Automation Speakers

An automation speaker is someone who specializes in delivering talks, presentations, or workshops focused on automation technologies, strategies, and trends. These speakers are often experts in fields like artificial intelligence, robotic process automation (RPA), machine learning, and workflow optimization.

Unlike general tech speakers, automation speakers focus specifically on how repetitive tasks, decision-making processes, and business operations can be streamlined using digital tools. They might speak at industry conferences, corporate events, virtual summits, or educational webinars.

Automation speakers are typically practitioners, consultants, or thought leaders who have hands-on experience implementing automation solutions. For example, someone who led the automation transformation at a global bank might speak about reducing manual compliance checks using AI.

Their role is not just to inform, but to inspire action. They help audiences understand the 'why' and 'how' of automation-why it's necessary in today's fast-paced world, and how to implement it effectively without disrupting human workflows.

Whether they're addressing a room full of CTOs or a virtual audience of small business owners, automation speakers bridge the gap between technical complexity and practical application.

When organizations are drowning in buzzwords like 'AI', 'machine learning', and 'hyperautomation', a skilled automation speaker can cut through the noise. They provide clarity in a space that's often misunderstood or misapplied.

First, automation speakers educate. They help teams understand what automation is-and what it isn't. For instance, many assume automation means job loss. A good speaker reframes this, showing how automation can free up human talent for more strategic work.

Second, they offer strategic insight. Automation isn't one-size-fits-all. What works for a fintech startup in Singapore might not apply to a manufacturing company in Ohio. Speakers bring global case studies and cross-industry examples to help audiences see what's possible.

Third, they inspire innovation. By showcasing real-world success stories-like how a hospital reduced patient intake time by 60% using chatbots-automation speakers spark ideas that attendees can take back to their own teams.

Finally, they help build momentum. Whether you're launching a new digital initiative or trying to shift company culture, an external voice can validate your vision and energize your team. That's why automation speakers are often brought in at the start of transformation projects or during annual strategy retreats.

Automation speakers do more than just talk about robots and workflows. Here's a breakdown of their core activities:

- Educate Audiences. They explain automation concepts in a way that's accessible to both technical and non-technical listeners. This might include AI, RPA, low-code platforms, or intelligent document processing.

- Share Case Studies. They bring real-world examples to life-like how a retail chain automated inventory management or how a law firm used AI to streamline contract review.

- Offer Strategic Guidance. Many automation speakers are also consultants or former executives. They provide frameworks and roadmaps for implementing automation across departments or entire organizations.

- Facilitate Workshops. Some go beyond keynotes and lead hands-on sessions where attendees map out automation opportunities within their own workflows.

- Challenge Assumptions. They often address the ethical, cultural, and operational implications of automation. For example, they might explore how bias can creep into AI models or how to reskill employees displaced by automation.

- Motivate Change. Whether it's a startup founder or a Fortune 500 CIO, automation speakers help leaders see what's possible-and why now is the time to act.

In short, automation speakers are translators, strategists, and catalysts. They help people understand not just the technology, but the transformation behind it.

Ready to dive into the world of automation speaking? Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started and actually get booked.

1. Define Your Niche and Expertise.
- Automation is a broad field. Are you focused on marketing automation, industrial robotics, AI workflows, or SaaS systems? Get specific.
- Tip: Pick a niche where you have real-world experience or a unique perspective. This helps you stand out.

2. Build Your Signature Talk.
- Create a presentation that solves a real problem or shares a compelling insight.
- Include case studies, stats, and actionable takeaways. Think: how can your audience apply what you teach tomorrow?
- Example: A talk titled "How AI Automation is Transforming Small Business Marketing" is more compelling than "Trends in Automation".

3. Create a Speaker Page.
- Use platforms like Talks.co to build a professional speaker profile.
- Include your bio, talk titles, testimonials, and a short video reel.
- Pro tip: Add a downloadable one-sheet for event organizers.

4. Start Speaking (Even for Free).
- Speak at local meetups, online summits, podcasts, or industry webinars.
- These early gigs build your confidence, content, and credibility.
- Use Talks.co to connect with hosts looking for automation experts.

5. Collect Testimonials and Refine.
- After each talk, ask for feedback and testimonials.
- Use this input to sharpen your message and delivery.
- Bonus: Record your talks to build a demo reel.

6. Pitch Yourself Strategically.
- Research events, conferences, and podcasts in your niche.
- Send personalized pitches with your speaker page and talk outline.
- Follow up. Most speakers get booked through consistent outreach.

Becoming an automation speaker is about positioning, persistence, and delivering value. Start small, stay focused, and let your expertise do the talking.

Being an automation speaker isn't just about knowing your tech. It's about translating complex systems into stories and strategies that audiences can actually use. Here's what you really need:

Deep Knowledge of Automation
Whether it's robotic process automation (RPA), AI-driven workflows, or marketing automation tools like HubSpot or Zapier, you need to understand how automation works in practice. This means staying current with trends, tools, and use cases across industries.

Communication Skills
You might be brilliant at building systems, but if you can't explain them clearly, you're not ready to speak. Great automation speakers simplify the technical, use analogies, and keep audiences engaged. Practice storytelling, pacing, and audience interaction.

A Clear Personal Brand
What makes you different from other automation experts? Maybe you specialize in automation for e-commerce, or you're known for helping non-tech teams adopt AI tools. Your brand should be clear on your Talks.co speaker page, LinkedIn, and website.

Credibility and Experience
You don't need to be a CTO, but you should have real-world experience. Case studies, client results, or even your own startup journey can build trust. If you're just starting out, contribute to blogs, speak on podcasts, or host webinars to build your authority.

A Platform to Get Booked
You need visibility. Talks.co is a great place to start. It connects speakers with event hosts and podcast producers. Build your profile, list your topics, and start networking. Don't wait for invites-go after them.

In short, to be an automation speaker, you need a mix of expertise, clarity, and visibility. If you can teach, inspire, and simplify, you're on the right track.

Yes, automation speakers do get paid-but how much and how often depends on several factors. Let's break it down.
Industry Demand
Automation is a hot topic across sectors: tech, manufacturing, marketing, finance, and healthcare. That demand means more speaking opportunities, especially at conferences, corporate events, and virtual summits.
Experience Level
New speakers might start with free gigs or honorariums. But once you've built a track record-especially with testimonials, case studies, and a solid Talks.co profile-you can start charging.
Event Type
- Corporate training sessions: Often the highest paying.
- Industry conferences: Pay varies widely, from $500 to $10,000+.
- Podcasts and webinars: Usually unpaid, but great for lead generation.
- Online summits: May offer affiliate commissions or exposure.
Speaker Tier Examples

Speaker Level	Typical Fee Range
Beginner	$0 - $500
Mid-Level Expert	$1,000 - $5,000
High-Demand Speaker	$5,000 - $25,000+

Pros
- High demand in tech-forward industries.
- Opportunities to bundle consulting or training.
- Virtual events reduce travel costs.
Cons
- Competitive space.
- Many events offer exposure instead of cash.
- Requires ongoing marketing and outreach.
Bottom line: Automation speakers do get paid, but it takes positioning, proof, and persistence to earn consistently.

Automation speakers generate income through a mix of direct and indirect channels. Here's a breakdown of how they monetize their expertise:

1. Paid Speaking Engagements
- Conferences, corporate events, and workshops often pay speakers directly.
- Rates vary based on experience, audience size, and event budget.
- Example: A speaker on AI automation might earn $7,500 for a keynote at a tech summit.

2. Consulting and Advisory Services
- Many automation speakers offer consulting packages after their talks.
- Speaking becomes a lead generator for high-ticket services.
- Example: A speaker helps a logistics company automate inventory workflows post-event.

3. Online Courses and Digital Products
- Speakers often package their knowledge into courses, templates, or toolkits.
- Platforms like Teachable or Gumroad make it easy to sell.
- Example: "30-Day Automation Blueprint for Small Businesses" priced at $297.

4. Affiliate Marketing and Sponsorships
- Some promote tools like Zapier, Make, or ActiveCampaign and earn commissions.
- Sponsors may pay to be mentioned during talks or webinars.
- Example: A speaker earns $1,000/month promoting an automation SaaS.

5. Books and Publications
- Publishing a book establishes authority and creates passive income.
- Example: "Automate or Die: The Future of Workflows" sold at events and online.

6. Virtual Summits and Talks.co Listings
- Hosting or appearing in virtual summits can generate revenue via ticket sales or affiliate splits.
- Talks.co helps speakers get discovered and booked for paid gigs.

In short, automation speakers make money by combining stage time with smart backend offers. The most successful ones treat speaking as a growth engine, not just a gig.

The income potential for automation speakers varies widely, depending on experience, niche, and how diversified their revenue streams are. Here's a closer look at the numbers.
Entry-Level Speakers
- Typically earn $0 to $1,000 per talk.
- Often speak for free at webinars or local events to build credibility.
- May generate indirect income through leads or exposure.
Mid-Tier Speakers
- Earn between $1,000 and $5,000 per speaking engagement.
- Often have a strong Talks.co profile, a demo reel, and a few testimonials.
- May supplement income with consulting or digital products.
High-Level Experts
- Can command $5,000 to $25,000+ per keynote.
- Often speak at global conferences, corporate retreats, or industry summits.
- Typically have a book, course, or consulting firm tied to their brand.
Annual Income Ranges

Speaker Type	Estimated Annual Income
Part-time Speaker	$10,000 - $50,000
Full-time Speaker	$60,000 - $250,000
Celebrity/Top Expert	$300,000+

Factors That Influence Income
- Niche demand: Automation in healthcare or finance tends to pay more.
- Speaking frequency: More gigs = more income.
- Backend offers: Courses, consulting, and affiliate deals can double earnings.
So while some automation speakers treat it as a side hustle, others build six-figure businesses around it. It all comes down to positioning, consistency, and how well you monetize beyond the mic.

Hiring an automation speaker can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands, depending on several factors. Here's a breakdown to help you understand the pricing landscape.
1. Speaker Experience Level
- Beginner: $0 - $1,000. Often newer speakers looking for exposure.
- Mid-Level: $1,000 - $5,000. These speakers have a few years of experience and a solid Talks.co profile.
- Expert/Celebrity: $5,000 - $25,000+. These are well-known names with books, media appearances, or a strong corporate track record.
2. Event Type and Format
- Virtual Webinar: $500 - $3,000. Lower cost due to no travel.
- In-Person Conference: $3,000 - $15,000. Includes travel, prep, and customization.
- Corporate Training: $5,000 - $25,000+. Often includes workshops and follow-up consulting.
3. Customization and Deliverables
- Off-the-shelf talk: Less expensive.
- Custom keynote or industry-specific content: Higher cost.
- Add-ons like Q&A sessions, breakout workshops, or post-event consulting can increase fees.
4. Location and Logistics
- Speakers based in major hubs (New York, London, Singapore) may charge more due to demand.
- International travel, accommodation, and per diem are usually extra.
Sample Cost Table

Type of Engagement	Typical Cost Range
Virtual Keynote	$1,000 - $5,000
In-Person Keynote	$3,000 - $15,000
Corporate Workshop	$5,000 - $25,000+

If you're booking through a platform like Talks.co, you can often negotiate packages or find emerging talent at more accessible rates. The key is aligning speaker expertise with your event goals.

1. Elon Musk. Known more for his visionary leadership, Musk has spoken extensively about automation in manufacturing, especially at Tesla and SpaceX. His talks blend future-focused insights with real-world implementation.

2. Andrew Ng. Co-founder of Coursera and former head of Baidu AI, Ng is a leading voice in AI and automation. His talks are clear, data-driven, and accessible to non-technical audiences.

3. Guy Kawasaki. While not exclusively an automation speaker, his insights on tech adoption and innovation often include automation trends. His storytelling style makes complex ideas stick.

4. Martin Ford. Author of 'Rise of the Robots', Ford is a go-to expert on the societal impact of automation. His TED Talks and keynotes are widely respected.

5. Kate Darling. A researcher at MIT, Darling explores human-robot interaction and the ethics of automation. Her talks challenge assumptions and spark deep discussion.

6. Gary Vaynerchuk. While known for marketing, Gary Vee often speaks about automation in content creation and business scaling. His energy and practical tips resonate with entrepreneurs.

7. Dr. Fei-Fei Li. A pioneer in computer vision and AI, her talks often touch on automation's role in healthcare and education. She brings both technical depth and human perspective.

8. Daniel Susskind. Economist and author of 'A World Without Work', Susskind explores the economic implications of automation in a compelling and accessible way.

9. Cal Newport. Known for 'Deep Work', Newport critiques automation's impact on productivity and focus. His talks offer a counterbalance to automation hype.

10. Kevin Kelly. Founding editor of Wired, Kelly's talks on technology evolution often include automation as a central theme. He offers a big-picture view that inspires and informs.

1. Andrew Ng (USA/Global). A global authority on AI and automation, Ng's talks are a masterclass in clarity and relevance. He speaks at major events like the World Economic Forum and Google Cloud Next.

2. Kate Darling (USA). Based at MIT Media Lab, Darling is a rising star in robotics and automation ethics. Her TEDx talks and academic keynotes are both thought-provoking and accessible.

3. Pascal Bornet (France). Author of 'Intelligent Automation', Bornet is a frequent speaker at global enterprise events. He brings a European perspective to large-scale automation in business.

4. Ayesha Khanna (Singapore). Co-founder of ADDO AI, Khanna speaks globally on smart cities and automation in Asia. Her insights are especially relevant for emerging markets.

5. Chris Dancy (USA). Dubbed 'the most connected man on Earth', Dancy speaks about personal automation and the quantified self. His talks are quirky, data-rich, and unforgettable.

6. Daniel Hulme (UK). CEO of Satalia and a speaker at TEDx and Google events, Hulme bridges AI theory and business automation. His UK-based talks are popular across Europe.

7. Tan Le (Australia/USA). Founder of EMOTIV, Le speaks on automation in neuroscience and brain-computer interfaces. Her talks blend science, tech, and personal narrative.

8. Håkon Wium Lie (Norway). Though known for inventing CSS, Lie now speaks on automation in web development and digital rights. A niche but influential voice in Europe.

9. Clara Durodié (UK). Specializing in AI and automation in finance, Durodié is a go-to speaker for fintech conferences and regulatory summits.

10. Raffaello D'Andrea (Switzerland/Canada). Co-founder of Kiva Systems (acquired by Amazon), D'Andrea speaks on robotics and warehouse automation. His TED talks are visually stunning and deeply technical.

Let's unpack some of the most persistent misconceptions about automation speakers. Whether you're just starting out or scaling your speaking business, chances are you've heard at least one of these.

1. Automation speakers only talk about robots and AI.
This one's common, but it's way off. While AI and robotics are part of the conversation, automation speakers often cover a wide range of topics: workflow optimization, business systems, marketing automation, and even human-machine collaboration. For example, speakers like Chris Dancy explore the intersection of personal productivity and automation, not just tech stacks.

2. You need to be a coder to be an automation speaker.
Nope. Many successful automation speakers come from operations, marketing, or even HR backgrounds. What matters is your ability to communicate how automation solves real-world problems. Think of Ari Meisel, who talks about 'Less Doing' and automation from a lifestyle and business efficiency angle, not from a programming perspective.

3. Automation is only relevant to big tech companies.
Actually, small businesses and solopreneurs are some of the biggest beneficiaries of automation. Speakers like Zapier's Wade Foster have shown how even two-person teams can scale using smart automation. So if you're speaking to a room full of small business owners, automation is not just relevant... it's essential.

4. Automation speakers are just glorified software salespeople.
This myth comes from a few bad apples who turn keynotes into product pitches. But the best automation speakers focus on strategy, mindset, and transformation. They might mention tools, but the core message is about outcomes, not features.

5. The field is too crowded to stand out.
While it's true that automation is a hot topic, there's still plenty of room for unique voices. If you specialize in automation for a niche industry-say, agriculture, education, or creative services-you can carve out a space where your insights are in high demand.

When you look at the rise of successful automation speakers, you'll notice one thing: they didn't all start in tech. Their stories are as diverse as the industries they serve.

Take Tiffani Bova. She began her career in sales strategy before becoming a keynote speaker on digital transformation and automation in customer experience. Her talks blend data with storytelling, making automation relatable to enterprise leaders who aren't necessarily tech-savvy. Her success shows that domain expertise, not just technical know-how, can drive a powerful automation message.

Then there's Mike Michalowicz. While not traditionally labeled an 'automation speaker', his work on business systems and efficiency-especially in his book 'Clockwork'-has made him a go-to speaker for entrepreneurs looking to automate operations. His storytelling style and focus on small business pain points have helped him build a loyal global audience.

In Asia, Gibu Mathew from Zoho has become a prominent voice on automation in emerging markets. His keynotes often highlight how automation can leapfrog infrastructure gaps in developing economies. By tailoring his message to regional challenges, he's built credibility across diverse audiences.

And let's not forget Brittany Berger, who speaks about content repurposing and marketing automation. She's carved out a niche by focusing on burnout prevention for creators. Her talks resonate with freelancers and startups who want to scale without sacrificing mental health.

What ties these speakers together isn't a shared background-it's a shared ability to translate automation into human terms. Whether it's through humor, storytelling, or practical frameworks, they make the complex feel doable. That's the real secret sauce.

So where are automation speakers heading next? The landscape is shifting, and those who adapt will find new stages and new audiences.

First, expect to see more cross-discipline talks. Automation isn't just a tech topic anymore. Speakers are weaving it into conversations about sustainability, education, and even mental health. For instance, automation in agriculture-like drone-based crop monitoring-is opening doors for speakers in food security and climate resilience.

Second, the rise of no-code and low-code platforms is democratizing automation. This means more non-technical professionals are entering the space, and they're hungry for relatable, actionable content. Automation speakers who can speak to this crowd-think HR managers, nonprofit directors, or solo consultants-will be in high demand.

Third, virtual and hybrid events are here to stay. Automation speakers who can deliver high-impact sessions online, using interactive tools and real-time demos, will stand out. Expect more demand for workshops and masterclasses, not just keynotes.

Key trends to watch:
- Localized automation narratives: Speakers tailoring content to regional industries and cultural contexts.
- Ethics and transparency: As automation touches sensitive areas like hiring or surveillance, speakers who address ethical concerns will gain trust.
- Automation for creators: With the creator economy booming, there's a growing niche for automation in content production, monetization, and audience engagement.
- AI-human collaboration: Talks that explore how humans and machines can co-create, rather than compete, are gaining traction.

Bottom line: the future of automation speaking isn't just about tools. It's about context, connection, and clarity. Speakers who embrace these shifts will stay relevant-and booked.

If you're looking to break into the world of automation speaking or level up your current game, the right tools can make a huge difference. Here's a curated list of platforms and resources to help you build authority, land gigs, and deliver killer presentations.

1. Talks.co. This platform matches podcast hosts with expert guests. If you're an aspiring automation speaker, getting featured on niche podcasts is a smart way to build credibility and reach new audiences.

2. Zapier. Not just a tool to talk about-use it to automate your own speaking business. Set up workflows to manage leads, schedule follow-ups, or even send personalized thank-you emails after a gig.

3. Notion. Organize your speaking topics, client outreach, and automation case studies in one place. Bonus: you can build a public speaker page to showcase your expertise.

4. Loom. Record short video pitches for event organizers or demo your automation frameworks. It's a great way to stand out in a crowded inbox.

5. Slidebean. Create sleek, data-driven presentations without spending hours on design. Perfect for automation speakers who want to visualize complex systems clearly.

6. LinkedIn Events. Host your own mini-webinars or workshops. It's a low-barrier way to test your material, grow your following, and attract inbound speaking requests.

7. SpeakerHub. A directory where you can list your profile, topics, and availability. It's used by event planners across industries, including tech and business automation.

8. Otter.ai. Use it to transcribe your talks, then repurpose the content into blog posts, social media snippets, or even a book. Automation speakers should practice what they preach: repurpose and scale.

Pro tip: Don't just use these tools-talk about how you use them. Audiences love real-world examples, and showing your own systems builds trust and authority.