Smiley is one of the top workplace culture keynote speakers in the world for the meetings and events industry.
Meetings & Events 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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“Great energy - engaging and informative.”
- Senior Director, Hilton Events, Hilton
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“Can I please reiterate how great that conversation was today and how excited we are for our audience to fully understand the power and importance of this moment that we are in now and how easy it is really for them to shift their mindset and affect change internally for their managers and employees.”
- Rachael Carlile, Event Producer, George P. Johnson -
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“Everyone was truly impacted in a good way by your presentation and thought it was the coolest and most fun thing (because it was) for you to join us for the activities and dinner following. We appreciate the partnership and look forward to the opportunity to work together again in the future!”
- Pilar Mustafa, Director of Sales, Napa & Sonoma , Terramar, A DMC Network Company -
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“The best presentation I’ve experienced in a long time. It gave me a better understanding of belonging and its importance.”
- Abu Dhabi Conventions & Exhibition Bureau -
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“Very timely presentation. Amazing!”
- Imprint Events Group
↑ INDUSTRY TESTIMONIALS ↑
Top Keynote Speaker for the Meetings & Events Industry Specializing in Workplace Culture, Collaboration, Teamwork, Connection & Belonging in the Future of Work
The Future of Meetings is Human Connection
The meetings and events industry in 2026 is driven by a commitment to deliver memorable and immersive attendee experiences, and create opportunities for firsts and trying new things. AI is transforming event planning and execution, with a focus on personalized customization for attendee agendas, programming, and networking opportunities. Flexibility and innovation are paramount, with a focus on health and well-being, sustainability, exciting travel destinations, locally-crafted experiences, virtual options for global teams, and experimenting with advanced technologies like AR and VR.
Meeting professionals and event planners 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.
In a world of AI-driven event planning, human connection is our moat, relationships are our true competitive advantage.
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 meeting professionals and events industry leaders to create transformative experiences, attract and retain top talent, increase attendee connection, engage high-performing teams, and create a workplace culture of belonging.
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.
How Leaders Can Increase Engagement + Retention, Motivate High-Performing Teams, Build High-Value Relationships, and Create Human Connection in the Age of AI
Building a High-Performing Teams to Supercharge Collaboration, Embrace Culture Change, and Drive a New Era of Growth in the Face of Uncertainty
How to Be a Future-Ready Organization and Attract, Retain, and Engage Top Talent and Communicate Across Generations
Building Belonging + Leading Team Engagement and Performance, Connection and Culture Transformation in the Future of Work
Building a Care Mindset to Develop Human-Centered Leaders, Build Trusting Relationships, Empower Well-Being, and Thrive in the Future of Work
All programs are fully customized for the client; available as a 30-60 minute Keynote, 60-90 minute Interactive Keynote, or 90-120 minute Workshop.
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 Meeting Professionals and Event Planners to Thrive Through Uncertainty
“One of the Top Human Resources Keynote Speakers.”
“One of the Top 12 Speakers who will inspire you.”
