Keynote Speakers in Chicago
Chicago is one of North America's busiest convention cities, and Midwest audiences value speakers who are practical, warm and respectful of their time. Midwest-based speakers are listed first.
Spoken Artists books keynote speakers for conferences at McCormick Place, association annual meetings, manufacturing and logistics summits and sales kickoffs across the Midwest.
Practical takeaways for operations and sales teams
Main-stage experience at large conventions
Clear USD quotes including travel
A free intro call before you book
Jennifer Brace
Futurist on Future of Work, Innovation, and Well-Being
Sean Riley
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Dude, DUDE Wipes | Brand Builder | Innovator
Kara Hardin
Mental health educator and Registered Psychotherapist helping high achievers make work human again
Sandy Brondello
Inaugural Head Coach, Toronto Tempo | WNBA Champion | Olympic Medalist
Commander Paul Smith
Decorated Naval Officer | History-Making Commander | Leadership Strategist
Scott Schieman
The sociologist rewriting what work means.
Brad Stulberg
The performance thinker for a chaotic decade.
Mark Shapiro
President & CEO, Toronto Blue Jays
Dr. Karen MacNeill
Peak-Performance Psychologist to Canada’s Olympic Athletes
Derek “Drex” Jancar
Co-Founder, The Remix Project | Chief Executive Officer, October's Very Own (OVO)
Danielle Campo
World-Record Paralympic Athlete Focused on Resilience and High Performance
Alyssa Ages
Author, Journalist & Competitive Strongwoman Speaking on Performance and Mental Strength
Anne Belliveau
Transformation Strategist. Former Chief Experience Officer, Cirque du Soleil
LCol (Ret’d) Maryse Carmichael
Canada’s First Female Snowbird Pilot
Marc Champagne
Speaker · Bestselling Author · Mental Fitness Strategist & Futurist
Ekow Nimako
Visual Artist Exploring Culture, Identity & Collaboration
Melissa Arnot Reid
World-Record Holding Adventurer & Author, "Enough" Climbing Toward a True Self on Mount Everest
Avery Swartz
Tech Educator, Bestselling Author & Founder of Camp Tech
Stacey Allaster
Former CEO, Professional Tennis (USTA) + US Open Tournament Director | Forbes “Most Powerful Woman in Sport”
Dr. Ellen Choi
Organizational Behaviour & Leadership Strategist. Founder, TMU Wellness Lab
Jake Karls, Lezlie Karls & Nick Saltarelli
Co-Founders | Rule Breakers | Brand Builders
Dr. Miriam Kirmayer
Clinical Psychologist Focused on Relationships & Workplace Connection
Brian Scudamore
Bestselling Author. Founder & CEO: 1-800-GOT-JUNK? Dragon, CBC's Dragons Den
Connor Emeny
World-Record Holding Athlete & Author of All In on Resilience and High Performance
Are there keynote speakers based in Chicago?+
Speakers based in or near Chicago on the Spoken Artists roster include Jennifer Brace, Sean Riley. Booking a local speaker usually saves on travel and makes short-notice dates easier.
How much does a keynote speaker cost in Chicago?+
Fees depend on the speaker, date, format and travel. Share your budget and Spoken Artists will shortlist speakers for your Chicago event who fit it, with exact quotes within one business day.
Do speakers travel to Chicago for in-person events?+
Yes. Spoken Artists speakers keynote in Chicago regularly, in person or virtually. Travel is included in a clear all-in quote.
Can I meet the speaker before I book?+
Yes. Every speaker on the Spoken Artists roster offers a free introductory Zoom call so you can test chemistry and tailor the keynote before committing.