Become the next
Top KEYNOTE SPEAKER
AN AWARD RECOGNIZING THE TOP VOICES INSPIRING CHANGE
Applications Closed
Go from push To pull
Winners Receive $20,500 of Media Value
speaker credibilty
Leverage the Real Leaders stamp of approval to get on bigger stages ($500 value).
Listing in real leaders magazine
Be discovered by new businesses and investors in Real Leaders magazine. ($17,000 media value).
speak at Real Leaders Unite 2026
Be invited to speak at the 2026 Real Leaders UNITE to build lasting connections with Top Impact Investors, CEOs, Speakers, and Coaches. ($3,000 ticket value).
How we rank
- Speech or Audition
Real Leaders judges review and evaluate a speakers “Signature Speech” against our criteria.
2. Speeches Per Year
Speaker demonstrates they have experience and are “in-demand”.
3. Speaker Fee
Speaker demonstrates their value in the marketplace.
4. Speaker Reach
Speaker demonstrates their influence online to their website and socials.
VIEW THE APPLICATION READINESS GUIDE TO REVIEW ALL QUESTIONS IN ADVANCE
Key Dates
Jan 1 - August 29
Application window for the 2026 Top Impact and Keynote Speakers Application.
September
Top Impact Speaker winners notified. To become a Top Keynote Speaker, winners must audition.
OCTOBER
Top 50 Keynote Speaker Auditions are held from September 2-October 31.
January
Real Leaders Impact Awards magazine on sale in sky lounges and airports.
January
Real Leaders Impact Awards magazine on sale in sky lounges and airports.
S.T.A.R requirements
To become a star, you must be a Speaker of Transformation, Authority, and Reach (S.T.A.R). The S.T.A.R certification is a tiered based
real experience
Must log a minimum of 10 spee
influence
Must provide proof of speech, podcast, articles, or online community following to demonstrate your thought leadership.
impact
Clearly demonstrate the change you're trying to inspire with your voice.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 SPONSORS
