William Higham: Consumer Futurist
William Higham is a consumer futurist, keynote speaker, and founder of Next Big Thing who helps organizations understand emerging trends and future consumer behavior.
Quick Facts:
- Founder and CEO of Next Big Thing
- Global keynote speaker and futurist specializing in consumer behavior
- Advisor to major organizations including HSBC, BBC, and Mindshare
- Former marketing strategist at Sony Music
- Formats:
Keynote Speaker and Consumer Trends Futurist
- Audiences:
Corporate leaders, marketing teams, innovation strategists, brand managers, and organizations seeking insights into emerging consumer trends and market opportunities.
- Outcomes:
- Understanding of future consumer behavior and market trends
- Strategies to anticipate change and adapt business models
- Insights to build stronger connections with evolving audiences
- Travels from: London, UK
- **Fee range: On Request
Keynote Topics
Building a Faster Horse
Five reasons consumer-led innovation is the easy way to boost your bottom line.
In this keynote, speaker William Higham presents five reasons consumer-led innovation is the best and most effective way to reach goals and increase your bottom line.
Three BIG Words
In this eye-opening talk, William explains the power behind Control, Comfort and Community and what they mean for to customers and business.
Securing the ‘Smart Employee’
This talk is focused on recruitment and how to ensure the right talent in your organization that will support and lead to a better tomorrow.
This talk is perfect for HR professionals and leaders.
Culture Club
Having a good corporate culture has become one of the most important things in business, however, it is also one of the most challenging and complex things to change.
In this keynote, William shares his very best advice to creating an Innovation Culture.
Talent Short Bio
William Higham is a globally recognized consumer futurist, strategist, and keynote speaker specializing in future trends, innovation, and evolving consumer behavior. As the founder and CEO of Next Big Thing, he advises major corporations on how to anticipate market shifts and develop strategies that resonate with tomorrow’s consumers.
Higham’s expertise lies in combining behavioral research, cultural insight, and data analysis to identify emerging trends and predict how consumer attitudes and behaviors will evolve. His work helps organizations understand how changing lifestyles, technologies, and social values shape purchasing decisions and brand relationships.
Earlier in his career, Higham gained experience in consumer strategy while working at Sony Music, where he contributed to marketing campaigns for global music icons including Michael Jackson, Motörhead, and Alice Cooper. This experience sparked his fascination with how culture and creativity influence consumer trends.
Read Full Bio
William Higham is a worldwide authority on future and evolving consumer behaviours. An expert on innovation, trends, and marketing, he consults industry leaders and major corporations on future trends and strategic decision-making, runs innovation workshops, writes and speaks on trends.
William Higham is a recognized strategist, speaker and futurist. He is also the founder and CEO of the strategic consultancy Next Big Thing which he founded in 2002. His practical approach makes his keynotes actionable and relevant for clients all over the world. William is also regularly featured in the media from BBC to The Times where he offers his perspective on the future.
William Higham gained his initial experience with consumer strategy at Sony Music in the 1990s, where he worked on marketing communications for Michael Jackson, Motörhead, and Alice Cooper. William has a natural interest for people and how the present affects the future. He describes himself as a dual personality with his passion for soft data and creative communities while still being devoted to hard facts and numbers.
William’s approach to predicting future trends and behaviours is based on science and research about people’s attitudes towards change. William and his team use a unique combination of research methodologies that allows him to predict behaviour and share his valuable insights with clients.
As a speaker he aims to inspire and help different organisations on future trends and behaviors by sharing his perspective and experience. William has spoken at many different events and while he specializes in consumer behaviour, he also offers his insights and knowledge on the broader perspective of change and future.
Upon founding Next Big Thing, William has become one of the most respected future behaviorists in the world. His consultancy service uses consumer research and analysis to identify upcoming markets, providing corporate clients with an unbeatable insight into buying behaviour.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on LinkedIn
Videos
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
No reviews available for this post.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses and other costs
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Deposits and securing a booking
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Additional tips and takeaways
- Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
- There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
- Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
- When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
- Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
- Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
- Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
View further speakers
- (37)
- (1)
Vinh Giang is an internationally renowned keynote speaker who understands that the stage is never about the speaker—it’s about the audience. His electrifying presentations blend the art of illusion with powerful business and life lessons, leaving audiences inspired and transformed. With a unique perspective on communication, influence, and high-performance mindset, Vinh has mastered the ability […]
- Travels from: Sydney, NSW
- Mentalists
- (17)
Shasta Nelson is a pioneering force in social relationship building, providing insights and guidance on how to cultivate meaningful connections in personal and professional life. With over a decade of experience in friendship development and workplace engagement, Nelson is renowned for her ability to help individuals and organizations understand the art and science of connection. […]
- Travels from: Grass Valley, CA
- Culture Speakers
- (13)
Scott Klososky has lived on the leading edge of technology innovation and its impact on the business world and society in general. He is recognized globally for his unique ability to accurately predict future digital trends and provide the logic behind why they will alter the current status quo. Scott has the ability to entertain, […]
- Travels from: Edmond, OK
- Futurists Speakers
- (73)
- (5)
Tim Urban, a master of unraveling the intricate tapestry of modern life, offers audiences around the globe insights into leadership, technology, artificial intelligence, creativity, innovation, and the human experience. His unique ability to clarify complex subjects with humor and relatable examples has made him a beloved figure and a sought-after speaker at conferences, corporate events, […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Motivational Speakers
- (20)
Called “Silicon Valley’s most provocative voice” for his ideas on technology trends, globalization, US competitiveness, and the future, Vivek Wadhwa’s work puts him at the heart of innovation. From tech entrepreneur and business owner to accomplished academic and widely published author, he served as a Stanford University research fellow and the Director of Research at […]
- Travels from: Berkeley, CA
- Artificial Intelligence
- (32)
Arjun is Managing Partner of Cogknition Analytics, a strategy and analytics firm with offices in Chicago, Seattle, and Washington DC. Prior to Cogknition he was a senior executive at GES, serving as Senior Vice President of Analytics and Insights. He was also an award-winning Professor at the Illinois Tech Stuart School of Business, having played a […]
- Travels from: Chicago, IL
- Leadership Speakers
- (19)
Molly Kawahata is a dynamic speaker, strategist, and ice climber renowned for her pioneering work in harnessing the power of hope within organizations. With a background as a former climate advisor to the Obama White House, Molly brings a unique blend of expertise in leadership, organizational development, and narrative transformation to her speaking engagements. Affectionately […]
- Travels from: Denver, CO
- Inspirational Speakers
- (8)
Nathan Jamail is the author of three bestselling books, The Leadership Playbook, The Sales Leaders Playbook and the The Sales Professionals Playbook although he will tell you he is not a writer, rather a business leader that writes books for business leaders. Nathan spent the last two + decades helping and coaching leaders and organizations […]
- Travels from: Marble Falls, TX
- Sales Speakers
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.