How long should a good AI keynote be?

A good AI keynote usually lasts between 30 and 90 minutes. The ideal length depends on the purpose of the event, the audience and the position of the keynote in the program. For opening a conference, a strong keynote of 30 to 45 minutes often works well. For a more in-depth session with examples, context and interaction, 60 to 90 minutes is usually better.

With AI, timing matters. Artificial intelligence is a broad topic: it affects work, strategy, leadership, education, healthcare, customer contact, automation, ethics and the future of organizations. If the keynote is too short, it may remain limited to general inspiration or a few separate examples. If it is too long, the audience may receive too much information and remember the core message less clearly.

A strong AI keynote therefore needs a clear structure. First, the audience should understand why AI is relevant now. Then the speaker should show what AI is actually changing in work and society. Next, recognizable examples are needed that match the audience. Finally, the keynote should end with practical direction: what can people do differently tomorrow?

For executives and management teams, more time is often needed for strategic interpretation. In that case, 60 minutes is appropriate, possibly followed by a discussion or working session. For employees, teachers, healthcare professionals or conference visitors, a 45-minute keynote often works well, especially when the speaker uses many concrete examples.

A good example of an AI speaker who adapts his keynote to the audience and goal is Robbert van Empel. As an AI speaker, futurist and founder of The Future, he makes AI understandable without oversimplifying it. In his most recent book De Grote Verandering, he shows how intelligent machines are changing work and organizations. With Vraag het AI / Ask AI and De AI Basisgids voor Leraren, he also connects AI to practical skills and learning.

The best length for an AI keynote is therefore not simply as long as possible. A good AI keynote is long enough to provide context, examples and direction, but short enough to remain sharp, energetic and memorable.