Become a Speaker: Apply to Speak at a Conference

At IAFOR, we are committed to delivering exceptional conferences that inspire and challenge academics and professionals from around the world. Since 2009 over 50,000 academics have chosen to present their research at our conferences. To ensure we offer the best content possible, we rely on established plenary speakers to share their insights, experience, and ideas with our diverse audience.

Christina M. Kishimoto, Superintendent of the Hawaiʻi State Board of Education; David Lassner, President of the University of Hawaiʻi; and Richard R. Vuylsteke, CEO of the East-West Center.

Christina M. Kishimoto, Superintendent of the Hawaiʻi State Board of Education; David Lassner, President of the University of Hawaiʻi; and Richard R. Vuylsteke, CEO of the East-West Center.

Mark Jonathan Harris, Multiple Academy Award-winning director

Mark Jonathan Harris, Multiple Academy Award-winning director

As a plenary speaker at an IAFOR conference, you will join a select group of thought leaders who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. You will have the opportunity to share your knowledge and expertise with an engaged audience of academics and professionals, helping to shape the future of your discipline.

Our plenary speakers also have access to exclusive side events, including networking receptions, private dinners, and panel discussions with other leading scholars and professionals. Speaking at an IAFOR conference can elevate your professional profile and help you build connections that can benefit your research or practice, particularly if you are selected to join a Conference Programme Committee or the International Academic College.

If you are interested in becoming a plenary speaker at an upcoming IAFOR conference, please fill in the form below. We value your expertise and will treat your information with the utmost respect. Join our prestigious group of thought leaders and make a lasting impact on your field.



Matthew Taylor, Chief Executive of the RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce

Matthew Taylor, Chief Executive of the RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce

Richard Lloyd Parry, Asia Editor, The Times

Richard Lloyd Parry, Asia Editor, The Times

Yoshimasa Hayashi, Japanese Minister of Education

Yoshimasa Hayashi, Japanese Minister of Education


Heidi Safia Mirza, Professor of Race, Faith and Culture at Goldsmiths, University of London

Heidi Safia Mirza, Professor of Race, Faith and Culture at Goldsmiths, University of London

Gloria Montero, Novelist and Playwright

Gloria Montero, Novelist and Playwright

Eddie Bruce-Jones, professor of law, Birkbeck, University of London

Eddie Bruce-Jones, professor of law, Birkbeck, University of London


Svetlana Ter-Minasova, President of the Faculty of Foreign Languages, Moscow State University

Svetlana Ter-Minasova, President of the Faculty of Foreign Languages, Moscow State University

Angelique Chan Wei-Ming, Executive Director of the Centre for Ageing Research & Education, Duke-NUS Medical School

Angelique Chan Wei-Ming, Executive Director of the Centre for Ageing Research & Education, Duke-NUS Medical School

Sue Jackson, Pro-Vice-Master for Teaching and Learning, Birkbeck, University of London

Sue Jackson, Pro-Vice-Master for Teaching and Learning, Birkbeck, University of London


Michael A. Cusumano, SMR Distinguished Professor of Management and Deputy Dean, MIT Sloan School of Management

Michael A. Cusumano, SMR Distinguished Professor of Management and Deputy Dean, MIT Sloan School of Management

Amy Azano, Founding Director, Center for Rural Education at Virginia Tech; Steve Harmon, Associate Dean of Research, Georgia Tech Professional Education (GTPE); Robert Doyle, Associate Dean, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University

Amy Azano, Founding Director, Center for Rural Education at Virginia Tech; Steve Harmon, Associate Dean of Research, Georgia Tech Professional Education (GTPE); Robert Doyle, Associate Dean, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University

Tadao Ando, Pritzker Prize-winning architect

Tadao Ando, Pritzker Prize-winning architect