Top 10 best speakers of 2026
Are you looking for the best speakers of 2026 for your event, conference, seminar, or corporate gathering? Then you want to be sure you book the right keynote speaker. Someone who not only inspires but truly makes an impact on your audience. A strong speaker elevates an event, brings energy to the room, and leaves a lasting impression on attendees.
Whether you’re looking for a speaker on leadership, sports, economics, politics, motivation, innovation, entrepreneurship, or personal development, this list features speakers who have proven impact. From well-known names and celebrities to rising talents: these speakers will make your event unforgettable.
In this top 10, you’ll find inspiring keynote speakers and guest speakers who are frequently booked for conferences, corporate events, company parties, and seminars, based on popularity, number of bookings, and reviews.
Dave Maasland - Cybersecurity expert
Dave Maasland, also known as “the cyber guy,” is a highly sought-after keynote speaker on cybersecurity, digital safety, and the future of technology. As CEO of ESET, he takes audiences into the world of cybercrime, digital threats, and the vulnerability of our online infrastructure in his talk Don’t worry, it’s only getting worse—always with a hopeful and practical outlook on the future. His keynotes are energetic, current, and full of actionable insights, making him an ideal speaker for conferences, corporate events, and organizations looking to strengthen their digital resilience. Book Dave Maasland via ShowBird!
Bas Nijhuis - Referee professional football
Bas Nijhuis is an energetic keynote speaker who uniquely combines the world of elite sports and business. As an international football referee active in competitions such as UEFA and the KNVB, he knows better than anyone how to make decisions under pressure and communicate effectively. In his interactive talks, he shares insights on leadership, teamwork, and dealing with resistance, using humor and compelling video examples. Bas Nijhuis is a popular speaker for conferences, corporate events, and gatherings focused on performance, communication, and mindset. Book Bas Nijhuis here.
Annemieke Raatsie - Inspiring speaker on resilience and positivity Â
Annemieke Raatsie is an inspiring speaker who leaves a deep impression with her personal story of living with cancer. In her talk Happy with cancer, she shares her experiences with illness, adversity, and resilience in an honest, raw, yet surprisingly positive way. With humor, self-reflection, and interactive storytelling, she touches and inspires audiences to view life differently. She also offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at the television industry, where she works as a production manager. Annemieke is a powerful keynote speaker for conferences, healthcare institutions, and corporate events focused on mindset, positivity, and perseverance. Book Annemieke Raatsie here.
Maurice Steijn - Trainer professional football
Maurice Steijn is an inspiring keynote speaker on leadership, teamwork, and performing under pressure. As a successful Eredivisie coach for clubs such as Sparta Rotterdam, VVV-Venlo, and ADO Den Haag, he knows how to develop teams and achieve results. In his talks, he translates insights from elite sports into the business world, covering themes such as trust, communication, resilience, and dealing with setbacks. With his down-to-earth style, practical examples, and interactive approach, he is an ideal speaker for conferences, leadership events, and organizations aiming to build strong teams and sustainable performance. Hire Maurice Steijn easily via ShowBird.
Michiel Vos - United States Expert
Michiel Vos is a highly sought-after keynote speaker on the United States, American politics, and international economics. As an experienced U.S. correspondent, he offers a unique behind-the-scenes perspective and translates complex developments into clear and engaging insights. In his talks, he discusses not only current affairs but also opportunities for Dutch entrepreneurs looking to do business in the U.S. Michiel Vos knows how to both inform and inspire a wide audience. He is an ideal speaker for conferences, corporate events, and organizations interested in global developments. Book Michiel Vos via ShowBird.
Elke Geraerts - Spreaker on AI, focus and mental resilience
Elke Geraerts is a highly sought-after keynote speaker on AI, focus, mental resilience, and the future of work. With her background in psychology and neuroscience, she shows how organizations and professionals can perform better in a world full of distraction, technology, and change. In her inspiring talks, she combines themes such as artificial intelligence, productivity, stress, and leadership, emphasizing human qualities like attention, empathy, and critical thinking. As founder of Better Minds at Work and a former professor at institutions including Harvard, she translates complex insights into practical tools that can be applied immediately. Elke Geraerts is an ideal speaker for organizations investing in future-proof work, mental health, and sustainable performance. Hire Elke Geraerts easily via ShowBird.
Marit Bouwmeester - Olympic sailorÂ
Marit Bouwmeester is an inspiring keynote speaker on elite sports, teamwork, and performing under pressure. As an Olympic champion and multiple world champion in sailing, she knows how to achieve goals in challenging conditions. In her talks, she translates her elite sports experience into business insights, focusing on themes such as focus, resilience, and strategic collaboration. With personal stories and directly applicable lessons, she helps teams and organizations perform better, even under high pressure. Marit Bouwmeester is an ideal speaker for conferences, corporate events, and leadership gatherings. Hire Marit Bouwmeester via ShowBird.
Serdar GözĂĽbĂĽyĂĽk - Referee professional footballÂ
Serdar Gözübüyük is an inspiring keynote speaker on entrepreneurship, diversity, and performing under pressure. As an international referee at the highest level, active in competitions such as FIFA and the Champions League, he knows how to make decisions in challenging situations. In his talks, he combines his personal story with powerful insights on perseverance, responsibility, and making an impact. With interactive examples and real-life experience from elite sports, he motivates and activates every audience. Serdar Gözübüyük is an ideal speaker for companies, educational institutions, and organizations focused on leadership and personal development. Book Serdar Gözübüyük here.
Richard de Mos - Politician
Richard de Mos is an inspiring speaker on politics, resilience, and overcoming adversity. After a turbulent period in politics, he made an impressive comeback with a convincing election victory in The Hague. In his talks, he openly shares his personal story and translates his experiences into practical insights on handling pressure, rebuilding trust, and creating a winning strategy. With his direct style and real-life examples, he motivates organizations and teams to come back stronger after setbacks. Richard de Mos is a powerful keynote speaker for businesses, government organizations, and events focused on politics and resilience. Hire Richard de Mos here.
Jona van Loenen - Economist
Jona van Loenen is a highly sought-after keynote speaker on economics, entrepreneurship, and the impact of geopolitics on business. As an economist and entrepreneur, known for the successful tech scale-up Gain.pro, he excels at translating complex economic developments into practical insights. In his talks, he makes topics such as the housing market, financial markets, AI, and the labor market understandable and directly applicable for organizations. With his sharp analysis and accessible style, he is an ideal speaker for conferences, corporate events, and forward-looking companies. Book Jona van Loenen via ShowBird.
Whether you’re looking for an inspiring speaker for a conference, corporate event, seminar, or business gathering, this top 10 best speakers of 2026 guarantees impact. From keynote speakers on leadership, cybersecurity, and AI to inspiring stories about resilience, elite sports, and entrepreneurship: there is a suitable speaker for every type of event and audience.
Want to book a speaker that perfectly matches your event?  Explore the full offering  and book easily through ShowBird. This way you are guaranteed quality, convenience, and a speaker who will take your event to the next level.Â
Hiring a speaker via ShowBird
Do you want to hire a speaker for your event, conference, or corporate gathering? Via ShowBird, you can easily book a keynote speaker that perfectly matches your wishes and target audience.
On the platform, you will find a wide range of speakers and moderators: from inspiring keynote speakers to experts in leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship. You have direct contact with the speaker, allowing you to fully tailor the content of the presentation to your event.
Thanks to transparent pricing and clear profiles, you can easily compare speakers and make the best choice. This ensures you book a speaker who makes your event unforgettable.
