Keynotes

& Breakouts

For conference audiences who want

connection, not just content

Lauren Ansley, conference emcee and audience engagement specialist, tossing a microphone and smiling on stage.

My keynotes and breakout sessions are designed for conferences and meetings where connection, participation, and presence matter as much as the content itself.

These are not lecture-style talks. Each session is audience-aware, interactive, and designed to help ideas land in a way that feels human, inclusive, and engaging.

Download Lauren's Speaker One Sheet
Logo for Laurens Keynotes with stylized text and an orange accent on the letter 's' and underline.

My keynote experiences are designed to set the tone, reinforce key themes, and bring people together around shared ideas. Each can stand alone or be integrated into a broader conference engagement strategy.

  • A keynote on resilience, adaptability, and continuing to show up when things don’t go as planned.

    Through storytelling, humor, and light interaction, this keynote explores how people respond to challenges, recover from setbacks, and keep moving forward with perspective and intention. Audiences leave feeling encouraged, grounded, and reminded that perseverance often looks different than expected.

  • A keynote focused on navigating uncertainty and change with perspective, humor, and humanity.

    This session uses real-world stories and shared experience to help audiences reframe challenges, process difficult moments, and reconnect with what they can control. The tone is thoughtful and supportive, with humor used as a tool for connection rather than distraction.

  • A highly interactive alternative to a traditional keynote.

    Instead of listening from their seats, audiences actively participate in a structured networking experience designed to help people connect quickly and comfortably. Guided prompts and intentional flow move participants beyond small talk and set the stage for stronger connections throughout the event.

    This experience works especially well as an opening session or early-conference anchor and is designed to be introvert-friendly, inclusive, and energizing.

    Lean more about Speed Networking with a Twist here

Logo for Laurens Breakouts with the text 'Laurens' in black cursive font and 'BREAKOUTS' in teal, all caps, with an orange underline and a small star above the 'i'.

My interactive breakout sessions are designed for conferences and meetings where participation, discussion, and practical application matter. Each session is structured to encourage engagement without putting people on the spot and works especially well in breakout formats.

  • An interactive breakout focused on helping professionals build meaningful connections that extend beyond the event.

    Participants explore how to introduce themselves clearly, communicate their value, and engage in conversations that feel natural rather than transactional. Through guided interaction and real-time practice, attendees leave more confident in their ability to build professional relationships that last.

    Best for: association conferences, member events, leadership meetings.

  • A practical, engaging breakout designed to help professionals communicate with clarity and confidence.

    This session focuses on how to connect with an audience, structure a message without memorization, and deliver with impact. Participants learn Lauren’s “Set List” approach and leave with tools they can use immediately, whether presenting on stage, leading meetings, or sharing ideas at work.

    Best for: internal conferences, leadership offsites, professional development tracks

  • A breakout session focused on helping learning experiences lead to real retention and application.

    This session introduces Lauren’s STICK Framework, a simple, practical approach to designing training that is engaging, memorable, and more likely to stick beyond the session itself. Participants leave with ideas they can apply immediately to strengthen learning impact and follow-through.

    Best for: meeting planners, trainers, facilitators, and leaders.

Download Lauren's Speaker One-Sheet
The word 'testimonials' written in black cursive font with a teal underline.
  • It was an absolute pleasure for AENC to work with Lauren Ansley as a keynote speaker at our 2025 AENC Spring Conference. Her session, Bloom and Grow, quickly became a member favorite, offering fresh and engaging ways to interact and network with peers, all while fostering a fun and safe environment for personal growth. Lauren's unique blend of humor, deep intellect, and thoughtful approach had attendees both laughing and learning, a perfect combination! From pre-conference planning to day-of execution, Lauren was a joy to work with, taking the time to understand the unique needs of our members and delivering an exceptional session. We can’t wait to welcome Lauren back to our stage!

    -Rich Phaneuf, CEO & Executive Director, Association Executives of North Carolina

  • Lauren Ansley really knocked it out of the ballpark at our Charlotte Area SHRM meeting! Not knowing what to expect when placing a comedian in the middle of a group of HR professionals, I was thrilled at their reaction. Lots of laughter! The group was totally involved in the mini-breakout sessions and very active in sharing their thoughts about the topic of perseverance.

    -Cathy Graham, VP, Education and Certification, Charlotte Area Society for Human Resources Management

  • Lauren's infectious humor, profound insights, and inspiring presence made a lasting impression on me during her speech, 'The Funny Thing About Perseverance.'

    Her natural talent as a corporate entertainer was evident from the moment she began, effortlessly connecting with the audience on a personal level. Beyond the laughs, her message about navigating challenges with resilience struck a chord with everyone in attendance.

    Lauren's genuine warmth and remarkable skill set make her an invaluable asset to any event.

    -Anya Kozhemyakov, Event Attendee

How Sessions Are Designed

Rather than offering rigid, one-size-fits-all programs, sessions are shaped through conversation to align with your audience, goals, agenda, and event tone.

Standard session length is 60 minutes, with flexibility depending on format and placement.

Planning a meeting or conference and want people to feel engaged, included, and fully present? Let’s talk.

Let's Talk About Your Event