JLA, the UK’s leading speaker bureau, has officially launched its flagship live event, The Festival of Speech, bringing together thought leaders across politics, business, technology, and the arts for a powerful evening of conversation and reflection. Held at Kings Place in London on September 9th, the event showcased six influential speakers including Nicola Sturgeon, Sir James Cleverly, Jamie Laing, Rahaf Harfoush, and Richard Ayoade, hosted by broadcaster Louise Minchin.
A New Platform for Dialogue
Created in response to growing demand for deeper, more nuanced discussions, The Festival of Speech sets out to provide a forum for critical thinking and complex ideas, a space where insight takes precedence over soundbites.
“The Festival of Speech represents our commitment to creating a platform where the most important conversations of our time can unfold,” said Simon King, Head of Talent at JLA. “Our inaugural event demonstrated the power of bringing together diverse voices to examine complex issues with nuance and depth.”
Politicians in Conversation: Sturgeon & Cleverly
Opening the evening, former First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon and former Foreign Secretary Sir James Cleverly shared the stage for a candid conversation about the evolving state of UK politics, media scrutiny, and the demands of leadership in a divided age.
From Reality TV to Resilience: Jamie Laing’s Entrepreneurial Journey
Media personality turned entrepreneur Jamie Laing inspired attendees with a raw, humorous, and insightful talk on building his gourmet confectionery brand, Candy Kittens.
Future Thinking with Harfoush & Ayoade
Digital anthropologist Rahaf Harfoush examined the cultural and psychological impact of artificial intelligence, while actor, author, and director Richard Ayoade offered a reflective take on creativity, collaboration, and originality in a media-saturated age.
Broadcaster Louise Minchin expertly guided the evening, weaving the themes of leadership, innovation, and authenticity across all the discussions.
Why It Matters to the Events Industry
JLA’s Festival of Speech presents a compelling new live content format for event professionals seeking to create more meaning-driven, insight-led programmes. The event’s blend of political commentary, business storytelling, and future-gazing tech talk exemplifies the type of cross-sector programming modern audiences increasingly expect.
As attention spans shrink and demands for authenticity rise, the Festival of Speech offers a blueprint for how to craft events that engage on a deeper level, merging thought leadership with real-world relevance.
For event organisers, promoters, and agencies seeking inspiring keynote content or new formats to elevate conferences, exhibitions, or corporate events, the success of The Festival of Speech signals the value of curating live experiences that go beyond the expected.
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