Here’s what’s shaping conversations this week:
Industry Insights
Current trends, expert insights, and best practices across the speaking industry.
When to Rethink the Traditional Keynote
One of the most important decisions in event planning isn’t just who you bring in as a speaker, but how you structure the session.
Some speakers are at their best delivering a traditional keynote, building a clear throughline that inspires and energizes an audience from start to finish. But when a speaker’s content spans multiple ideas, areas of expertise, or perspectives that don’t naturally fit into one linear flow—or when you want the speaker to cover several topics within a single session—a different format can create a stronger, more cohesive experience. We’re seeing more planners lean into moderated conversations or fireside chats in these moments, allowing the content to unfold with more focus, flexibility, and clarity.
This approach not only helps organize more complex or wide-ranging material, it also gives planners more control over where the conversation goes. Rather than forcing everything into a single narrative, a moderated format creates space to explore multiple angles in a way that feels intentional, connected, and easier for the audience to follow.
Takeaway:
The most successful events don’t default to a single format—they match the format to the speaker and the outcome they want to achieve. When that alignment is right, everything else—from audience engagement to takeaway value—falls into place.
Speaker Spotlights
Timely highlights, notable achievements, and impactful voices shaping today’s conversations.
Top-Ranked Again: Jason Schenker Named #1 Forecaster in the World
Jason Schenker has once again been ranked the #1 forecaster in the world, reinforcing his unmatched accuracy across economic, financial, and geopolitical forecasting. At a time when organizations are navigating ongoing uncertainty, his data-driven insights and forward-looking perspective are helping leaders anticipate change and make more confident, strategic decisions about what comes next.
+Learn more about Jason Schenker
Rethinking Success: David Epstein Announces New Book Inside the Box
Next month, #1 New York Times bestselling author David Epstein releases Inside the Box: How Constraints Make Us Better, offering a compelling new perspective on how limitations can drive stronger thinking, innovation, and performance. At a time when organizations are seeking smarter ways to adapt and lead, Epstein’s research-backed insights challenge conventional thinking and highlight how structure and boundaries can unlock creativity, improve decision-making, and build more resilient, high-performing teams.
+Learn more about David Epstein
Inside Artemis: Jeanette Epps and Dr. Owais Durrani on the Future of Space and Human Performance
Following the Artemis II mission, astronaut Jeanette Epps continues to shape the future of space exploration, while Dr. Owais Durrani highlights how medical data from the crew is advancing our understanding of both the moon and the human body. As momentum builds around the next era of space travel, their perspectives underscore not only innovation and human resilience, but also the growing importance of STEAM education in preparing the next generation to explore farther, solve complex challenges, and lead in an increasingly scientific and technology-driven world.
+Learn more about APB’s STEAM speakers
This Week’s Rave Reviews
Event feedback, audience reactions, and memorable moments from the stage.
Dr. Esther Choo delivered a powerful keynote for a higher education association focused on diversity and inclusion, engaging an audience of more than 500 professionals committed to human-centered work across their institutions. Her blend of research, relatability, and perspective on equity and health outcomes deeply resonated, earning overwhelmingly positive feedback and standing out as one of the most impactful keynotes in the conference’s history.
In front of more than 100 community leaders focused on youth safety and well-being, Dr. Nadine Burke Harris created an experience that felt both deeply personal and mission-aligned for a national nonprofit audience. Her ability to connect trauma-informed insight with real-world application resonated throughout the room, leaving participants inspired, aligned, and energized to lead with greater intention in their communities.
Monique Coleman delivered a standout keynote for a college-sponsored women’s conference, engaging an audience of more than 300 corporate women, community leaders, campus members, and board leaders. Her dynamic presence and powerful perspective created a lasting impression, with attendees describing her as the best speaker in over a decade and leaving energized and inspired.
Every week we’re inspired by the ideas, voices, and moments that move audiences forward.
At APB Speakers, we’re proud to help organizations bring those moments to life.