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About the event
51st Annual Training Conference
Organization: California Public Employers Labor Relations Association (CALPELRA)
Event: 2026 Annual Training Conference
Date: November 18, 2026
Location: Monterey, CA
Format: In-Person
Audience: Public sector leaders, labor relations professionals, human resources leaders, attorneys, and workforce strategists from across California.
Event Overview
CALPELRA’s Annual Training Conference brings together public sector professionals to learn, strategize, and prepare for the evolving challenges shaping today’s workplace. As the organization celebrates its 50th year, the 2026 conference is focused on how public sector organizations can continue to evolve, modernize, and lead effectively into the future.
Theme
Technological Innovation & the Future of Work
Automation, data systems, and artificial intelligence are transforming how public sector organizations operate — increasing efficiency, enhancing service delivery, and modernizing workforce practices. As these changes accelerate, leadership plays a critical role in how organizations adapt, support employees, and move forward with intention.
Keynote Opportunity
Opening Keynote (Conference Kickoff)
- Audience Arrival Window: 8:30 – 10:00 AM
- Keynote Timing: Approximately 9:00 – 10:00 AM
- Pre-Keynote: Opening remarks and conference introduction (~30 minutes)
The opening keynote is designed to set the tone for the entire conference — energizing attendees while offering a meaningful perspective on navigating change, leading through transformation, and preparing for the future of work.
Looking For
A dynamic keynote speaker who can:
- Offer a compelling perspective on how technological change is shaping the workplace
- Inspire leaders navigating transformation within the public sector
- Ground forward-looking ideas in real, human experiences of change, resilience, and adaptation
- Balance insight with storytelling that creates connection and leaves a lasting impression
- Engage a broad, cross-functional audience in a way that feels both relevant and memorable
Planning Timeline
- Speaker Proposal Deadline: April 10, 2026
- Subcommittee Review: April 10–15, 2026
- Finalists Selected: By May 18, 2026
Availability
Andrew is currently available November 18th, 2026
Speaking Fee & Logistics
Speaking Fee: $25,000 USD
Travel: $3,000 flat travel fee, inclusive of roundtrip airfare, ground transportation, meals, and incidentals
(Travel can be structured differently depending on routing and point of origin, offering some flexibility.)
Hotel: Two (2) hotel rooms to be provided
Andrew travels with a dedicated tour manager for all speaking engagements. This ensures a seamless experience on-site, particularly given the integration of live music and technical production elements.
Technical Requirements
Andrew’s keynote experience incorporates live music (keyboard), supported by a dedicated AV setup.
He travels with a detailed technical rider to ensure a seamless integration of both speaking and musical elements. The full rider will be provided as conversations progress so your production team has everything needed to support the experience.
Gravity Speakers Profile: https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/andrew-mcmahon
Website: https://www.andrewmcmahonspeaks.com/
Andrew is based in Los Angeles, CA.
“Watching Andrew transfer his in-depth knowledge of the creative process and his multidisciplinary reinventions applied to new fields and industries has been nothing less than breathtaking. More companies than ever feel like they have to grow in order to be successful in the current era of rapid change. Andrew's speech is the key to unlocking the courage to proactively transform.” - Josh Linkner, NYT Bestselling Author & Venture Capitalist Investor
“Andrew's bravery to take on risk when others tread in place is an eye-opener. But his determination to dive into uncomfortable waters to grow as an artist has resonance for all. By sharing his truly inspirational story through his insights, motivations, and methods, he explains how anyone can figure their own path to do what they really want. No matter your line of work or stage of your career, this is an important reminder that we're on this planet for a very short time. He teaches us how to get out of our own way so we can appreciate the past, but more importantly, make the most of our future. It's a life-changing lesson, charmingly told.”- AUDREY FIX SCHAEFER, HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS, I.M.P./9:30 CLUB
“Andrew is one of the most inspiring guest speakers that has ever met with our team. He has lived an extraordinary life, which has provided him with unique insights about reinvention, fear, and change that are relatable, and thought-provoking.” - Charlie Walker, President, C3 Presents
Speaker Highlights
Singer, Songwriter, Lifelong Reinventor
Over the last 25 years, Andrew McMahon has built a career defined by creative evolution, emotional connection, and the ability to continually reinvent himself.
A classically trained pianist and natural performer, Andrew first rose to prominence as the co-founder of Something Corporate, achieving major chart success in the early 2000s. He went on to launch the acclaimed solo project Jack’s Mannequin, followed by Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness—each chapter marking a distinct creative era and expanding his reach to a global audience.
Across his three projects, Andrew has sold nearly 2.5 million albums, surpassed 1.3 billion streams, and performed at iconic festivals including Coachella, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, and Austin City Limits. In 2025, he brought all three of his musical identities together for a historic, sold-out “Three Pianos” performance at Red Rocks Amphitheatre—becoming the first artist to perform as opening act, direct support, and headliner in a single night.
Behind this trajectory is a deeply personal story of resilience and transformation. Andrew’s journey through life-altering challenges, creative rebirth, and purpose-driven work—including founding the Dear Jack Foundation—has shaped a perspective that resonates far beyond music.
Today, Andrew brings that perspective to the stage in a powerful format that blends storytelling and live music—creating an experience that is both deeply personal and universally impactful.
The Experience:
Andrew McMahon has spent the last 25 years building a career in the music industry — one of the most disrupted industries in the world. From the collapse of traditional models to the rise of digital platforms and now the emergence of AI-driven creation, his career has been defined by constant evolution.
Without positioning himself as a technical AI expert, Andrew brings something equally critical to this moment: a practical framework for how individuals and organizations adapt when the ground beneath them is shifting.
His keynote blends storytelling with live music (keyboard), creating an experience that is both emotionally resonant and highly memorable — particularly as an opening session designed to set the tone for the day.
Why Andrew is a Strong Fit:
- Human-Centered Perspective on Transformation: Complements AI-focused programming by addressing the emotional and leadership realities of change — uncertainty, identity shifts, and decision-making under pressure
- Real-World Experience with Disruption: Built a career through multiple industry shifts, including the current evolution of AI in creative work
- Framework for Reinvention: Offers a clear, actionable approach to adapting in rapidly changing environments
- Highly Engaging Opening Keynote Format: Combines storytelling and live music to create a memorable, tone-setting experience
Keynote Overview:
Mapping The Wild: Reinvention in an Era of Rapid Change
Andrew McMahon has spent the last 25 years building a career in one of the most disrupted industries in the world — navigating the collapse of traditional models, the rise of digital platforms, and now the emergence of AI-driven creation.
At the center of his keynote is a simple but challenging idea: when what’s been working no longer guarantees the future, it’s time to step back, rethink your value, and embrace change.
Drawing from his own journey across multiple reinventions, Andrew introduces the concept of “getting back in the van” — returning to fundamentals, rebuilding with intention, and rediscovering purpose in moments of uncertainty.
Through real-world moments — including firsthand encounters with AI in the creative process — Andrew explores a question leaders across industries are now facing:
not just what can this technology do, but what should we do with it?
This keynote offers a practical framework for navigating change when the path forward isn’t clear — helping leaders and teams determine when to adopt, when to adapt, and how to move forward without a defined roadmap.
In an era of rapid technological advancement, Andrew provides a critical and complementary perspective — grounding innovation in the human experience of transformation: uncertainty, identity shifts, decision-making under pressure, and the courage to reinvent before it’s forced upon you.
Key Takeaways
- A practical framework for navigating change when the future is uncertain
- How to approach reinvention with clarity, intention, and purpose
- Balancing innovation with human judgment and long-term vision
- Making thoughtful decisions around when to adopt vs. adapt
- Staying agile, creative, and forward-thinking in rapidly evolving environments
Former White House Senior AI Advisor | AI Strategist & Techno-Realist
Carmem Domingues is a Harvard, Columbia, and Cambridge-educated AI leader and former White House Senior AI Advisor who helps organizations understand and leverage AI strategically, ethically, and effectively.
With nearly two decades of experience across the public and private sectors — including work with the White House, World Bank, and Fortune 500 companies — she has built AI systems, advised on AI strategy and policy, and led large-scale workforce education initiatives, including AI training for over 3.3 million U.S. federal employees.
Known for her ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable insights, Carmem equips leaders with the tools to navigate technological change with confidence and clarity.
Fee: $20,000 + travel expenses and hotel
Gravity Profile: https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/carmem-domingues
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmem-domingues/
Carmem is based in Washington D.C.
"I had the pleasure of working with Carmem Domingues when she delivered a talk on artificial intelligence to a group of term members at the Council on Foreign Relations in 2025. The discussion was focused specifically on how AI can empower or erode human behavior, and Carmem brought an expert yet measured perspective that was necessary to have a balanced and fruitful conversation. She is especially talented in translating complex, high-level concepts into clear and accessible insights, something that is incredibly important for a subject that is evolving at such a rapid pace. Carmem is extremely thoughtful, collaborative, and well-prepared and was the ideal partner in helping shape an event that was valuable and educational to all that attended. I would welcome the opportunity to work with her and rely on her expertise any time." - Meaghan Fulco, Associate Vice President, Council on Foreign Relations
“I had the pleasure of working with Carmem Domingues on two diRerent occasions: a Future Hacker roundtable and a Keynote session she delivered for senior executives at Orb.tz. In both settings, Carmem stood out as an exceptional speaker. She has a rare ability to explain complex topics around AI, ethics, and policy in a clear, structured, and highly didactic way—without ever oversimplifying the discussion. Her depth of academic knowledge is impressive, but what truly sets her apart is how approachable, engaging, and charismatic she is on stage. Carmem creates an environment where people feel comfortable asking questions, challenging ideas, and thinking critically about the real impact of AI on society, business, and the future. Executives left her session not only better informed, but genuinely inspired. I highly recommend Carmem as a speaker for organizations looking for thoughtful, insightful, and impactful conversations about artificial intelligence and its broader implications.” - Maria Athayde, Partner, Future Hacker, Strategist, Orb.tz
"As AI increasingly dominates more and more sectors of society, Carmem Domingues is an invaluable voice and resource for insights into the realities behind the technology’s impact and what the government can and should do to manage it. As a guest on the CenterD podcast, Carmem shared an inside look into the nuance of the policy making process at the highest levels of government, and made it digestible for our audience on what that means for America’s workforce. Carmem’s ability to add broader historical context and industry insights allowed us to go much more in-depth than the typical superficial conversations that too often dominate online. Beyond informational, Carmem’s expertise yielded valuable insights into the realities of the resilience of the labor market in the context of AI, while also adding important understanding of how workers can thrive in the emerging economy. Her friendly and engaging demeanor was also a refreshing change on a topic where experts often come across as clinical, abstract, or diRicult to connect with. I highly recommend Carmem for speaking engagements and look forward to catching them. - Luis Miranda, Managing Director, Ambassador Public ARairs, Former US Senior Political and Government ORicial, Host of the CenterD Podcast
Speaker Highlights
Why Carmem is a Strong Fit:
- Rare credibility across policy, implementation, and workforce education: Carmem has not only advised on AI at the White House, but also developed AI training for more than 3.3 million federal employees and military personnel. That combination makes her especially relevant for a public-sector audience thinking about leadership, workforce readiness, and responsible adoption.
- A techno-realist perspective that cuts through AI hype: Carmem’s approach is grounded, practical, and deeply informed by technical expertise. She helps audiences understand what AI can actually do, where organizations go wrong in adoption, and how leaders can make smarter decisions without getting swept up in either fear or overpromising.
- Especially resonant for labor, HR, and public sector leaders: Her work sits at the intersection of AI, workforce implications, critical thinking, decision-making, and organizational change. For an audience of labor relations professionals, HR leaders, attorneys, and public sector decision-makers, that perspective is highly relevant.
- Able to translate complexity for non-technical audiences: One of Carmem’s greatest strengths is making sophisticated AI concepts understandable and useful for broad audiences. She doesn’t just explain the technology — she helps people understand the “so what,” which is exactly what makes a conference keynote valuable.
- Brings both the institutional and human side of AI: Carmem can speak to AI not only from the standpoint of systems, strategy, and governance, but also from the standpoint of how it shapes behavior, judgment, relationships, and the future of work. That gives her a wider lens than many AI speakers.
- An engaging female voice in a fast-moving field: As a woman operating at a high level in AI, policy, and strategy, Carmem brings a perspective that is both differentiated and compelling — particularly for committees looking to feature a strong female keynote voice without compromising substance.
Recommended Keynote:
How AI is Changing Us
This talk explores what are some of the ways that AI is (re)shaping society, and what are its consequences, focusing on how AI can Empower or Erode Human Behavior.
As AI becomes ubiquitous, and touches ever more facets of our lives, we increasingly defer to machines to carry out tasks previously done by humans. How, and why is that happening? Are we giving up what makes us inherently humans, and differentiates us from machines? What makes us uniquely humans? What should we allow machines to do, versus what should we protect as our uniquely human characteristics and abilities?
What are the impacts to the future of labor, human relations (with ourselves and others), global politics and society at large?
Takeaways:
This talk will give the audience an understanding of, and make them think about:
- How AI impacts a plethora of aspects of society: from environmental issues, to institutional organization, geopolitics, social relations and even human cognition
- What makes us uniquely humans
- How AI can both empower and erode human behavior
- How our humanity is impacted by our increased use of AI
- How AI affects from our relationships with ourselves, to the global balance of power
- Ultimately, what should we be delegating to AI systems, and which skills and abilities we should protect as essential to our humanity, and our future
- How we can adapt our own use of AI systems to minimize negative impacts, and maximize positive ones
United Nations AI Advisor, IBM Master Inventor, AI & Technology Expert, Author
Neil Sahota is a globally recognized AI strategist, United Nations advisor, IBM Master Inventor, and bestselling author of Own the A.I. Revolution. With over 20 years of experience, he has worked with Fortune 500 companies and government leaders to design, implement, and scale AI-driven solutions across industries including healthcare, finance, and public sector.
Known for translating complex technologies into practical business value, Neil helps organizations move beyond experimentation to real-world AI adoption — turning ideas into measurable impact.
Speaking Fee: $25,000 + travel expenses and hotel
There is some additional flexibility in the speaker fee, and we’re happy to continue the conversation to ensure alignment with your budget and program goals.
Speaker Profile: https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/neil-sahota
Speaker Website: https://www.neilsahota.com/
Neil is based in Irvine, California.
"Your deep understanding of AI and its potential applications within our work provided us with a comprehensive perspective on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The clarity with which you articulated complex concepts and your ability to connect them to real-world scenarios was particularly impressive and greatly appreciated by all in attendance." - Darrell Johnson, CEO, Orange County Transportation Authority
"The presentation was great. Neil was able to take examples of what is happening in other industries and bring it back to what we should be looking at in our industry." - Kristin Keller, SVP Real Estate Lending, Amplify Credit Union
“Neil clearly knows his stuff - the content was great. Neil shared information I'd never heard before. He went deeper than most on the topic and I really appreciated that.” - Sarah Hogan, Senior Director, Learning Products, CalCPA
Speaker Highlights
Why Neil is a Strong Fit:
- Deep credibility across enterprise and government AI adoption: Neil has worked directly with both Fortune 500 companies and global institutions like the United Nations — giving him a rare perspective on how AI is being applied at scale across sectors, including government.
- Focus on real-world implementation (not just theory): His work centers on helping organizations move from AI awareness to actual outcomes — addressing a key challenge many leaders face when navigating emerging technologies.
- Highly relevant for leadership, HR, and workforce decision-makers: Neil speaks directly to how AI impacts decision-making, operations, and workforce strategy — aligning closely with CALPELRA’s audience of labor relations and HR leaders.
- Balances innovation with responsibility and ethics: He explores both the opportunities and risks of AI, including bias, governance, and responsible use — critical considerations for public sector organizations.
- Accessible and engaging for broad audiences: Known for simplifying complex topics without oversimplifying them, Neil ensures audiences leave with clarity, confidence, and actionable direction.
Recommended Keynote:
AI Failure to Fortune: A Leader’s Path from AI Awareness to Real Impact
Most leaders know AI matters. What they don’t know is how easily it goes wrong.
Organizations invest in tools, pilots, and automation only to find themselves stuck — overwhelmed by options, uncertain where to focus, and frustrated by the lack of meaningful return. Some move too fast, chasing AI without strategy. Others move too slowly, waiting for best practices while competitors quietly build advantage.
In this keynote, Neil Sahota reframes the AI conversation away from tools and trends and toward what actually determines success: how an organization thinks, decides, and evolves.
Drawing from his work with global enterprises, governments, and the United Nations, Neil provides a clear, practical framework for moving from experimentation to meaningful outcomes — helping leaders understand what AI does, what it does not do, and how to apply it responsibly and effectively.
This keynote can also be tailored to align with CALPELRA’s focus on public sector leadership, workforce transformation, and responsible AI adoption — including topics such as ethics, bias, and the future of work.
Key Takeaways:
- A clear understanding of where AI creates real value — and where it does not
- A framework for moving from experimentation to implementation
- How to align AI strategy with organizational goals and workforce realities
- Responsible AI: ethics, bias, and governance considerations
- The role of human judgment, creativity, and leadership in an AI-driven world
Change Fluency™ Expert | Innovation & AI Transformation Strategist
Jay Kiew is a globally recognized innovation strategist and the world’s leading expert on Change Fluency™ — a framework designed to help leaders navigate disruption and drive meaningful transformation. With over 15 years of experience, he has created more than $2B in impact by leading large-scale organizational change initiatives across industries including healthcare, technology, and public sector.
A former leader at Deloitte, TELUS, and ADP, Jay specializes in helping organizations translate emerging technologies like AI into real-world adoption — equipping leaders and teams to move from resistance to momentum.
Fee: $18,000 + $2,000 flat travel fee (covers round trip airfare and ground transfers) + hotel accommodations
Gravity Speakers Profile: https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/jay-kiew
Speaker Website: https://www.changefluency.com/
Jay is based in British Columbia, Canada.
"Jay Kiew delivers an energetic, thought-provoking, and highly engaging keynote on AI, breaking down barriers to adoption and inspiring new perspectives on technology. His deep knowledge, humor, and dynamic presentation style keep audiences captivated, regardless of their AI expertise. Jay makes AI practical and accessible, sparking curiosity about how it can be leveraged in the workplace. His session is insightful, entertaining, and packed with valuable takeaways, making it a must-see for anyone looking to embrace the future of AI." - National Safety Council
"Definitely makes you think about innovation in a different perspective for the construction industry. Engaging, inspiring, educational. Excellent presentation. Amazing speaker, engaging and made it relevant to the group Upbeat, engaging, relevant. Jay was a thought provoking and charismatic speaker. Love how Jay invited us to drive change by thinking differently." - Concrete Ontario
"It's been truly amazing to see how the Citizen centric team has contributed to shaping Richmond's Public Works and Parks supervisory leadership training program over the past few years. Jay has made a substantial impact on our teams, having developed over 500 of our supervisors. As our supervisors have brought PELTI to life, I can see the ripple effects in making us the most appealing, livable and well-managed community in Canada." - John Irving, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, City of Richmond
"Jay's leadership training and strategic facilitation has been transformative for the City's Public Works department, driving a substantial shift in our organizational culture. Jay has guided our teams to understand our broader corporate values, fostering an enriching environment of collaboration across supervisory teams. Jay embedded mentorship programs right into our leadership development programs, which have been integral to this process, providing support and camaraderie as we navigate through challenging scenarios. The positive influence of Jay's relatable and empathetic approach is evident, working closely with our leadership team toco-create curriculum and content. His unique ability to balance corporate requirements with understanding real-life challenges has ushered in a new era of higher expectations and commitment within our department." - Suzanne Bycraft, Director, Public Works, City of Richmond
Speaker Highlights
Why Jay is a Strong Fit:
- Directly addresses the biggest challenge: adoption: Jay focuses on what most organizations struggle with — not understanding AI, but actually implementing it successfully across teams and workflows.
- Highly relevant for HR, labor, and workforce leaders: His work centers on change fatigue, workforce resistance, and how leaders can bring people along through transformation — making him especially aligned with CALPELRA’s audience.
- Bridges AI + human behavior: Jay connects emerging technologies like AI to real human dynamics — mindset, decision-making, and organizational culture — which is critical for sustainable change.
- Practical, framework-driven approach (Change Fluency™): Provides leaders with clear tools and strategies to navigate disruption, rather than just inspiration or high-level trends.
- Engaging, high-energy delivery with real-world case studies: Combines storytelling, research, and practical exercises to create a highly actionable and memorable experience.
Recommended Keynote:
Navigate: Leading Teams Through Digital Disruption
Navigating this era of digital disruption can often feel like we're journeying into uncharted territory, where change rockets ahead at supersonic speed. While we strive to drive meaningful and innovative transformations, we grapple with overcoming change fatigue, fueling team engagement, and supercharging our skillsets.
As leaders, the challenge we now face is figuring out how to lead our teams confidently through the turbulence of disruption. In this 60-minute keynote, disruption strategist Jay Kiew will share research-backed case studies and playbooks of the Mavericks - trailblazing organizations and individuals that have successfully navigated change. He will unpack Compass, the leading change navigation playbook that will equip your teams with the tools and strategies needed to skillfully navigate the future of work.
Audiences will come away with…
- Key research-backed insights and case studies about market leaders that have flourished in disruption.
- Compass, the proven three-step change navigation playbook for leaders to create adaptive organizations.
- How to use personal and professional challenges as catalysts to cultivate growth and resilience.
Perfect for…
- Leaders who are looking to develop leaders
- Leaders wrestling with digital transformations and human capital disruptions
Highlights
- 2024 PMI Future50 Honoree, recognized by the Project Management Institute for leadership in AI Fluency and Agentic AI adoption
- Organizational transformation strategist advising senior leadership teams on AI-enabled change, digital disruption, and workforce evolution
- Creator of Compass, a structured change navigation framework used to guide leaders through complex, multi-year transformation
- Research-backed authority on change fatigue, engagement, and resilience in rapidly evolving organizations
- Extensive experience working with Senior Director and C-suite audiences navigating technology-driven change
- Known for translating AI and transformation complexity into clear, repeatable leadership actions that scale across organizations
AI Futurist & Innovation Strategist | Future of Work & Technology Expert
Nikki Greenberg is a world-renowned futurist and innovation strategist who helps organizations prepare for a tech-enabled future. With over two decades of global experience across real estate development, urban innovation, and technology strategy, she has advised leading organizations on how to align with the rapidly evolving ways people live, work, and interact in a digital-first world.
Most recently serving as Head of Technology Strategy for a $70B global investment portfolio, Nikki has led large-scale digital transformation initiatives and is widely recognized for her ability to translate emerging technologies — including AI — into practical, future-ready strategies.
A dynamic and highly engaging speaker, Nikki brings a unique combination of global perspective, strategic insight, and real-world application to every stage.
Speaking Fee: $25,000 (60 minute keynote) + Travel and Expenses (RT Business Class Airfare, RT Ground Transfers, plus Hotel for 1-2 nights.)
Gravity Profile: https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/nikki-greenberg
Website: https://www.nikkigreenberg.com/
Nikki is based in New York
“Truly wonderful having Nikki at the event! It was standing room only in the main stage. She brought such an inspiring, innovative, and insightful perspective to the future of our cities.” - President, Anteverti and Smart City Expo World Congress (Barcelona, Spain)
“Fresh and fantastic. Really challenged our audience to look at the issues and opportunities our industry is facing at this moment in time in an optimistic way.” -CEO, NABCA - National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (Orlando, FL)
"The main room was completely full, as was the overflow space! We had tremendous feedback from senior management and clients alike." - UBS
"Nikki showed how there are points in time that change everything & that today, with AI is one of those - really hit home." - Stanford University
Speaker Highlights
Why Nikki is a Strong Fit:
- Big-picture view of AI, workforce, and societal transformation: Nikki connects AI and emerging technologies to broader shifts in how we live, work, and govern — helping leaders understand not just the tools, but the long-term implications for communities, infrastructure, and workforce systems.
- Highly engaging, high-energy keynote presence: Known for her dynamic and optimistic style, Nikki is particularly strong as an opening keynote — inspiring audiences while grounding her vision in practical, real-world examples.
- Strong relevance to public sector and community impact: Her focus on cities, infrastructure, and systems transformation aligns well with public sector leaders thinking about service delivery, workforce evolution, and long-term planning.
- Balances vision with practical application: Nikki doesn’t just paint a picture of the future — she provides clear, actionable strategies leaders can implement today to prepare for what’s ahead.
- Compelling female voice in AI and innovation: As a globally recognized leader in PropTech and innovation, Nikki brings a forward-thinking and differentiated perspective that resonates across diverse audiences.
Recommended Keynote:
The World in 2050: Preparing Cities for Future Generations
Designing Tomorrow’s Urban World Today
The world is changing rapidly, shaped by demographic shifts and breakthroughs in AI and emerging technologies. Cities sit at the centre of this transformation. They are becoming living laboratories where innovation solves today’s challenges and creates opportunities for generations to come.
In her light hearted yet insightful style, world renowned futurist Nikki Greenberg paints a vivid picture of what the world could look like in 2050 and what must be done today to prepare for it. She shares powerful examples from around the globe where advanced technologies are already reshaping how cities operate. These examples show how innovation can justify investment, improve operations, elevate liveability, and deliver long lasting impact.
This keynote empowers leaders to think bigger, act bolder, and design cities that are both technologically advanced and deeply human. Expect clear vision, practical tools, and the momentum to drive meaningful change.
Key Outcomes:
- Actionable Strategies For Today And Tomorrow: Gain practical insights you can implement immediately while building a strong long term roadmap for the years ahead. Learn Nikki’s Five Step Future Ready Framework, designed to help leaders turn bold ideas into reality in ways that drive impact, build momentum, and secure organizational buy in.
- Technology Made Simple: Understand how technology is transforming industries without feeling overwhelmed. Nikki breaks down complex concepts with clarity, offering accessible explanations that bring your team on board. She draws from her tenure as Head of Technology Strategy for a global investment manager and shares invaluable lessons learned along the way.
- Overcoming Barriers To Change: Learn strategies to address the biggest obstacles to innovation, including incentive misalignment, resource constraints, budget pressures, and the realities of multi generational workplaces.
- Be A Visionary Leader: Discover how visionary leaders bring bold ideas to life and how you can join their ranks. Learn how to ignite inspiration within your team, shape a forward thinking culture, and step confidently into the future.
Chief Futurist & Hope Engineer™
Nikolas Badminton is a world-renowned futurist and Hope Engineer™ who mentors executives and governments to build anticipatory thinking and futures literacy. Over three decades, he has worked with hundreds Nikolas Badminton is a world-renowned futurist, author, and keynote speaker who helps organizations anticipate disruption, navigate uncertainty, and design bold futures. As Chief Futurist at Futurist.com, he has worked with over 500 leading organizations — including NASA, Microsoft, Google, and the United Nations — to explore the trends shaping industries and build long-term strategic foresight.
With over 30 years of experience across technology and innovation, Nikolas is known for helping leaders shift from reactive thinking to proactive, future-ready strategy — equipping organizations to understand and harness AI, emerging technologies, and global megatrends.
Fee: $25,000, plus a $2500 flat travel fee to cover RT Flights, Home Ground and Incidentals. Organizer is responsible for Event City Ground, and Hotel Accommodations.
Gravity Profile: https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/nikolas-badminton
Website: https://nikolasbadminton.com/keynote-futurist-speaker
Nikolas is based in Toronto, Canada
“We found Nik’s comprehensive and multifaceted approach to visioning the future and its associated trends quite inspiring and insightful.” - The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
“Nik really knows how to immediately engage and inspire an audience. His insight, foresight and expertise is invitational in nature, and inspires them in a way that energizes the growth mindset and punctuates a “WHAT IF” mentality. We loved his work.” - Walt Disney
“Nik came in and wowed us. He surprised many of us with his foresight and predictions and gave our audience information on subjects they didn't even realize they should be considering. The group he presented is in the business of making predictions, so for him to surprise us was inspiring.” - TD Bank
“I can’t thank you enough for your participation and impact! Your perspective was a call to action and your observations were referenced numerous times by many team members throughout the course of the week. Thank you for contributing to a better future for healthcare – we are all grateful.” - Mayo Clinic
Speaker Highlights
Why Nikolas is a Strong Fit
- Big-picture AI + future of work lens: Nikolas helps organizations understand not just AI itself, but how it reshapes industries, leadership, workforce dynamics, and long-term strategy — aligning closely with CALPELRA’s focus on the future of work and leadership through change.
- Highly engaging opening keynote energy: Known for dynamic, thought-provoking presentations, Nikolas excels at setting the tone for conferences — helping audiences think bigger, challenge assumptions, and reframe how they approach change.
- Strategic foresight for leaders navigating uncertainty: His work focuses on helping leaders anticipate disruption, identify risks and opportunities, and make more informed decisions in rapidly evolving environments.
- Translates AI trends into actionable insight: Rather than staying at the surface level, Nikolas connects signals, trends, and real-world case studies to practical implications — helping organizations understand how to apply AI meaningfully.
- Strong credibility across industries and government: Having advised major corporations and government bodies globally, he brings a cross-sector perspective that resonates with public sector leaders and policymakers.
Recommended Keynote (to be customized):
1) Hopeful Futures: Looking To 2035 And Beyond
What if we can build hope as an energy for change, ignite imaginations, and build anticipation to create better futures?
Nikolas will deliver an energetic and inspiring keynote that helps you explore and see opportunities in the future of your industry, and the exponential technologies shaping our world.
Nikolas will show you how to think like a futurist and shift your mindset from what is to what if… towards hopeful futures. You’ll see global megatrends are changing power dynamics, and explore the trends that will transform your industry – digital transformation, data growth, Artificial Intelligence and automation, spatial computing, water-energy-food resiliency, sustainable agriculture and food supply, construction, transportation and logistics, healthcare, banking and fintech, smart cities, privacy and cybersecurity, and more.
Client takeaways
- Learn the Hope Engineer™ mindset : Ignite imagination, build anticipation, and develop a deep sense of empathy for how change will impact companies and Industries.
- See hopeful futures ahead of us: Explore signals, trends and scenarios that show how industries will change in the next 5, 10, and 20+ years. Anticipate opportunities, challenges and risks.
- See high-hope leadership in action: Learn the stories of how world-leading companies, are applying A.I. and futures thinking to supercharging our strategic thinking
2) The A.I. Leader: Create Incredible Productivity, Profit & Growth
What if we can look beyond the hype to hope and see practical opportunities to supercharge our work using A.I.?
Artificial Intelligence promises employee augmentation, automation, increased productivity and unlocked opportunities for growth. In harnessing its ability, we hope to positively affect the world and create incredible futures to build businesses that delight customers and solve some of the greatest challenges of our times. If only it was so easy.
Nikolas will show you A.I.'s role in shaping our futures, how our world and industries are being revolutionized, and what the practical abilities and skill sets are needed. He’ll also show how to integrate A.I. capabilities across your organization and in the essential work undertaken.
Client takeaways
- Learn the Hope Engineer™ mindset: Ignite imagination, build anticipation, and develop a deep sense of empathy for how A.I. will transform companies and industries;
- Learn A.I. signals, trends & scenarios: See how A.I. is evolving how industries work. See how your workforce will supercharge their capabilities using A.I., spatial computing and other technologies;
- See high-hope leadership in action: Learn the stories of how world-leading companies are applying A.I. and futures thinking to supercharging our strategic thinking.