Keynote Speaker on Innovation
New York

*Innovation Keynote Speaker New York

Named as one of the most engaging speakers in the world, innovation keynote speaker and best-selling author, John Sanei has inspired audiences from Dallas to Dubai, New York to London, Berlin to Cape Town, and all across the globe.

With decades of experience in innovation, futurism, business strategy, psychology and neuroscience, John has developed a signature approach to problem-solving, high-level business strategy and predicting future trends.

He has worked with many of the world’s most successful organizations, including members of the Global Fortune 100, such as MeltWater, Santam, Mastercard, Naspers, Netcare, Coca-Cola, Visa, Nedbank and PWC, with clients that span across multiple industries including consulting, finance, automotive, governmental and educational institutions, consumer goods, luxury brands and more.

Named as one of the most engaging speakers in the world, innovation keynote speaker and best-selling author, John Sanei has inspired audiences from Dallas to Dubai, New York to London, Berlin to Cape Town, and all across the globe.

With decades of experience in innovation, futurism, business strategy, psychology and neuroscience, John has developed a signature approach to problem-solving, high-level business strategy and predicting future trends.

He has worked with many of the world’s most successful organizations, including members of the Global Fortune 100, such as MeltWater, Santam, Mastercard, Naspers, Netcare, Coca-Cola, Visa, Nedbank and PWC, with clients that span across multiple industries including consulting, finance, automotive, governmental and educational institutions, consumer goods, luxury brands and more.

“John has a rare ability to make the complex feel calm. He doesn’t just speak about the future, he helps you make sense of it and move towards it with confidence.”

“John has a rare ability to make the complex feel calm. He doesn’t just speak about the future, he helps you make sense of it and move towards it with confidence.”

– PwC Senior Leadership

– PwC Senior Leadership

*How Major Brands Experience International Speaker John Sanei​

Get a one-minute glimpse into John’s energy, message, and delivery style.

Brands John’s Partnered With

*Popular Innovation Keynote​ For New York Events

Leadership expert and keynote speaker John Sanei shares wisdom and guidance through several inspiring keynotes.

John's engaging motivational keynotes can be delivered in-person or online. In-person events are extremely thrilling, however, virtual keynote presentations are just as powerful. Both in-person and virtual keynotes include a presentation and a Q&A component.

*What is Innovation?​

Innovation is defined as the process or ability to create something new. This could be an idea, a methodology, an application, or a concept that can be implemented to create a truly unique product, service or offering.

To John, 'innovation' is the driving force for progress. Without it, the products, services, technologies and applications we see today wouldn't exist. When infused in current, present-day decision-making, innovative thought and application can lead to finding new and better ways to solve problems, serve society, and meet the needs of customers and stakeholders.

Innovation is defined as the process or ability to create something new. This could be an idea, a methodology, an application, or a concept that can be implemented to create a truly unique product, service or offering.

To John, 'innovation' is the driving force for progress. Without it, the products, services, technologies and applications we see today wouldn't exist. When infused in current, present-day decision-making, innovative thought and application can lead to finding new and better ways to solve problems, serve society, and meet the needs of customers and stakeholders.

To John, 'innovation' is about more than just thinking differently:

  • It's about learning from the past without recreating it.

  • It's about challenging readily accepted notions of society and the status quo

  • It's about welcoming change and adopting an adaptability mindset, rather than fearing the unknown

  • It's about looking at problems with a 'solution' mindset, rather than a 'problem-based' one

  • It's about challenging assumptions and pushing the boundaries of what's possible

For businesses that are creating, producing and executing in today's world, who want to remain relevant and profitable in the future, innovation is key to the success of their livelihood.

As today's rapidly changing business landscape evolves at super speed with the onset of technology and artificial intelligence, businesses and organizations need to infuse innovation into all processes. This will help them evolve alongside markets and consumers so that they can maintain a competitive edge and stand the test of time.

Book John to speak about innovation at your next event.

*Master classes​

Turn Insight Into Action with Masterclasses. Looking for a Deeper Transformation? John’s masterclasses are perfect for organizations that want to go beyond a keynote. These multi-session engagements unpack keynote topics through interactive exercises, frameworks, and guided action plans. Each session is customized to help your team embed and apply the insights that matter most.

Turn Insight Into Action with Masterclasses. Looking for a Deeper Transformation? John’s masterclasses are perfect for organizations that want to go beyond a keynote. These multi-session engagements unpack keynote topics through interactive exercises, frameworks, and guided action plans. Each session is customized to help your team embed and apply the insights that matter most.

What Global Audiences Say About John​

World's Top 5th Futurist Professional for 2025​

Delivered 78 keynotes in 40+ cities in 2024​

Top 5% shared podcast on Spotify​

AVPA Award Winner - Top Podcast 2024

*Event Planner's Guide to New York

Leadership expert and keynote speaker John Sanei shares wisdom and guidance in New York through several inspiring keynotes.

John’s engaging futurist keynotes can be delivered in-person or online. In-person events are extremely thrilling, however, virtual keynote presentations are just as powerful. Both in-person and virtual keynotes include a presentation and a Q&A component.

Leadership expert and keynote speaker John Sanei shares wisdom and guidance in New York through several inspiring keynotes.

John’s engaging futurist keynotes can be delivered in-person or online. In-person events are extremely thrilling, however, virtual keynote presentations are just as powerful. Both in-person and virtual keynotes include a presentation and a Q&A component.

Top Venues

Javits Center, Marriott Marquis, and Brooklyn Expo Center are ideal for corporate events of any size.

Javits Center, Marriott Marquis, and Brooklyn Expo Center are ideal for corporate events of any size.

Where to Stay​

Top accommodations near event venues include New York Hilton Midtown and Sheraton Times Square.

Top accommodations near event venues include New York Hilton Midtown and Sheraton Times Square.

Dining & Entertainment​

Try Katz’s Deli for iconic NY flavor, Le Bernardin for fine dining, or catch a Broadway show after hours.

Try Katz’s Deli for iconic NY flavor, Le Bernardin for fine dining, or catch a Broadway show after hours.

Getting Around​

Use NYC’s subways, Uber/Lyft, or CitiBike to navigate easily.

Use NYC’s subways, Uber/Lyft, or CitiBike to navigate easily.

Evergreen Annual Events​

New York hosts major annual gatherings worth anchoring your own around, including:

  • New York Tech Week

  • Advertising Week

  • UN General Assembly

  • Fashion Week

  • Fast Company Innovation Festival

New York hosts major annual gatherings worth anchoring your own around, including:

  • New York Tech Week

  • Advertising Week

  • UN General Assembly

  • Fashion Week

  • Fast Company Innovation Festival

*Frequently Asked Questions​

Is John available for both in-person and virtual keynotes on Innovation in New York?

Can John tailor his keynote to match our event theme?

What types of organizations book John?

How far in advance should we book John?

Does John offer follow-up sessions or deeper workshops?

Still have questions?

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Subscribe to Future Rise, where each week we share bold, useful insights on how A.I isn’t replacing humans, it’s revealing our untapped genius.

Contact John

Subscribe to Future Rise, where each week we share bold, useful insights on how A.I isn’t replacing humans, it’s revealing our untapped genius.

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