The 10 best futurist keynote speakers on AI, technology trends and the future of work and business in 2027, compared by topic and estimated fee.
Updated 7 min read
At a glance
Who Are the Best Futurist Speakers of 2027?
The best futurist speakers of 2027 include James Taylor on creativity and AI, Jeremy Gutsche on trends, Peter Diamandis on exponential technology, Gerd Leonhard on the human side of technology and Ray Kurzweil on the future of AI. Estimated fees on this list range from $10,000 to $90,000, and several speakers quote on request.
Fees are estimated ranges for an in-person keynote and vary with event length, travel and requirements. “On request” means the fee isn’t published or our sources disagree, so contact us for a current quote. See how much keynote speakers charge.
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No. 1
Best for creativity, AI & ethical futurism
James Taylor
James Taylor is a keynote speaker on creativity, innovation and artificial intelligence and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. He has delivered over 3,000 presentations in more than 30 countries for clients such as Apple, Cisco, Deloitte and Visa, and helps organisations use AI to unlock human potential.
Keynote topics
SuperCreativity: Accelerating Innovation in the Age of AI
SuperCollaboration: Human-AI Collaboration and Leadership
Ethical Futurism: Sustainability, AI and the Future of Business
No. 2JG
Best for trends & innovation
Jeremy Gutsche
Jeremy Gutsche is the CEO of Trend Hunter and a New York Times bestselling author. He helps organisations spot emerging trends, overcome inertia and turn market shifts into new opportunities.
Keynote topics
The Art of Trend Hunting
Accelerating Innovation
Consumer Behaviour and Market Shifts
No. 3
Best for exponential technology
Peter Diamandis
Dr. Peter Diamandis is the founder of the XPRIZE Foundation and co-founder of Singularity University. He speaks on exponential technologies such as AI, robotics and biotech, abundance and “moonshot” thinking.
Keynote topics
Exponential Technologies
Abundance and Moonshot Thinking
The Future of Work and Entrepreneurship
No. 4GL
Best for humanity & technology
Gerd Leonhard
Gerd Leonhard is a futurist and author of Technology vs. Humanity. His keynotes explore the human and ethical side of AI, automation and digital transformation, asking not just what is next but what should be next.
Keynote topics
Digital Transformation and a Human-Centric Future
The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
The Future of Work and Automation
No. 5MW
Best for leadership in the age of algorithms
Mike Walsh
Mike Walsh is a futurist, CEO of the research lab Tomorrow and author of The Algorithmic Leader. He helps leaders rethink their organisations for a world shaped by AI and data.
Keynote topics
The Future of Leadership
The Algorithmic Leader
Designing the AI-Ready Organisation
No. 6NW
Best for customer experience innovation
Nick Webb
Nick Webb is an author and innovation expert who advises organisations on future trends, customer experience and growth. His keynotes combine storytelling and case studies to turn innovation theory into practical action.
Keynote topics
Disruptive Innovation
Customer Experience Innovation
Innovation Leadership
No. 7TB
Best for customer growth & sales innovation
Tiffani Bova
Tiffani Bova is a bestselling author (Growth IQ, The Experience Mindset) known for her work as Salesforce’s global growth evangelist. She helps organisations grow through customer and employee experience, sales and marketing innovation.
Keynote topics
Disruptive Growth Strategies
Customer Experience as an Innovation Driver
Sales and Marketing Innovation
No. 8AB
Best for sustainability & ethical technology
Alison Burns
Alison Burns is a speaker on sustainability and the ethics of technology and co-founder of The Ethical Futurists with James Taylor. Her talks help organisations make responsible decisions about AI, ESG and the future of business.
Keynote topics
Ethical Futurism
Sustainability and ESG
Responsible AI
No. 9RK
Best for the future of AI
Ray Kurzweil
Ray Kurzweil is an inventor, futurist and author of The Singularity Is Near and The Singularity Is Nearer. He is one of the best-known voices on the long-term future of artificial intelligence.
Keynote topics
The Last Six Decades of AI and What Comes Next
The Singularity
Exponential Growth of Technology
No. 10TL
Best for brain-computer interfaces
Tan Le
Tan Le is the founder and CEO of EMOTIV, a pioneer in brain-computer interface and neurotechnology. She speaks on the future of the human mind, technology and innovation.
Keynote topics
The Future of Brain-Computer Interfaces
Neurotechnology and the Workplace
Innovation and Resilience
Methodology
How We Chose This List
SpeakersU ranks speakers on their expertise, the research or experience behind their message, how they connect with audiences, and their record of giving people ideas they can act on. Each listing shows an estimated fee range so you can shortlist within budget.
Expertise
Recognised authority on the topic, backed by books, research or practice.
Ideas
Original frameworks or insight, not recycled content.
Delivery
A speaking style that engages different audiences.
Impact
A record of practical takeaways and lasting change.
SpeakersU is run by the team behind keynote speaker James Taylor, who appears on this list. We may receive referral fees from some speakers or bureaus. Read how we make money and how we review speakers.
Our 2027 list includes James Taylor, Jeremy Gutsche, Peter Diamandis, Gerd Leonhard, Mike Walsh, Nick Webb, Tiffani Bova, Alison Burns, Ray Kurzweil and Tan Le.
What is a futurist speaker?
A futurist speaker studies trends in technology, society and business and helps audiences understand what is coming and how to prepare, from AI and automation to the future of work.
How much does a futurist speaker cost?
Estimated fees on this list range from $10,000–$25,000 (Alison Burns) and $15,000–$25,000 (James Taylor) to $50,000–$90,000 (Jeremy Gutsche). Several speakers quote on request. See our keynote speaker fee guide.
Which futurist speakers focus on artificial intelligence?
James Taylor (creativity and AI), Ray Kurzweil (the long-term future of AI), Peter Diamandis (exponential technologies), Gerd Leonhard (AI ethics) and Mike Walsh (leadership in the age of algorithms).
How do I choose a futurist speaker?
Decide whether your audience needs a big-picture vision, practical next steps or an ethical lens, then match that to the speaker’s topics, style and budget.
How do I book a futurist speaker?
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