As society continues to develop at a rapidly increasing rate, each new day brings the prediction of future trends – key issues or scenarios that will shape the world for years to come. Defined as future things that will happen or exist after the present time, future trends play a vital role in helping individuals and businesses prepare for what lies ahead. Drawing on validated insights from over 300 events and consultations with global industry leaders, we've identified the world's most talented futurists, who are experts in predicting and forecasting these trends. Celebrated for their ability to provide practical, forward-looking guidance, these speakers help their audiences stay ahead of the curve and seize emerging opportunities. If you're looking to deepen your understanding of future trends, hire one of our expert keynote speakers today to ensure your organisation thrives in a future shaped by innovation and foresight.
"For time and the world do not stand still. Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future" - John F. Kennedy
What Are The Most Important Future Trends?
2024 was a year of great change across many industries, and in light of such changes, many future trends have been predicted and identified. These future trends include:
- Green technologies – the world is transitioning away from carbon
- Artificial intelligence will get smarter
- Technology is developing – quantum computing, connected devices and gene editing
- The Metaverse will become real with advancements in AR and VR technologies
- Healthcare will focus the same care and attention to mental health as they do to physical health
- Web3 will change the retail sector, with many traditional retailers rethinking their stores to become hyperphysical
Source: World Economic Forum & The Future Laboratory
Who are the Best Future Trends Speakers to Hire for 2024 and Future Events?
Kay Firth-Butterfield
With a revered career in artificial intelligence, as the Head of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for the World Economic Forum, there is no one who can match Kay Firth-Butterfield’s expertise in the field. She uses her knowledge of AI to advise clients on how humanity will be able to benefit from artificial intelligence for generations to come. Previously, Kay has been the co-founder of AI Global, Vice-chair of the IEEE Global Initiative for Ethical Considerations in Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems, and was a member of the Lord Chief’s Justice’s Panel on AI and Law.
An expert in predicting future trends in regards to AI, Kay uses her experience in the field to adeptly ensure her audiences are aware of its benefits. Having previously spoken for Deloitte, WIRED and the Institute for Experimental AI, don't miss your opportunity to learn of future trends in AI with Kay Firth-Butterfield.
"Kay is simply amazing and one of the most caring people I have encountered in my career... She is extremely passionate about protecting people from the potential negative consequences of the use of technology, and it shows in every speech she gives and every article she writes. She is also incredibly well-spoken and very thoughtful in everything she says. It is my pleasure to have worked with her..." - Venkataraman, Digital Technology Leader
Ray Kurzweil
One of the most decorated persons in the technology industry, Ray Kurzweil has been at the forefront of predicting future trends for many years. He is the Founder and CEO of Kurzweil Technologies and was the Chief Futurist and Engineering Director for Google. He has formerly predicted a chess champion would be beaten by a computer and that the World Wide Web would be created. More recently, he predicted machines will outsmart humans by 2055 and that one day, humans will be able to live indefinitely. His predictions, whether you may believe them or not, have made him one of the most sought-after speakers in predicting future trends in the technology industry.
Recognised as one of 16 ‘revolutionaries who made America’, and a recipient of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, there is no doubting Ray’s incredible ability to predict future trends in technology, artificial intelligence and biotechnology.
"His speech was great, a trove of fascinating content. We wanted someone who would educate the audience about what's ahead, think strategically about the future and inspire them to be innovative. He nailed it. We are deeply appreciative." - Northwestern Mutual
K D Adamson
K D Adamson has been predicting future trends for nearly 20 years, having first started her career with Stark Moor Macmillan, predicting the future trends for marketing. Since, K D has been a Futurist-in-Residence for Futurenautics, a Futurist and Keynote speaker for The Futures Agency and founded her own company K D Adamson. Her clients are among some of the largest worldwide organisations including Porsche, Reuters, Audi, Google and Vodafone to name a few, sharing her second-to-none knowledge and advice on the future trends affecting companies.
With her prominent knowledge of future marketing trends in high demand, K D has authored two best-selling books ‘Shipping and the 800-lb Gorilla’ and ‘Payload (The Puppet Masters)’. Having cemented herself as one of the leading names in predicting future trends, hire K D Adamson today to ensure that your company does not get left in the past.
"You are a rockstar! What an impact! Thank you so much for your inspirational keynote, I have never, ever got so much great feedback from a keynote speaker at any event." - Stena Group
Jack Uldrich
Jack Uldrich is a leading expert on the future trends faced by artificial intelligence, technology and digital disruption. On these topics, Jack has published an unprecedented thirteen books and has appeared on numerous widely respected channels including the Discovery Channel, the Science Channel and CNBC. As the Founder and Global Futurist for The School of Unlearning, a former US Naval Intelligence Officer and Defence Department Official, Jack has been predicting future trends for a remarkable 20 years – there is no sector in which Jack cannot share his wealth of experience.
Jack has an unrivalled ability to advise organisations on the future trends in technology, change management and leadership affecting their company, and how they can adapt their strategies to ensure future success. Speaking over 100 times per year, do not miss your chance to learn from Jack Uldrich today.
Maja Göpel
Maja Göpel has been working in the sustainability sector for over 25 years, Playing an integral role in creating a desirable future for future generations. She was responsible for analysing environmental issues faced by the German government during her role as the Secretary General for the German Advisory Council on Global Change, and has been the Director of Future Justice at the World Future Council, responsible for predicting future trends for a healthy and sustainable planet. As the co-founder of the Scientists for Future Initiative, Maja is dedicated to communicating how climate change and ecological disruption is endangering the future of our planet.
Maja’s work in predicting future trends for the environment is unprecedented – in recognition of her work, she has been awarded the Adam Smith Prize 2019 and the Environmental & Sustainability Prize of the Federal Working Group. Having also worked as the Campaign Manager of the Future Justice programme, don't miss your opportunity to learn of future trends that will futureproof society with Maja Göpel.
John Vary
John Vary is currently a Futurologist for the John Lewis Partnership, predicting future trends in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy, detailing how these trends may affect society and how John Lewis is capitalising on future trends. An expert in analysing future trends and developments, many of John's predictions have helped to generate radical innovation for John Lewis, significantly influencing the future visions of the retail giant. An incredibly engaging thought-leader, John has greatly increased customer engagement for John Lewis, sharing his expertise on how future trends will impact society, business and technology. Before forging his success as a futurologist, John fostered a leading reputation as the Innovation Architect for Burberry and the Innovation Manager for John Lewis.
With his work proving invaluable for John Lewis, John is hired as a future trends speaker to ensure the future success of companies worldwide. An expert at predicting future trends in the retail industry, don't miss your chance to benefit from John Vary's extensive knowledge of retail future trends at your next event.
Jacob Morgan
Jacob Morgan is a leading expert in predicting the future trends of work and employment - including how companies need to create a supportive environment for their employees. His services have been requested by CEOs of the largest companies all over the world, including Unilever, Nestle, Mastercard and Audi. Jacob is also the Founder of the Future of Work University and co-host of the Be Your Own Boss podcast. Having conducted his own research, interviewing thousands of employees and hundreds of CEOs from around the world, Jacob has a unique knowledge of past, and future trends in the workplace.
A four-time best-selling author of ‘The Future of Work’ and ‘The Future Leader’, make sure you do not miss out on the chance to hear Jacob Morgan speak on ensuring a harmonious workplace for the foreseeable future within your company.
"A favourite amongst colleagues and clients. His insights on the future of work have helped to shape some of our strategic conversations, and we always enjoy working with him." - Tim, US Chairman & Senior Partner, PwC
Nikki Greenberg
Renowned as one of the world’s top predictors of the future trends of real estate, Nikki Greenberg has led a rich career in the field for over two decades. Having held a variety of positions throughout her career, from a Graduate Architect for Koichi Takada Architects and Head of Marketing for Greenland Holding Group Company to the Head of Technology Strategy & Digital Management at QIC, Nikki has developed a wide variety of skills which she shares with her audiences during her incredible keynote speeches. Currently, Nikki is the Founder and Chief Innovation Officer at Real Estate of the Future where she has helped countless real estate owners to future-proof their portfolios utilising the latest technology.
As the winner of numerous awards, including Top 5 Most Influential Women in Real Estate and a Top 10 Futurist Keynote Speaker, there is no doubt of Nikki Greenberg’s ability to spot future trends, and advise companies on how to secure their future – book her as a future trends speaker today!
"What Nikki said resonated throughout the rest of the [executive board] meeting. More than once, our asset/portfolio managers said “as Nikki referenced earlier”. It was really a perfect fit for us." - AEW Capital Management (New York)
William Higham
William Higham has become one of the most sought-after speakers on the future of behaviours, and how tomorrow’s consumers will behave, think and feel. As the Founder and CEO of Next Big Thing, William is an expert on predicting the future trends of the consumer landscape, and how companies can adapt their strategies to ensure they can provide what the future consumer wants. As a testament to his industry-leading knowledge, some of Williams’s clients include the BBC, Sainsbury’s, HSBC and O2 and he has presented at events all over the globe. Previously, William enjoyed a career leading PR campaigns, creating marketing strategies for The Rolling Stones, and as a Marketing Manager at Universal.
With an understanding of the future trends of consumer behaviours which cannot be matched, William’s guide to trending forecasting, ‘The Next Big Thing’, has been translated into four languages. Do not miss the opportunity to future-proof your company today with tailored knowledge from a wide array of markets with William Higham.
"Will’s talk was a great way to start our strategy conference. He brought new, provocative insights into evolving consumer behaviours, inspiring the audience to think of new ways to serve tomorrow’s consumer.” - Matt, Director of Strategy & Business Transformation, Primark
Ed Greig
When looking for an expert in predicting future trends in digital technology and how this can affect the future of work, there are very few who can match up to the skills which Ed Greig possesses. Ed as forged a highly respectable career at Deloitte, first starting out as a consultant and then working his way up to become the Chief Disruptor, where he works with new technologies to understand how they can benefit his clients in the future. He encourages his team to fall in love with the problem, not the solution, as this is a way of ensuring sights are set on the future and beyond, always one step ahead of the curve.
With an impressive history working for Deloitte, Ed has ensured his name is cemented as a leading figure when dealing with future trends in immersive and disruptive technologies, changing the future of work as we know it. If you are looking to discover more about the future trends of immersive technologies, hire Ed Grieg today.
Kate Matsudaira
Kate Matsudaira has worked an exceptional career with some of the world’s biggest technology companies from Google to Amazon, Microsoft to Moz. With quite the resume to her name, she has developed an unrivalled ability to predict future trends in the technology sphere, helping companies and audiences implement strategies which ensure her teams are performing to the highest of their ability. As the Director of Engineering for Google, Vice President of Splunk and VP of Technology for SoFi, Kate has developed an unrivalled ability to ensure organisations are exploiting websites to their full extent, able to maximise return on investment. Whether a small start-up or large scale organisation, Kate has unparalleled experience in helping build great teams which are able to efficiently take advantage of the future trends in their market.
Having also worked as the Senior Manager of Software Development, Software Platforms and Amazon Web Services for Amazon, Kate has detailed knowledge in predicting future trends that will shape the technology industry. With an adept ability to integrate future trends into company technology strategies, hire Kate Matsudaira as a future trends speaker to hear her unparalleled knowledge.
Henrik von Scheel
As the originator of the infamous ‘Fourth Revolution’, Henrik von Scheel has an unprecedented ability to predict future trends regarding virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things. Henrik has become one of the most well-known keynote speakers in the world and has even been recognised as one of the ‘most influential management speakers of our time’ by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Henrik is currently a professor at the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, University of the West Indies, and has previously held numerous prestigious positions including Chairman of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and Initiator of the European Digital Agenda.
Revered throughout the world, Henrik is at the forefront of predicting how every aspect of our life will be affected by the fourth industrial revolution. Do not miss your chance to prepare for this future with Henrik von Scheel’s incredible and eye-opening speeches.
"One of the most pre-eminent strategists and advisor of his generation" - Eric Schmidt, Chairman of Alphabet
Werner Vogels
Werner Vogels has a resumé which most technology officers can only dream of – he was the brain behind Amazon’s revolutionary shopping cart storage engine, the reason why so many idle browsers become consumers. At the forefront of predicting the latest future trends for consumers, Werner’s diverse skillset makes him one of the most sought-after keynote speakers who educates his audience on the latest technological advancements. Before working as the Chief Technology Officer of Amazon in 2004, Werner was part of Cornell University’s Computer Science Department and co-founded Reliable Network in 1997.
With his ability to ensure Amazon are always market leaders Werner was named Cloud’s Most Influential Executive. Do not miss your chance to be educated on how you too can become an expert on the future of technology, and how to incorporate this into your business model with Werner Vogels.
Ben Hammersley
Ben Hammersley is a renowned expert on predicting how companies and governments will be affected by technological innovation, and how crime and conflict, the changing nature of the workplace, and tools on adapting to change can all affect how a company flourishes. His skills respected by all, Ben’s clients include the UK Foreign Office, the U.S Government, Deloitte, Vodafone and HSBC. His talent in predicting how society reacts to technological innovation in high demand, Ben has presented a World News series for the BBC on cybercrimes, has featured on BBC Radio 4’s documentary Analysis and has presented the BBC series Futureproof.
Highly regarded for his craft, Ben has worked alongside former UK Prime Minister David Cameron as the ambassador to TechCity and has been the Principal of Hammersley Futures since 2010. A distinguished expert on future trends, hire Ben Hammersley when looking to identify disruption risk and understand more about the short and long-term digital future.
"Thank you so much for speaking at Pluralsight LIVE Europe yesterday. You were stellar and we are so grateful. You are seriously the easiest speaker I've ever worked with. Our customers and attendees left inspired and a little challenged by your talk. Oh and they laughed!" - PLURALSIGHT
Richard Watson
Richard Watson has developed an unprecedented ability to recognise future trends in many different sectors, from retail to banking, there is no company that will not benefit from Richard’s expertise. Richard explains how technologies, customer needs and innovation are all trends which need to be analysed to ensure the continued success for companies. Richard has worked with giants such as Coca-Cola and Samsung, and has lectured at The University of Cambridge, Imperial College London and the Ministry of Defence about how the status quo needs to be challenged in order to come up with a strategy to mitigate any negative effects the future may bring.
As a Futurist-in-Residence at the Cambridge Judge Business School and Imperial College London, Richard is renowned as one of the most outstanding forecasters of future trends in the UK and is reshaping how businesses tackle the challenges of the future.
"Richard captured the attention and stimulated the imagination of a challenging group of business leaders. He took the time to understand his audience and his insights into the future delivered original, thoughtful viewpoints that will help to shape future business decisions." - DAC Beachcroft
Vladimer Botsvadze
Vladimer Botsvadze, a pioneering digital marketing and transformation expert, offers invaluable insights as a keynote speaker. In 2023, Thinkers360 recognized him as the No.1 Global Marketing Thought Leader. His expertise spans big data, AI, and content marketing. Vladimer’s compelling storytelling captivates audiences at major industry conferences worldwide, providing actionable strategies that drive success.
His accolades include multiple top influencer rankings and appearances at prestigious events like the Global Marketing Summit. Engage Vladimer to empower your audience with cutting-edge marketing wisdom and practical business applications.
"Vladimer is the world's best digital marketing consultant, speaker, professor and influencer who inspires audiences and helps them stand out worldwide. His 105,000 followers demonstrate that his ideas impact businesses worldwide. Brands enjoy working with Vladimer because of his unparalleled experience and matchless expertise. Working with Vladimer means instant success for you and your company."- Jennifer, GroundTruth
How Do I Hire a Future Trends Speaker?
If you are interested in hiring a future trends speaker, contact Champions Speakers today! We are fortunate to work with the World’s leading experts on predicting future trends, who are only a phone call away from one of our dedicated booking agents. To hire a future trends speaker, browse our roster of futurism and future trends speakers, and then contact a booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or by completing our online contact form.
