Amplify Speakers Insights

Top Midwest Keynote Speakers for 2027

Booking a speaker who lives in the region has real advantages. Travel costs and logistics are simpler, weather delays are less of a risk, and a Midwest audience can tell when a speaker understands the way people work and talk here.

The top Midwest keynote speakers for 2027 are Kelli Thompson, Christy Johnston, Shari Collins, LaPora Lindsey, Arthur Fratelli-Silknitter, Peter Murphy Lewis, Rich Bracken, Ben Newman, Simoriah Stogner, Matthew M. Anderson, Jaime Taets and Ross Bernstein. Every speaker on this list is based in the Midwest, which keeps travel simple for events across Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota and Minnesota.

Amplify Speakers is based in Nebraska, and these are the keynote speakers on our roster who are based in the Midwest and nearby states, from Omaha and Kansas City to St. Louis, Minneapolis and Bismarck. Every one also travels nationally and is available for 2027 events.

👉 Planning an event in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota or Minnesota? Contact Amplify Speakers and we'll match you with the right fit.

The Speakers

1Kelli Thompson - Midwest Keynote Speaker
1. Kelli Thompson
Based in Omaha, Kelli Thompson is the author of Closing the Confidence Gap and an executive coach to thousands of leaders. Her TEDx talk was an Editor's Pick, she has been published in Harvard Business Review, and she won a Stevie Award as Women in Business Coach of the Year.
View Kelli's Full Profile
2Christy Johnston - Midwest Keynote Speaker
2. Christy Johnston
Omaha-based Christy Johnston is the founder of Magnetic Cultures and was named Most Influential People & Culture Strategist in Nebraska. She spent nine years as Chief People Officer at Medical Solutions, where employee engagement held at three times the national average.
View Christy's Full Profile
3Shari Collins - Midwest Keynote Speaker
3. Shari Collins
Shari Collins is an Omaha-based culture consultant who serves as Diversity Director for the HR Nebraska State SHRM Council and on the Advisory Board of Harvard Business Review. A Top 100 Global Power Leader award winner and certified Chief Well-Being Officer, she speaks on culture and positive psychology.
View Shari's Full Profile
4LaPora Lindsey - Midwest Keynote Speaker
4. LaPora Lindsey
LaPora Lindsey is based in Omaha, where she founded the Omaha IMPACT Awards. The author of Bottom of the Food Chain and an 18-year military spouse, she helps teams turn disengagement into ownership, and a University of Nebraska event organizer reported that her keynote came up again and again.
View LaPora's Full Profile
5Arthur Fratelli-Silknitter - Midwest Keynote Speaker
5. Arthur Fratelli-Silknitter
Arthur Fratelli-Silknitter, known onstage as The Amazing Arthur, is based in Omaha and has more than 25 years in front of live audiences. A TEDx speaker who appeared on NBC's Last Comic Standing, he blends mentalism, comedy and audience participation, and his clients include Hy-Vee, the University of Nebraska and the Nebraska Independent Bankers Association.
View Arthur's Full Profile
6Peter Murphy Lewis - Midwest Keynote Speaker
6. Peter Murphy Lewis
Peter Murphy Lewis is based in Goddard, Kansas, and grew up in the state. The former CNN foreign affairs correspondent and author of Interns to A-Players turns more than 125 jobs into stories about leadership, and the CEO of the Nebraska Health Care Association recommends him highly.
View Peter's Full Profile
7Rich Bracken - Midwest Keynote Speaker
7. Rich Bracken
Rich Bracken is a Kansas City-based keynote speaker and executive coach on emotional intelligence and executive presence. He is Brand Ambassador for TalentSmartEQ, and two decades as a national touring DJ mean he brings real-time audience engagement to every keynote.
View Rich's Full Profile
8Ben Newman - Midwest Keynote Speaker
8. Ben Newman
Ben Newman lives in his hometown of St. Louis. The Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Standard is a performance coach whose work has contributed to three national championships with North Dakota State football and a Big 12 Championship with Kansas State football.
View Ben's Full Profile
9Simoriah Stogner - Midwest Keynote Speaker
9. Simoriah Stogner
Simoriah Stogner is based in Springfield, Missouri, and has spoken at TEDx Missouri S&T. A technology executive named 2023 IT Person of the Year by the Springfield Technology Council, she speaks on talent beyond credentials, unlikely leadership and practical AI.
View Simoriah's Full Profile
10Matthew M. Anderson - Midwest Keynote Speaker
10. Matthew M. Anderson
Matthew M. Anderson is based in Bismarck, North Dakota, and has spent more than two decades developing leaders in nonprofit, government and public sectors. The author of Being Super Human has worked with the Bank of North Dakota and North Dakota Health and Human Services.
View Matthew's Full Profile
11Jaime Taets - Midwest Keynote Speaker
11. Jaime Taets
Minneapolis-based Jaime Taets is founder and CEO of Keystone Group International, an Inc. 500 fastest-growing company in the Midwest, and the bestselling author of The Culture Climb. She was named a Notable Female Entrepreneur by Twin Cities Business.
View Jaime's Full Profile
12Ross Bernstein - Midwest Keynote Speaker
12. Ross Bernstein
Ross Bernstein is based in Edina, Minnesota, and is the bestselling author of nearly 50 sports books. He has keynoted on all seven continents and speaks at more than 120 live events a year, from sales meetings to association conferences.
View Ross's Full Profile

How to Choose a Midwest Keynote Speaker

Use the travel advantage. A speaker based within driving distance or a short flight lowers travel costs and reduces the risk of weather delays, which matters for winter events across the Plains. Omaha-based speakers such as Kelli Thompson, Christy Johnston and Arthur Fratelli-Silknitter can reach most of Nebraska and Iowa easily.

Look for regional credibility. Midwest audiences respond to speakers who know the region. Ben Newman's work with North Dakota State and Kansas State football and Matthew Anderson's work with North Dakota organizations are good examples.

Do not limit yourself to local. A Midwest speaker is a smart default, but the right message matters more than the map. Our roster also includes speakers based across the country, and many travel to the region regularly.

Consider combining sessions. A regional speaker can often add a leadership breakfast or workshop to the same trip at lower cost. Ask about it when you contact our team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the top Midwest keynote speakers for 2027?

The top Midwest keynote speakers on the Amplify Speakers roster for 2027 include Kelli Thompson, Christy Johnston, Shari Collins, LaPora Lindsey and Arthur Fratelli-Silknitter in Omaha; Peter Murphy Lewis in Kansas; Rich Bracken in Kansas City; Ben Newman in St. Louis; Simoriah Stogner in Springfield, Missouri; Matthew M. Anderson in Bismarck; and Jaime Taets and Ross Bernstein in the Minneapolis area.

Are there keynote speakers based in Nebraska?

Yes. Kelli Thompson, Christy Johnston, Shari Collins, LaPora Lindsey and Arthur Fratelli-Silknitter are all based in Omaha, Nebraska. Amplify Speakers is also based in Nebraska.

Why book a keynote speaker from the Midwest?

A speaker based in the region usually means lower travel costs, simpler logistics and less risk of weather-related delays, plus a natural connection with Midwest audiences.

How do I book a Midwest keynote speaker through Amplify Speakers?

Contact Amplify Speakers with your event date, city, audience and budget. We confirm availability, send a matched shortlist of regional and national speakers and manage the booking through event day.

Related Speaker Pages

Topics: Leadership Speakers  |  Workplace Culture Speakers  |  Chamber of Commerce Speakers

Industries & events: Agriculture  |  Electric Cooperatives  |  Credit Unions  |  Manufacturing

Locations: Nebraska  |  Omaha  |  Lincoln  |  Iowa  |  Des Moines  |  Kansas  |  Wichita  |  Kansas City  |  Missouri  |  St. Louis  |  South Dakota  |  Sioux Falls  |  Minnesota  |  Minneapolis  |  North Dakota  |  Fargo

Browse the Full Roster  |  All Speaking Topics  |  Speakers by Industry  |  More Insights  |  Speaker Fees Guide

Book a Midwest Keynote Speaker for 2027

Every speaker on this list is available to book through Amplify Speakers. Tell us about your event, including the date, audience, goals and budget, and we'll send you a matched shortlist within 24 to 48 hours.