Keynote speaker fees vary more than almost any other line in an event budget. Two speakers with similar credentials can quote very different figures, because the fee reflects demand, format, location, dates and how much the talk is tailored to your audience. Before you set a budget, it helps to understand what a keynote speaker is and the role they play at your event. This 2026 guide explains what drives the price, what is usually included, and what AI keynote speakers on our roster cost.
AI keynote speaker fees in 2026
Every speaker profile on Prophets of AI shows one of three fee bands. The band is a starting point, not a final quote: the figure for your event depends on the format, the location and the dates.
| Fee band | Speakers on our roster | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| From $15,000 | 17 | Eric Siegel, Jon Krohn, Martin Wezowski, Abran Maldonado |
| From $30,000 | 9 | Jerry Kaplan, Stephen Ibaraki, Stephanie Dinkins, David Hanson |
| On request | 28 | Mo Gawdat, Ben Goertzel, Toju Duke, Ott Velsberg |
“On request” usually means the fee depends heavily on dates and format, or the speaker prefers to quote each event individually. Humanoid robot appearances, including Sophia, are quoted per event. You can browse all AI keynote speakers with their fee bands, or start from a topic such as AI ethics and governance or generative AI.
What’s included, and what costs extra
Knowing what the quoted fee covers prevents budget surprises.
Usually included in the speaking fee: preparation, including research, tailoring the content and briefing calls with your team; the presentation itself; and a short Q&A after the keynote.
Often quoted separately: travel and accommodation; extra sessions such as workshops, breakouts or panels; meet-and-greets, book signings or VIP dinners; and recording, streaming or distribution rights. Ask for these to be listed in the quote so you can compare like with like.
Virtual versus in-person: virtual keynotes remove travel and are often priced differently from in-person appearances. Ask for both figures if you are undecided. If you go virtual, our guide to virtual versus in-person keynotes covers how to keep a remote audience engaged.
Factors that affect pricing
Experience and reputation: years on stage, recognition in their field and a track record with audiences like yours all push a fee up.
Expertise: rare, current knowledge commands more than general material. AI is a fast-moving subject, and speakers who build or govern the technology are in high demand.
Demand and availability: popular speakers fill their calendars early, especially in peak conference seasons. Knowing how far in advance to book a keynote speaker gives you more choice.
Event type and audience: the size and profile of the event, and whether it is corporate or non-profit, can change the fee.
Location and travel: international travel, visas and time zones add cost. A speaker based near your venue can be simpler to book.
Customization: a talk built around your industry, with custom examples and several briefing calls, takes more preparation than a standard keynote.
How to budget effectively
Budget for the total cost, not just the fee: add travel, accommodation and any extra sessions to the quoted fee before you compare speakers.
Decide what the keynote has to do: if the speaker is the main draw for ticket sales or sponsors, a larger share of the budget can make sense. If the keynote supports a wider program, a speaker in a lower band may fit better.
Stretch the budget without losing quality: consider a virtual keynote, a speaker based near your venue, or dates outside peak season. Bundling a keynote with a workshop can also be good value. Read how to negotiate with a keynote speaker for more.
Use a speakers bureau: a bureau can shortlist speakers who fit your topic and budget, check availability and handle the booking. Read why work with a speakers bureau to see how it works.
Conclusion
Keynote fees depend on the speaker, the format, the location and the dates, so start with a realistic total budget and compare quotes on the same basis. For AI speakers, our fee bands give you a starting point: from $15,000, from $30,000, or on request. Send us your event details through the contact form and we will reply within one business day with who is available, their fee and the formats they offer.
