Keynote Speakers in Chicago
Book a Keynote Speaker for Your Next Chicago Event
From high-rise boardrooms on Michigan Avenue to community gatherings on the South Side, Chicago knows how to host an unforgettable event. Whether you’re planning a leadership retreat, conference, fundraiser, or awareness campaign, Talent Bureau helps you book powerful keynote speakers in Chicago, Illinois who know how to spark ideas and energize a room.
Our curated speaker roster includes motivational storytellers, business leaders, culture-shapers, and subject matter experts with experience on stages big and small. Whether you’re hosting a Fortune 500 event downtown or a local nonprofit gathering in the suburbs, we’ll help you find a speaker who matches your message, budget, and audience.
Types of events we support in Chicago include: Company offsites and strategy sessions, Annual meetings and industry expos, Diversity, equity & inclusion programs, Fundraising galas and community celebrations, Education and public awareness campaigns, and more.
Each speaker we recommend is chosen not just for their expertise, but for their ability to connect with your unique audience—and leave them thinking, feeling, and talking long after the event ends.
Featured Chicago Keynote Speakers
Dan Chuparkoff
AI Educator | Innovation Expert, Google, McKinsey, & Atlassian
Bill Taylor
Co-Founder, Fast Company | Bestselling Author, Mavericks at Work
Nikolas Badminton
Chief Futurist at futurist.com
Doug Griffiths
President & CEO, 13 Ways Inc. | Bestselling Author, 13 Ways to Kill Your Community | Community Enthusiast, Building and Consulting
Doug Griffiths
President & CEO, 13 Ways Inc. | Bestselling Author, 13 Ways to Kill Your Community | Community Enthusiast, Building and Consulting
Dr. Jody Carrington
Renowned Psychologist | Human Connection Expert | Bestselling Author
Eric Termuende
Building Tomorrow’s Greatest Places to Work
Nikolas Badminton
Chief Futurist at futurist.com
Why Talent Bureau Is a Top Choice for Chicago Keynote Speakers
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to speakers—and there shouldn’t be. At Talent Bureau, we focus on finding the right voice for your event, not just a name on a list.
Here’s how we help:
• Tailored recommendations that align with your event’s goals
• Local and national experts—including speakers with deep ties to Chicago and the Midwest
• Support with logistics, prep calls, and contracts—we handle the details
• Impactful presentations that deliver value from the opening story to the final takeaway
Whether you’re hosting in The Loop, near Navy Pier, or out in Oak Brook, we make it easy to book a keynote speaker who will truly resonate with your Chicago crowd.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of events in Chicago benefit from keynote speakers?
Keynote speakers are a great fit for Chicago events of all sizes—from leadership conferences and corporate retreats to DEI programs, nonprofit fundraisers, and innovation summits. A well-matched speaker can energize your agenda and connect deeply with your audience.
Can Talent Bureau help me find a speaker with ties to Chicago or Illinois?
Absolutely. We work with a range of speakers who are based in Chicago or frequently speak throughout Illinois and the Midwest. Whether you want a local voice or a nationally recognized name who understands the region, we’ll match you with someone aligned to your goals.
Are both in-person and virtual keynote speakers available for Chicago events?
Yes! We offer flexible options—including in-person, virtual, and hybrid speakers—to fit your event’s location, format, and audience. Whether your event is in downtown Chicago or hosted online, we’ll help you find the right speaker experience.
How do I begin the booking process with Talent Bureau?
Beginning the speaker booking process with Talent Bureau is easy and straightforward. Simply reach out to us via phone, email, or our online contact form to discuss your event requirements and objectives. Our experienced agents will schedule a consultation to understand your event goals, audience demographics, and desired speaker criteria. Based on this information, we’ll provide personalized recommendations and expert guidance to help you select the perfect speaker for your event. Once you’ve chosen a speaker, we’ll handle all the details, from contract negotiations to travel arrangements, ensuring a seamless and successful experience for you and your audience. Get started today and let Talent Bureau help you elevate your event with a world-class speaker!
Why choose us?
Award-winning talent
We work with the absolute best across a variety of industries. From business icons to NHL All-Stars and former Prime Ministers to the odd celebrity impersonator – we deliver what’s best for your audience.
Vetted speakers
If we recommend someone, it means we have vetted them, their content and their impact they will have on your audience.
Service matters
Simply put, we treat you as we like to be treated. We offer quick service, truly customized recommendations, transparency and hopefully a laugh or two along the way.