--- title: "AI Keynote Speaker in Toronto, Canada" description: "Toronto-based AI keynote speaker. Jonathon Bloomfield speaks on practical AI adoption for non-technical audiences: keynotes, panels, and hands-on workshops." canonical_url: "https://www.upskailed.com/services/speaking" md_url: "https://www.upskailed.com/services/speaking.md" last_updated: "2026-08-06" --- # Speaking and Events Jonathon brings practical AI literacy to conferences, panels, and team events. His talks are designed for non-technical audiences who want to understand how AI can support their work and where to start. At a glance: keynotes, panels, fireside chats, and workshops, from 30 minutes to a half-day, for non-technical professionals. Jonathon is Toronto-based, travels, and speaks virtually. Best booked 4–6 weeks ahead. ## What to expect Jonathon’s talks are practical, clear sessions designed for non-technical audiences. He helps people understand what AI can do for their work, what’s getting in the way, and what changes when you learn to use it with intention. Every session is built for its room. Before each engagement, Jonathon learns about your audience, their industry, and what you want them to walk away with — the formats and topics below are starting points. ## Formats ### Keynote (30–60 minutes) Talks on practical AI adoption, the “unknown unknowns” of AI capability, or what changes when professionals learn to work with AI deliberately. Customized to your audience and industry. ### Panel Discussion (moderated) Jonathon brings a practical perspective to AI panels, keeping the conversation focused on what the audience can take away and use. ### Fireside Chat (conversational) Conversational, audience-driven sessions that explore AI’s impact on day-to-day work, leadership, and decision-making. Works well for smaller groups or more intimate event settings. ### Workshop (90 minutes to a half-day) Interactive, hands-on sessions where participants work with AI tools in real time. Ideal as a conference add-on or standalone team event. Participants leave with workflows they built themselves. ## Topics - **The Unknown Unknowns of AI.** Most professionals don’t realize what they’re missing with AI. This talk reveals the gap between surface-level use and strategic partnership, and shows what changes when you close it. - **AI Without the Jargon.** A clear, practical introduction to what AI can do for non-technical professionals. No buzzwords, no fear tactics, and no “robots are coming for your job” framing. - **From Overwhelm to Implementation.** Why scattered AI experiments rarely stick, even for capable people, and the structured approach that turns them into lasting workflows. - **AI for Nonprofits: Doing More With Less.** How nonprofit teams are using AI to compress days of grant reporting into hours, stretch limited budgets further, and take on projects they previously couldn’t justify the time for. - **Building With AI as a Founder.** How early-stage founders and entrepreneurs are using AI to compress timelines, take on work they’d otherwise outsource, and operate at a scale that used to require a bigger team. - **Custom Topics.** Have a specific theme or audience in mind? Jonathon develops talks tailored to your industry, audience, and event goals. ## Where Jonathon Has Spoken Jonathon has spoken at conferences, panels, and events across Canada on AI, entrepreneurship, and inclusive technology adoption. | Event | Organization | Format | Date | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | BlackNorth Initiative Entrepreneurship Mixer | BlackNorth Initiative | Panel | December 2025 | | ICON Advantage Symposium | ICON | Panel: Incubators, Accelerators and Startups | December 2025 | | BFUTR Global Tech Summit | Black Professionals in Tech Network | Panel: Future-Proofing Your Tech Career | November 2025 | | Canadian EdTech Accelerator Alumni Panel | Canadian EdTech Accelerator | Alumni Panel | November 2025 | | Elevate Festival — Black Innovation Zone | Elevate Festival, Black Innovation Zone | Panel: AI and Entrepreneurship | October 2025 | | DMZ BIP Rise and Pitch Breakfast | DMZ, Scotiabank | Panel: AI in Business and Inclusive AI | February 2025 | | AI Innovation at Black Career Conference | University of Toronto, Black Founders Network | Panel | January 2025 | | Black OW Virtual AMA Session | City of Toronto | Entrepreneurship AMA and Presentation | November 2024 | | ICON Advantage Symposium | ICON Talent Partners | Panel: Early Stage Startups | November 2024 | | Brampton Library Tech Talks | Brampton Library | Panel | February 2024 | | Take the Next Step Business Forum | NNMD Inc. | Panel | November 2023 | ## Invite Jonathon to speak at your event Booked 4–6 weeks ahead. Share the details of your event and Jonathon will get back to you within a few business days. ## Common questions ### How far in advance should we book? Four to six weeks is a comfortable lead time, though Jonathon has accommodated events with just a few weeks' notice. Include your timeline in the inquiry form and he’ll let you know if it works. ### What are the speaking fees? Fees depend on the format, duration, travel, and how much customization is involved. Jonathon works with a range of budgets, from funded conferences to community organizations with limited resources. Share your budget range in the inquiry form and he’ll let you know what’s possible. ### Does Jonathon speak at virtual events? Yes. Virtual keynotes, panels, and fireside chats all work well over video, and virtual workshops are available to teams anywhere in the world. In-person workshops are strongest since participants are working with AI tools live, but the virtual format has worked well for remote teams. ### Does Jonathon travel for events? Jonathon is based in Toronto and regularly travels for speaking engagements and workshops, across Canada, the U.S., and internationally. Include your event location in the inquiry form and he’ll confirm availability. ### Can a talk be customized for our specific audience? Jonathon doesn’t give the same talk twice. Before each engagement, he spends time learning about your audience, their industry, and what you want them to walk away with. The topics on this page are starting points. He builds from there. ### What A/V or technical setup is required? A microphone and a screen or projector for all sessions. Many of Jonathon’s talks include live AI demonstrations, so a reliable connection between his laptop and the display matters. For workshops, participants need a laptop or tablet with wifi. Jonathon will share a full setup list once the format is confirmed. ### What’s the difference between a workshop and a keynote? A keynote runs 30 to 60 minutes. The audience listens, watches live demonstrations, and leaves with new thinking about AI. A workshop runs 90 minutes to a half-day. Participants open their laptops, work with AI tools alongside Jonathon, and leave with workflows they can keep using. Workshops work well as conference add-ons or standalone team sessions. For organizations that want to go further, [Corporate Training](/services/corporate-training) offers multi-session programs built around your team’s work. ## Also available **Corporate Training** (for teams): Custom workshops built around your group’s day-to-day work — half-day sessions to ongoing programs. [Explore training](/services/corporate-training) **Consulting and Advisory** (for professionals): Personalized guidance on AI strategy or workflows, beyond what a single event can offer. 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