In today’s world, fostering social connection and building a sense of community are more important than ever. Whether it’s strengthening workplace relationships, creating inclusive environments, or combating loneliness in the digital age, the right keynote speaker can transform events into a catalyst for meaningful change.
We’ve curated a list of top speakers who specialize in themes of friendship, connection, and community. These renowned voices bring fresh perspectives, actionable advice, and inspiring messages to engage your audience and leave a lasting impact.
Discover the perfect speaker to align with your event’s goals and inspire attendees to forge stronger bonds—both personally and professionally.
Dr. Marisa G. Franco
Dr. Marisa G. Franco is a psychologist and friendship expert whose talks are filled with science-forward and data-driven expertise on how community drives engagement at work, why belonging makes communities more resilient, and how to support student mental health.
Dr. Marisa G. Franco
Psychologist, professor, friendship expert, and New York Times-bestselling author of Platonic
Cheryl Strayed
At age 22, Cheryl Strayed hiked over 1,000 miles along Pacific Crest Trail, alone. Today, she captivates audiences around the world with her candid and personal talks about stepping outside the comfort zone and fostering empathy in our relationships and communities.
Cheryl Strayed
Author of the #1 New York Times-bestselling memoir Wild and “Dear Sugar” columnist
Priya Parker
Priya Parker is an expert facilitator who works with teams and executives across industries to help them create meaningful and purposeful in-person and virtual gatherings. Parker is the acclaimed author of The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why it Matters and a TED Main Stage speaker who challenges her audiences to redefine how they want to create community and foster belonging.
Priya Parker
Facilitator, strategic advisor, and acclaimed author of The Art of Gathering
Simran Jeet Singh
Dr. Simran Jeet is the executive director of the Aspen Institute’s Religion and Society Program and the author of The Light We Give. As a turbaned and bearded Sikh man, Singh has been subjected to racism his whole life. And yet, he has managed to avoid falling into the toxic trap of hate and anger. He is a thoughtful speaker whose courage, vulnerability, and commitment help to bring light and community to any event.
Anne Helen Petersen
Anne Helen Petersen talks about the challenges and opportunities of building community and how we can create better models to thrive in both professional and personal relationships. Petersen argues that we need to radically rethink the role of community and friendship in our lives and offers a bold vision for the future of work.
Will Schwalbe
Will Schwalbe is a firm believer in the power of books to change lives. The author of the beloved New York Times bestselling memoir The End of Your Life Book Club, Schwalbe is a passionate advocate for literature, literacy, and the joys of reading. His new book, We Should Not Be Friends, is a warm, funny, irresistible memoir that follows an improbable and life-changing college friendship over the course of forty years.
