clients or partners to customize for your event
Customize through connection
Smiley delivers a high-energy, inspiring, interactive and practical keynote
Smiley models connection+ belonging in how he shows up, whenever possible, he’ll stay for client dinners, attend post-event cocktail receptions, moderate Q&As or breakout discussions, sign books, do video interviews or podcasts, and make cross-promotional social media posts.
Post-Keynote
All attendees receive Smiley’s hand-designed practical resources and guides:
Custom Slides
1-pager with key takeaways
Belonging Toolkit (70 pages)
Connect at Work Guide (30 pages)
Optional book bulk buy discount
Thank you video from Smiley
Access to 6 short videos to keep doing the work and implement Smiley’s culture of connection tips
30-days later 20-minute After Care Debrief Call with Smiley to discuss post-event progress and explore future collaboration options (including ongoing masterclass and Virtual Q&A/ Focus Group Series)
Keynote
Deliver exceptional keynote experience that models connection
After care resources to implement tools and take action post-event
Speaking Video Clips
The Power of Making the Ask
Being Human in the Age of AI
Human Connection in the Age of AI
Audience Customization Example
Create a Sense of Belonging
Communicate Across Generations
Flexibility at Work
Team Psychological Safety at Work
Culture of Care
Employee Engagement
From Hustle to Human Connection
Culture Transformation
From Hustle to Human Connection
The Myth About Workplace Belonging
Hybrid is How We Connect
Empowering World-Class Associations and Association Leaders and Members to Thrive Through Uncertainty
“One of the Top Human Resources Keynote Speakers.”
“One of the Top 12 Speakers who will inspire you.”
