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

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Future of Work Keynote Speaker for the Associations Industry Specializing in Workplace Culture, Team Connection & Belonging

Belonging is the Future of Associations

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The associations industry in 2025 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.

In a nonstop, disengaged, overwhelmed workplace; the value of meaningful human connection increases exponentially and business is about building belonging for your people, your customers, 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 and Event Sizzles

Belonging in the Future of Work: Event Recap

Culture of Human Connection: Event Recap

2025 Keynote Preview: Smiley’s Most Requested Keynote

2025 Speaker Reel

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Keynote Topics for Associations Industry.

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How Meeting and Event Planners Can Increase Member Engagement, Build High-Value Relationships, and Create Belonging in a Digital World

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Building Connection, Value and Community at Associations in the Age of Disruption, AI, and Evolving Member Expectations

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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

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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

Speaking Videos

The Power of Talking to Strangers

Leading Teams in the Age of AI

Loneliness at Work

Team Psychological Safety at Work

The Power of Making the Ask

Why Belonging Matters

Generational Differences

Flexibility at Work

Belonging is Everyone’s Job

Start Caring for Others

Build a Culture of Care

The Power of Belonging

The Business Value of Belonging

Culture Transformation

From Hustle to Human Connection

The Myth About Workplace Belonging

Audience Customization Example

Hybrid is How We Connect

8 Reasons to Book Smiley to Speak

Smiley’s practical keynote talks are action-based and designed to increase workplace connection and build better relationships starting today.

All smiles, humble, kind, and drama-free.

Smiley delivers a memorable performance.

Seasoned Future of Work thought leader, trusted by the world’s leading meeting professionals, associations, event planners, and companies.

Resonates across generations with youthful expertise, positive energy, and practical tips.

Globally recognized expert on friendship, workplace culture, belonging and human connection.

Champion for human connection and building high-value relationships in the Age of AI.

Smiley goes above and beyond.

“One of the Top Human Resources Keynote Speakers.”

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“One of the Top 12 Speakers who will inspire you.”

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Empowering World-Class Associations and Association Leaders and Members to Thrive

Next Steps to Book Smiley as your Associations Industry Keynote Speaker

Reach Out

Complete the Speaker Request Form to share your event details and confirm Smiley’s availability.

Prep

We’ll schedule a pre-event call so you can share your event’s goals and how Smiley can best customize his presentation to meet your audience’s unique needs and priorities. If needed, we’ll also schedule a prep call two weeks before the event to go over logistics and A/V, and make sure everyone is ready to go.

Customize

Smiley will schedule several additional calls with leaders, clients, key stakeholders, or employees, so he can build their personal stories and wisdom into his presentation, to make it resonate perfectly with your audience.

 In addition to delivering an outstanding and highly actionable motivational keynote presentation, Smiley will show up for your people. Whenever possible, he’ll stay for client dinners, attend post-event cocktail receptions, moderate Q&As or discussion groups, sign books, do video interviews or podcasts, and make cross-promotional social media posts.

Show Up

After his presentation, Smiley will share his slides and create a custom 1-pager with key takeaways, article links, recommended books, and follow-on resources for audiences to engage with after his talk. Smiley will review audience feedback, and is happy to discuss planning a 6-month follow-up discussion group or interactive workshop, so your team can keep fostering belonging at work, long after Smiley’s keynote. 

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