Marketing Keynote Speaker: AI & Consumer Behavior
Let's go beyond the standard speaking gig.
I spot what's happening in marketing and consumer behavior before the industry catches up, then bring it to you, tailored to your needs. Most of my work is keynotes and hands-on team workshops, and I moderate panels as well.
I'm based in Chicago and travel for events. I can also run sessions virtually, though in my experience IRL works better.
"Sam, I want every keynote speaker to be like you."
— Hope Lowdermilk, Senior Customer Education Manager, Basis Technologies
Recent talks
- Basis Customer Connect 2026, Chicago. Keynote for advertising agency leaders on AI and agency leadership.
- SXSW 2026, Visionary Voice.
- The Soft Reset Retreat by Bonfire, France, 2025. Workshop on burnout and marketing careers.
How I work
Before I build anything, I do a deep dive with you. I want to know what you, your teams, or your attendees keep getting stuck on. Then I build around that conversation, so what I bring to an agency offsite looks nothing like what I'd bring to a conference stage. Every engagement gets custom content.
Formats
Keynotes for conferences and company events.
Workshops for marketing and leadership teams. These are hands-on and built around the problems you're actually dealing with.
Moderation for panels and fireside chats.
What I talk about
The behavior gap
Customers tell you one thing and do another. If your roadmap is built on what they say, you're probably building the wrong thing.
Attention vs. relevance
The lie brands keep believing about reach, and what actually makes people care.
Platform & content strategy
Where people are paying attention right now, and how to show up there when your team is already stretched thin.
AI in marketing & go-to-market
How to use AI in your marketing without your brand starting to sound like everyone else's.
Marketing careers & burnout
The amount of time marketers spend being "on" is absurd. I said that in an interview last year and I still mean it. This one's for teams who are good at their jobs but still tired AF.
Who books me
Agencies, marketing and brand teams, ad tech companies, universities, and industry conferences.
Speaker bio
For event programs. Copy it as is.
Sam Ogborn is a marketing keynote speaker, strategist, and former adjunct professor at Miami University. She spent 12+ years in brand-side marketing at Red Bull, Walgreens, and Synchrony, was named a SXSW Visionary Voice in 2026, and writes 2x, a Substack about what's changing in marketing and consumer behavior. She lives in Chicago.
Booking questions
Where are you based?
Chicago. I travel for events in the US and abroad, and I do virtual sessions too.
How far out should we book?
My schedule is packed, so the more lead time the better.
What does it cost?
It depends on the format and how much custom prep it needs. Put a rough budget in the form and we can start the conversation from there.
Inquire
I'll get back to you within 1 business day. Or email desk@samogborn.com.