The Red Giant, live

Keynotes, panel sessions and conferences. In person across the UK and internationally.

Make a speaking enquiry

My talks show AI as it actually is, without the hype. They draw on research, on experience, and on opinions I have formed by delivering over a hundred sessions. I use live demos rather than pre-recorded videos, and I'm not afraid of things going wrong because that is part of showing the real experience with AI.

I believe AI is an extremely powerful tool, but it should not be used for everything. AI should be used to augment us rather than replace us. That belief runs through every talk I give.

My talks are interactive wherever the room allows:

  • Live demonstrations with the latest AI tools
  • Exercises and participation: the audience takes part
  • Shaped for your audience: content built for the room in front of me
Illustration of Rufus Curnow mid-talk, gesturing to one side

What I speak about

  • AI adoptionWhat makes AI stick in an organisation. For leadership teams and business audiences.
  • Responsible AISafe, ethical and practical use when you have actual deadlines: data, judgement, disclosure and policy.
  • Cutting through the AI noiseWhat is real, what is marketing, and how to tell the difference.
  • AI in educationAssessment, student use and staff capability, from twenty years inside the sector.
  • AI and the future of workHonest and evidence-led.

Formats

  • Keynote30 to 45 minutes, with or without questions.
  • Workshop-style session60 to 90 minutes with hands-on work.
  • PanelComfortable as panellist or chair.
  • Leadership briefingA closed session for an exec or management team.

Recent talks

Rufus Curnow presenting at the Big Business Breakfast, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce

Big Business Breakfast, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce

Embracing AI in the Workplace: a practical session for member businesses on assessing where you are with AI, where it can genuinely add value, and the first steps to implement it safely. June 2026.

He made AI practical for our members, and the feedback afterwards was amazing.

Kelly Edwards, Head of Events and Facilities, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce
Rufus Curnow speaking to local business owners at Tameside Talks Business

Tameside Talks Business

AI for Organisations: a session for local business owners and leaders at Tameside's business event.

Loads of great insights and strong audience engagement. The feedback has been fantastic.

Dean Kleban, Business Growth Manager, Tameside Council
Rufus Curnow delivering a lecture on stage at the EFCLIN Congress in Barcelona

EFCLIN Congress, Barcelona

A Vision for Tomorrow: how AI will reshape quality and regulatory in the contact lens and IOL industries. A lecture at the 52nd Annual EFCLIN Congress, April 2026.

Rufus Curnow speaking on a panel at the Cornwall AI Summit at the Eden Project

Cornwall AI Summit

At the Eden Project, Cornwall. A morning panel on AI Skills and Workforce, then two back-to-back afternoon workshops: AI strategy, literacy and change for leaders, and a hands-on session accelerating individual AI capability.

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Please get in contact if you've got a speaking opportunity to discuss.

Make a speaking enquiry