Smiley is one of the top future of work, company culture & workplace belonging 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. Smiley’s powerful and timely message around how to foster belonging in our associations and meetings, was a perfect fit. Not only were our event organizers talking about Smiley’s presentation throughout the Summit, but Smiley spent the rest of the day and evening connecting with our partners and sponsors. He stuck around for networking activities at the pool, attended a group dinner, and even got on stage during karaoke.
-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 ↑
Future of Work Keynote Speaker for the Meetings & Events Industry Specializing in Workplace Culture, Team Connection & Belonging
Belonging is the Future of Meetings & Events
The meetings and events industry in 2025 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 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 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.
Keynote Topics for Meetings & Events Industry.
How Meeting and Event Planners Can Create Memorable Experiences, Build High-Value Relationships, and Foster Belonging for Attendees in a Digital-First AI-World
Building Authentic Human Connection and Community at Meetings and Events in a Hybrid World of AI, Overwhelm, and Distraction
How to Attract, Retain, and Engage Top Talent Across Generations and Thrive in the Future of the Meetings and Events Industry
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Building High-Performing Teams to Adapt to Rapid Change, Transform Culture and Drive Human-Centered Growth in the New World of Work
Building a Care-Driven Experience to Improve Employee and Attendee Well-Being, Connection, and Engagement in the of Hybrid, AI, and Burnout
“One of the Top Human Resources Keynote Speakers.”
“One of the Top 12 Speakers who will inspire you.”
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, human connection & inclusion.
Champion for human connection and building high-value relationships in the Age of AI.
Smiley goes above and beyond.
Speaking Videos
What is Belonging?
Belonging is Everyone's Job
The Myth About Workplace Belonging
From Culture Fit to Culture Transformation
A Culture Where People Can Make the Ask
Find Believers
Managing Gen-Z and Generational Differences
Engaging the Next Generation of Talent
Team Psychological Safety at Work
Belonging and Human Connection in the Future of Work: Event Recap
Build a Workplace Culture of Belonging: Event Recap
Empowering World-Class Meeting Professionals and Event Planners to Thrive
Next Steps to Book Smiley as your Meetings & Events 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.
