The Speaker Awards 2026 Returns to Showcase the World’s Most Influential Voices

The search for the industry’s most impactful professional speakers is now on as The Speaker Awards 2026, which is returning for its highly anticipated fifth year, officially opens for entries.

Now more than ever, professional speakers play an essential role in shaping ideas, shifting perspectives and driving meaningful change through the power of their words and delivery. Ensuring this influential work is recognised and rewarded, The Speaker Awards shine a spotlight on the most inspiring and innovative speakers from across the industry.

Driven by the very best in the business – Elliot Kay, Lovelda Vincenzi and Simone Vincenzi – The Speaker Awards is now open for entries from professional speakers across the globe. Between Thursday 26th March 2026 and Thursday 30th April 2026, candidates can submit their entries via The Speaker Awards website.

A panel of revered judges, including prominent bookers, bureaus, strategists and coaches, will be rigorously evaluating this year’s entries. The shortlist will be unveiled on Friday 22nd May 2026, with the winners announced at the gala evening in London on Friday 3rd July 2026.

The Speaker Awards is an unmissable opportunity for professional speakers seeking to secure recognition from leading experts, deepen their practice and tangibly grow their business. From industry veterans like Speaker of the Year 2025 winner Jim Steele, to Bookers Choice 2025 Winner Emma Henderson and emerging talent like Best Newcomer 2025 winner Alex Atherton, the award categories cater for a diverse array of speakers.

This year’s award categories include:

Best Motivational Speaker 2026 – New for 2026
Best Event Host 2026 – New for 2026
Best TEDx Speaker 2026
Best Speaker Showreel 2026
Best Newcomer 2026
Best Live Speaker 2026
Best AI & Future Technology Speaker 2026
Best Speaker Storyteller 2026
Speaker Bookers Choice 2026
Best Thought Leadership Speaker 2026

The winners of two additional categories will also be announced on the night; The Speaker of the Year – awarded by the judging panel to the standout performer across all categories – and the Lifetime Achievement Award, given to someone who has significantly shaped the landscape of professional speaking over their career.

“It’s a privilege to announce The Speaker Awards 2026 is now open for submissions. Not only does the programme honour those at the top of the speaking game, but this supportive community brings together voices from around the world to celebrate the craft of speaking itself, a profession that has the power to drive profound change,” the awards’ CEO and co-founder Elliot Kay said.

“If you’re a professional speaker challenging, uplifting and redefining the way we see the world, I strongly urge you to enter this year’s programme and amplify your inspirational work,” Kay added.

Entries must be submitted by 11:59pm on Thursday 30th April 2026.