In this forward-looking episode of the SpeakersU Podcast, James Taylor and Maria Franzoni unpack the key trends shaping the global speaking industry as we head into 2026 and beyond.

Maria shares insights from her presentation at the Speaker Summit & Awards on the Future of the Speaking Industry, while James brings field reports from 25 countries — including Saudi Arabia, Dubai, the Philippines, and New Zealand — revealing what's really happening in global event markets.

Together they discuss where speaking opportunities are growing, which regions are slowing down, the rise of hybrid events, the impact of AI and generative search, and why bookers are demanding greater ROI and customisation from every speaker they hire.

Whether you're an emerging or established speaker, this episode will help you stay ahead of market shifts, adapt your marketing, and future-proof your speaking business.

Key Takeaways

• ROI is everything – Bookers expect measurable value and tangible takeaways from every speaker.

• Stack your value – Offer panels, Q&As, and workshops to increase ROI and referrals.

• Hybrid events aren't going away – Learn to master both live and virtual audiences.

• Recording is now standard – Expect to be filmed; be clear on how your footage is used.

• Customisation is essential – Tailoring your keynote builds trust and repeat bookings.

• AI tools are reshaping marketing – From James's Taylor-Made AI tool to generative SEO (GEO/AEO), speakers must adapt fast.

• Bookers are getting younger – They're digital natives searching on social media and ChatGPT.

• Video expectations are changing – Bookers want full-length clips, not just highlight reels.

• Industry recovery is uneven – It's a K-shaped comeback: top speakers thrive, many others struggle.

• Global trends – Middle East (Riyadh-focused), Southeast Asia, and Turkey are hot; Europe and the US are mixed; India is poised to boom.

Memorable Quotes

• "It's not enough to show up and speak — you have to show clear ROI for the booker and the audience." – Maria Franzoni

• "Stack your value. Go beyond the keynote — moderate, run a panel, do a workshop." – James Taylor

• "If you're saying no to being recorded, you might not get chosen." – Maria Franzoni

• "We're moving from SEO to GEO — from search engine optimisation to generative engine optimisation." – James Taylor

• "You don't need to be on every social platform, but you do need to be where your next generation of bookers are." – Maria Franzoni

• "Be passionate about your topic. Audiences forgive nerves but never indifference." – James Taylor

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00 – Welcome, party season, and comedy talk

• 02:52 – Introducing today's theme: Speaking Industry Trends

• 03:20 – What bookers want in 2026: ROI and added value

• 06:01 – How James stacks value with workshops and panels

• 07:59 – Hybrid events: why they're here to stay

• 10:09 – The rise of recording and licensing considerations

• 12:26 – Customisation and tailoring expectations

• 14:53 – Using AI for keynote research and relevance

• 16:41 – James's new "Taylor-Made AI" keynote customisation tool

• 17:59 – From SEO to GEO: adapting to generative search

• 18:59 – Younger bookers and digital-native expectations

• 21:04 – How bureaus help new planners avoid mistakes

• 23:12 – The K-shaped recovery in the speaking market

• 25:41 – Why innovation speakers are struggling and AI speakers are thriving

• 26:52 – Showreels and video trends: longer, more authentic footage

• 28:06 – Why TED-style talks are losing impact

• 29:58 – Digital twins and AI-driven content for speakers

• 32:38 – Global hotspots: Middle East focus shifting to Riyadh

• 36:10 – Asia and India's fast-growing opportunities

• 39:20 – Europe's uneven landscape and UK fee pressures

• 42:14 – The US outlook, shifting city destinations, and Latin America's rise

• 44:28 – Wrap-up and call for listener suggestions

Resources & Links

• 💡 Explore more episodes at SpeakersU.com

• 📧 Share your questions or topic ideas: [email protected]