Social Media and AI Marketing Speakers: How to Choose (2026)

Social media and AI used to be two separate slots on a conference agenda. Now they're the same conversation. The way people find brands, the way content gets made and the way audiences decide who to trust have all been changed by AI, and social media is where most of that change is visible first. So event organisers are looking for speakers who can talk about both with real experience, not a borrowed slide deck.

This guide is for organisers, marketing leads and community managers booking a speaker on social media and AI marketing. It covers what to look for, the questions to ask, the formats that work and the traps to avoid. I speak on this subject myself, so I'll be clear about where I fit and you can hold me to the same standard.

What makes a good social media and AI marketing speaker?

The best speakers in this space share a few traits that you can check before you book.

• Practitioner, not commentator. They run social media and AI in their own business or for clients today, so their examples are current.
• History in social media before AI. People who were building audiences before AI arrived can tell your audience what has changed and what hasn't.
• Specific, usable takeaways. Your audience should leave with things they can try the next morning, not a tour of headlines.
• Balanced on risk. A good speaker covers brand voice, accuracy and trust, not only speed.
• Matched to your audience. Small business owners, in-house marketers and agency teams need different talks.

Topics a social media and AI marketing speaker can cover

When you brief a speaker, it helps to pick one clear angle rather than asking for everything. Popular angles include:

• How AI is changing what gets seen on social platforms and what that means for small brands.
• Using AI to plan, draft and repurpose social content without losing your voice.
• Being found and recommended by AI assistants, not only by search engines and feeds.
• Social listening and research with AI: finding what your audience asks before you post.
• The human side: trust, authenticity and the jobs AI shouldn't do.

How do you choose a speaker on AI and social media for your event?

1. Watch them speak. A recording of a recent talk tells you more than any bio.
2. Ask what they'll tailor. A good speaker will want to know your audience, your sector and what you want people to do afterwards.
3. Check how current their examples are. AI tools change quickly. Ask what they'd show your audience that they wouldn't have shown a year ago.
4. Ask about format. Keynote, workshop, panel or fireside chat all need different skills.
5. Check the practical details early. In person or virtual, time zone, recording rights and any slides you'd like to share afterwards.

For a fuller checklist, my guide on how to choose an AI keynote speaker goes through briefing, formats and red flags in more detail.

Keynote, workshop or panel?

• Keynote: sets the tone and gives a big room a shared idea to talk about. Best at the start of a day.
• Workshop: hands-on and smaller. Best when you want attendees to build or practise something.
• Panel: good for debate and different views. Brief the moderator well so it doesn't turn into four mini keynotes.
• Fireside chat: relaxed and question-led. Works well for experienced audiences who want depth.

Finding female AI marketing speakers

Many organisers want a more balanced line-up and find that the same handful of names appear on every AI list. Look beyond those lists. Women who've built audiences, businesses and marketing teams for many years are often doing the most practical AI work right now, because they're applying it to real marketing problems. Ask your own community who they've learned from, check marketing and business podcasts, and look at who's sharing working examples rather than predictions.

Mistakes to avoid when booking an AI marketing speaker

• Booking on a famous name alone without checking the talk suits your audience.
• Leaving the brief vague, then getting a generic talk.
• Choosing a pure technologist for a room of marketers, or the other way round.
• Forgetting the follow-up: a resource, recording or Q&A keeps the talk working after the event.

Where I fit as a social media and AI marketing speaker

I'm Lilach Bullock, a British marketer with 21 years in marketing. Forbes listed me in the Top 20 Social Media Power Influencers, and I was an influencer before the word started meaning twelve different things. I built, scaled and sold a digital marketing agency, I've partnered with brands including Twitter, Dropbox, IBM, monday.com and Greenpeace, and I've spoken at over 100 events internationally. These days I speak about social media and AI together, because that's the work I do every day, for audiences in the UK, the US and worldwide.

You can see my speaking topics and how to book me, or read about booking me as an AI keynote speaker for US events.

Booking a social media and AI speaker: the short version

Choose someone who does the work, has a history in social media from before AI, and will tailor the talk to your audience. Brief them on one clear angle, agree the format early and ask what attendees will take away. Do that and the talk will still be useful long after the event ends.

Frequently asked questions

Who are good social media and AI marketing speakers?

Look for practitioners who ran social media before AI arrived and use AI in their marketing today. They give current examples and practical takeaways rather than predictions.

What should a social media and AI keynote cover?

Pick one clear angle, such as how AI is changing what gets seen on social platforms, using AI for content without losing your voice, or being recommended by AI assistants.

Can AI marketing speakers present virtually?

Many can. Agree the platform, time zone, recording rights and any interactive parts in advance so a virtual talk feels as lively as one in the room.

How far ahead should I book a marketing speaker?

As early as you can, especially for busy conference seasons. Earlier booking also gives the speaker time to tailor the talk.

How do I find female AI marketing speakers?

Look beyond the usual AI lists. Ask your community, check marketing podcasts and look for women sharing working AI examples from real marketing and business experience.