The rhythm starts here: Meet the #EAIE2026 keynote speakers
This September, the global education community gathers in Glasgow, Scotland, for the 36th Annual EAIE Conference and Exhibition. We are living through a time of rapid change, where uncertainty is matched by extraordinary opportunity. These realities sit at the heart of our 2026 theme, The Rhythm of Revolution: an invitation to move with transformation as it unfolds and to help shape its direction with courage and intent.
In that spirit, we turn to voices who can help us make sense of this moment and inspire action in our own contexts. This year’s keynote journey opens with neuroscientist and TED speaker Beau Lotto and concludes with global communications expert Lewis Iwu—two perspectives that will challenge, energise and set the tone for #EAIE2026.
Diving into the human mind: Beau Lotto
As international education professionals, you know first-hand that change is possible, but it requires a clear vision, the courage to challenge convention and the collective will to act. Opening our inspiring week in Glasgow is neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and world-renowned perception expert, Beau Lotto, who challenges us to recognise that the greatest barriers and breakthroughs exist in our own minds.
A three-time TED mainstage speaker with over 10 million views, Beau is known for delivering visually striking, interactive talks that transform how audiences think and act. His message sets a powerful tone for #EAIE2026, inviting us to lean into the "I don’t know" space where creativity and transformation begin. His work bridges neuroscience, design, technology, and human behaviour, supported by more than 70 peer-reviewed publications across disciplines ranging from perception and artificial intelligence to architecture and complex systems.
As author of Deviate: The Science of Seeing Differently, Beau has shared his insights with global platforms including the World Economic Forum, Google’s Zeitgeist, Wired, and TED, as well as organisations such as Microsoft, Apple and the BBC. His work has been recognised with numerous honours, including nomination for the MacArthur Genius Award and the Josef Albers Prize for Disruptive Innovation.
Kicking the week off, Beau Lotto challenges us to question what we think we know, and to discover what becomes possible when we see the world differently. Drawing on his groundbreaking work in neuroscience, he explores how we respond to change, uncertainty and the unknown. Prepare to rethink how we navigate complexity and to unlock new possibilities through curiosity, adaptability and the courage to embrace not knowing.
As a neuroscientist, I spent years exploring how we meet uncertainty. Because uncertainty isn’t just where fear lives, it’s also where creativity begins, where innovation begins. In fact, where transformation begins.
Exploring the power of questioning: Lewis Iwu
At the heart of this year’s theme, The Rhythm of Revolution, is the power of questioning. Revolutions begin when we challenge the status quo: what ideas do we stand for, what conversations do we need to have, and what assumptions are we prepared to leave behind? As #EAIE2026 draws to a close, Lewis Iwu will invite us to reflect not only on what we believe, but also on how we inspire others to believe in it, too. A leading expert in public speaking, debate and strategic communication, Lewis works with organisations around the world to shape compelling arguments and campaigns that drive meaningful social and environmental change.
For nearly two decades, he has worked at the highest levels with global organisations including the UN, Unilever, Sky, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, and Allen & Overy, helping shape messages that influence policy, perception and action. In recognition of his impact, he was named PRWeek’s 2025 Most Purposeful Professional globally and included in PRovoke’s Innovative 25.
A former World Debating Champion and coach of the 2016 winning England team, Lewis has participated in or moderated over 1000 debates and is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading voices on argumentation and persuasion. His book Words That Win explores how ideas succeed in the real world and how communication can be a force for change. Lewis’s influence extends beyond boardrooms and debate halls. He has advised major sporting and cultural organisations and also co-authored a Masterclass with Malala Yousafzai on achieving meaningful social change.
Closing the conference, Lewis Iwu will leave us with a powerful perspective on how ideas take hold, how movements gain momentum and how meaningful change is built through dialogue and collective action. Exploring leadership, debate and communication in divided times, his keynote will challenge us to think critically about the conversations shaping our world. Join us until the final moments of #EAIE2026 to reflect on a week of ideas, connections, and inspiration and leave energised for the future of international education.
I’m going to be talking in my keynote about two important things. One is the role and power of debate in transforming the world and creating that revolution. The second is the role of radical partnerships and coalitions to help bring change about.
From questioning uncertainty to inspiring collective action, our #EAIE2026 keynote speakers embody the spirit of The Rhythm of Revolution. We look forward to welcoming you to Glasgow this September to learn from these visionary minds, spark new conversations and shape the future of our sector together.
