Welcome. I’m Mark Schaefer — a marketing futurist, keynote speaker, author, and community-builder. If you’re looking for an AI marketing keynote speaker, author, university educator, brand community strategist, or marketing consultant who customizes every engagement, you’re in the right place.
Keynote Speaking
What topics do you speak about?
Signature themes include AI and the future of marketing, building brand communities, personal branding, customer behavior shifts, and bold creativity from my book Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World. Every keynote is customized to your audience and industry.
Most popular speeches include:
- New Marketing Realities
- How Humans Thrive in an AI Marketing World
- Why Brand Communities are the Last Great Marketing Strategy
- Harnessing AI for Your Business
- How AI Changes Your Customers
- Your Brand is YOU! (personal branding inspiration)
Check out my speaking page for the most up-to-date list of my speeches!
Who hires you?
Event organizers, CMOs, leadership teams, associations, franchise networks, and fast-growing brands are seeking a practical, inspiring marketing keynote grounded in research and real-world case studies.
I have served hundreds of companies, associations, and organizations. A few include:
- American Bar Association
- American Medical
- Association
- Coca Cola
- McKinsey
- P&G
- Pfizer
- Social Media Marketing World
- SXSW
Do you speak internationally?
Yes. I regularly present for audiences worldwide (in-person and virtual). I have spoken in more than 40 countries including Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Russia, Romania, U.K., Germany,
I have even been a keynote speaker in Suriname. You earn bonus points if you know where that is!
Can you tailor the keynote to our industry and goals?
Absolutely. I’ll align content with your strategic priorities, current initiatives, and language your audience uses. Pre-event discovery is standard.
I love working your VIPs and sponsors into my talk to provide an added emotional jolt for your audience!
What formats do you offer?
Keynotes, conference headliners, breakouts, executive briefings, fireside chats, and half- or full-day workshops. Virtual and hybrid formats are available.
What are your speaking fees?
Fees vary by event scope, format, and travel. Please share your date, location, and audience size for a fast quote. I’ll work with you to create the best value for your event.
Generally speaking, my daily fee would be considered “moderate” by bureaus and agencies.
My pricing is unique in that it can be lowered by including a book giveaway to your attendees!
Can you combine a keynote with a workshop or leadership session?
Yes. Many clients book a main-stage keynote plus an executive session or team workshop to drive application.
Several times, I have delivered more than one keynote address for an event for one speaking fee.
Do you offer book signings or bulk book options at events?
Yes. Bulk orders and on-site signings are available. We can also provide a short, curated reading list for attendees.
How do we check availability and book you?
Send your event date, city, format, and goals through the contact form. My team will reply quickly with availability and next steps.
The Uprising Retreat
What is The Uprising?
The Uprising is a small, curated marketing leadership retreat for professionals who want deep discussions, practical frameworks, and lasting relationships. Think of it as an “idea accelerator” for bold marketers fighting to stay relevant in a fast-changing world.
The format is unique in that is discussion-led, versus presentations. The unique format, nurturing environment, quality experience, and human connections create an energizing retreat that many particpants describe as life-changing.
Who is it for?
Marketing leaders, founders, and change-makers who value high-trust conversations and come ready to contribute — not just consume.
Everyone is welcome. Everyone can fit in with their own unique heritage and experiences.
Do I need any special qualifications?
No. Just come with an open heart and an open mind. Past participants have come from diverse fields and backgrounds including education, healthcare, manufacturing, tech, food service, and retail. The youngest person to attend (so far) was 21, and the oldest was 79.
Where and when is it held?
The Uprising is held each spring (April or May) at The RT Lodge near Knoxville, TN. It is a cozy venue surrounded by woods, just 15 minutes from the airport.
The venue offers a spa, hiking trails, and free bikes to explore the natural areas and nearby college.
How much does it cost?
The Uprising is $3,950. This is an all-inclusive price once you arrive at the resort. Most attendees think it is an excellent value for the money.
How do I apply?
The application is at the bottom of The Uprising home page.
Books
Which book should I read first?
I’ve written authoritative, bestselling books on:
- personal branding
- influence marketing
- content marketing
- brand communities
- AI marketing strategy
… and more.
To help you choose the best book, I designed a special book selector app.
Can I use your books for a class or company program?
Yes — ideal for conferences, sales kickoffs, and university programs. Share quantities and deadlines and we’ll coordinate fulfillment. We also ship direct to college book stores.
To inquire about bulk sales, drop a note here.
Do I need any special qualifications?
Absolutely. Many universities and enterprises use my work as core or supplemental reading. I also offer guest Q&A sessions with students when schedules allow.
Consulting and Advisory
What consulting do you offer?
Advisory and projects focused on AI-driven marketing strategy, brand community design, content and personal branding, social media marketing, and go-to-market messaging.
In addtion to formal consulting engagements, I offer the low-cost option of booking a one-hour session with me.
How do engagements work?
I no longer offer long-term contract consulting work. My only consulting options currently would be one-day or half-day engagements. I also offer affordable one-hour advisory calls.
What is the MarkBot?
The MarkBot is an expert-trained AI Model informed by all my public work. It is free, private, and aimed to scale my teaching and mentoring to anyone who needs it.
Teaching, Community, and Learning
What is the RISE community?
RISE is a global community for marketers who value learning, connection, and practical experiments. It’s a place to swap ideas, get feedback, and stay current. The community is hosted on Discord.
It’s free to try, and $19.99 per month after that.
RISE is a kind, nurturing place where we share ideas, content, and experiences to remain relevant as marketers.
Highlights include:
- Daily topical conversations
- Master Sessions with the world’s greatest marketers
- Monthly AI strategy chats
- Book Club chats
- Monthly Personal Branding chats
- Live meet-ups
Can I attend classes that you teach?
All of my classes are open to the public, including the program at Rutgers University. Click the links to find more details about my classes:
Rutgers University Mini-MBA in Digital Marketing
Do you guest lecture or design custom learning programs?
Yes. I do guest lectures, executive education modules, and internal academies tailored to your goals and industry.
Where else can I learn from you?
My blog offers practical ideas and emerging trends. Subscribing to my blog is the best way to keep up with my latest thinking!
Media and Partnerships
Are you available for interviews and commentary?
Yes—time permitting. Please share your outlet, angle, and deadline at this page.
Do you collaborate with brands or research partners?
Selective partnerships aligned with my audience and values. You can connect with me here.
Do you respond to link-building requests?
Working Together
How soon should we reach out for a keynote?
Popular dates book quickly, and early alignment improves customization and promotion. My preference would be six months in advance.
Do you do “quick pick-your-brain” calls?
I receive many such requests and can’t accommodate unpaid mentoring calls. The best free resources are my blog, podcast, newsletter, and books. If we’re exploring a fit for speaking, consulting, or training, I’m happy to schedule a focused discovery conversation.
In addition, anybody can book an hour of my time at an affordable price.
Are you easy to work with?
I am totally committed to making you successful. I pride myself as being flexible, responsive, and professional. If you hire me for an event, I will do anything I can to serve you including meet-and-greets, promotional videos, VIP events, and book signings.
Tell me something personal and interesting about you!
- I studied for three years under the legendary Peter Drucker.
- I was a pioneering eBusiness innovator and created one of the first corporate intranets in the world.
- I hold seven patents from my corporate marketing days.
- I have been to nearly 90 countries.
- I love anything outdoors including hiking, biking, kayaking, boating, and gardening.
- I’ve participated in a youth mentoring program for nearly 20 years, and I am a Habitat for Humanity volunteer.
- I was Hoda Kotb’s babysitter
