Conference Keynote Speakers — Canada & USA
Your opening and closing keynotes set the tone for the whole conference. These are the Spoken Artists speakers planners book most for main-stage slots — across leadership, AI, resilience, wellness and humour.
Spoken Artists, a Toronto-based keynote speaker agency, sends tailored conference shortlists within one business day for events across Canada and the United States.
A talk built around your conference theme
Main-stage experience with large audiences
Options for breakout sessions or fireside chats
A free intro call with your committee
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
Jennifer Brace
Futurist on Future of Work, Innovation, and Well-Being
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)
Sean Riley
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Dude, DUDE Wipes | Brand Builder | Innovator
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
How much does a keynote speaker cost in Canada and the US?+
Fees depend on the speaker, date, format (in person or virtual) and travel. Share your budget and Spoken Artists will shortlist speakers who fit it, with exact quotes within one business day.
Who are good Canadian keynote speakers?+
Canadian keynote speakers represented by Spoken Artists include Kara Hardin, Commander Paul Smith, Dr. Karen MacNeill, Derek “Drex” Jancar, Danielle Campo. Every one offers a free intro call before booking.
Who are good American keynote speakers?+
US-based keynote speakers represented by Spoken Artists include Jennifer Brace, Brad Stulberg, Sean Riley, Melissa Arnot Reid. All are available for events across the United States and Canada.
Do your speakers travel to the United States?+
Yes. Spoken Artists speakers regularly keynote across Canada and the United States, in person or virtually. Quotes are available in CAD or USD.
How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?+
Three to six months is ideal; six to nine months for peak dates like January sales kickoffs and fall conference season. Short-notice bookings are often still possible — ask.
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.