Legendary Stories, Amplified by Artificial Intelligence
Transform your event with tandem keynotes that pair inspiring human stories with cutting-edge AI applications. Real impact. Real solutions.
TEDxSoards Road
at Queenslake
On the 250th anniversary of the United States, 24 historic voices take the stage overlooking our 40-acre lake — with horses roaming the paddocks in the background. Four sessions of ideas worth spreading, woven together with live musical performances during every break, lunch, and a grand finale at the close of the day.
This independent TEDx event is operated under license from TED. TEDx events are non-commercial. Speaker fees, travel, and accommodation are not provided per TEDx guidelines. Ticket proceeds cover production and venue costs.
Applied AI Speakers — Feature Edition 2026
Why Choose
Tandem Speaking
The perfect combination of inspiration and practical AI solutions — delivered in a format audiences never forget.
01 — The Format
Two Voices.
One Unforgettable Message.
"Human stories create the emotional resonance. AI applications create the strategic roadmap. Together, they create transformation."
Our tandem format pairs a compelling human storyteller with a certified AI strategist on the same stage. Audiences leave not just inspired — but equipped with a concrete plan to apply AI in their own organizations.
02 — The Expertise
Deep AI Knowledge.
Delivered in Plain English.
"AI Ethics, Humanoid Rights, and the AI-Jacking methodology — frameworks your audience can actually use."
John Chmela brings certified, battle-tested AI expertise to every engagement. No hype, no jargon — just actionable intelligence on AI Ethics, governance, and the practical tools reshaping every industry.
03 — The Impact
Strategies They Can Use
Monday Morning.
"Audiences don't just feel motivated — they leave with a blueprint they can implement immediately."
Every tandem keynote delivers practical AI tools, workflow automations, and decision-making frameworks tailored to the audience's industry. Real applications. Real ROI. Real results.
Featured Speaking Partnerships
Each partnership combines a compelling human story with transformative AI applications
Jaime Morales
Paralyzed in the line of duty on 9/11/18. Now training for the Paralympic Games.
Bruce Bryan
29 years wrongfully imprisoned. Now freeing others with AI.
John Chmela
"AI Johnny" — 30+ years in computing. Founder of Airhead Institute. The AI-Powerup behind every tandem keynote.
Michel Shane
A father's grief became a national movement. AI makes it unstoppable.
Andy Kaufman
35 years of leadership wisdom, supercharged by AI.
Jack Barsky
A KGB spy turned C-suite exec reveals AI's power to influence.
John Hefty
He invented personalized books in 1980. AI is his next chapter.
Frank King
Comedy saved his life. AI is saving thousands more.
Bill Stierle
Emotional intelligence meets AI to defuse any room.
Angela Webber
Trauma-informed service, scaled by AI to every touchpoint.
Micha Liberman
Emmy-winning storyteller teaching AI to move audiences.
Obet Pabon
Built businesses from nothing. Now building them with AI.
Dr. André P. Walton
PhD in creativity. Now unlocking human potential with AI.
Findlay Clarke Jr.
Co-founder of Airhead Institute, building the AI-literate generation.
Tiamo De Vettori
#1 bestselling author. Award-winning songwriter. AI amplifier.
Trevor Shoemaker
A champion's bloodline meets AI to spot the next winner.
Diane Darling
McGraw-Hill's networking authority — now teaching AI to connect.
Cheryle Hays
The Human Potentialist™ — upgrading leaders from reactive autopilot to intentional design.
Greg Kettner
The WorkHappy Framework — building cultures where people thrive and profits follow.
Barbie Ray
How to Train Your AI™ — turning AI into a 24/7 executive decision partner.
Scott Weinstein
Culture is always forming. The only question is whether you're shaping it on purpose.
Andy Bhattacharya
Agentic AI is not AI that replaces your agency — it is AI that amplifies it.
Joe Rivera
He didn't just survive disruption — he rebuilt a multimillion-dollar life from the rubble.
Rob Evans Wilson
30+ years studying why some messages move people to act — and others disappear without a trace.
Mitch Austin
Certified Master Storyteller teaching teams to silence the inner critic that blocks innovation.
Lisa Ann Oliveira
18-time Ironman finisher. TEDx speaker. A life built on showing up, adapting, and choosing forward.
Matt Music
Long Island's elite emcee. 20+ years reading rooms. Founder of LI Music Boutique.
Deb Nells Porter
President & CEO, Debutante Inc. 20+ years. 100s of events. Official planner at Queenslake Horse Farm.
Proven on Stage
Stories That Move Rooms.
AI That Moves Business.
Every tandem keynote is designed to leave your audience inspired and equipped — with real AI tools they can use on Monday morning.
Ready to Transform Your Event?
Book a tandem keynote that will inspire your audience and provide actionable AI solutions