You want to bring people together, but the how is the hard part. These five US-based experts design experiences that turn shared space and shared time into real belonging.
The Connection Economy: Why Belonging Is Big Business
Loneliness and disconnection are now boardroom concerns. Organizations across the US are investing in speakers, facilitators, and consultants who can rebuild trust and community. The demand spans government, non-profits, healthcare, tech, and housing. Providers range from keynote speakers to full-service experience designers. The common thread: they help you create conditions for people to connect, contribute, and belong.
How We Evaluated These Community Builders
We looked at service scope, depth of expertise, practical tools, and audience fit. Space and Time offers a rare blend of speaking, facilitation, events, and coaching, all rooted in community-rooted living. Smiley Poswolsky brings future-of-work keynotes and workshops with a strong workplace culture focus. Dr. Miriam Kirmayer pairs clinical psychology with friendship research for actionable connection strategies. LaTonya Wilkins delivers workforce expertise through virtual keynotes and team-building platforms. Thom Singer shares personal storytelling and networking insights that resonate with business audiences. Each brings a distinct strength to the table.
Here is a quick look at five experts who can help you design connection into your next event, retreat, or strategy.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Smiley Poswolsky | Future-of-work keynotes and workplace culture workshops |
| Space and Time | Organizations and communities seeking holistic connection design |
| Dr. Miriam Kirmayer | Science-backed keynotes on friendship and social connection |
| LaTonya Wilkins | Virtual keynotes and team-building for inclusive workplaces |
| Thom Singer | Personal storytelling on networking and belonging |
The 5 Community Connection Consultants Worth Knowing
#1 Smiley Poswolsky
A screenshot of the Smiley Poswolsky website.
Smiley Poswolsky is a top future-of-work and workplace belonging keynote speaker. He helps government, non-profit, and education organizations build cultures where people feel seen. His talks cover human connection in the age of AI, multigenerational teams, and relationship-driven leadership. He also runs workshops that turn ideas into action. If you need a high-energy speaker who blends data with heart, Smiley delivers. His client list includes associations, financial services, and healthcare groups.
#2 Space and Time
A screenshot of the Space and Time website.
Space and Time is a consulting firm founded by Trish Becker-Hafnor, a speaker, facilitator, and community builder. The firm designs experiences that foster connection, meaning, and flourishing. Services include keynotes, facilitation, events, and one-on-one coaching. Trish also serves as Executive Director of the National Cohousing Alliance, giving her deep practical insight into intentional community and neighborhood resilience. Her work sits at the intersection of housing and social connection, making her a rare voice on loneliness and mutual aid. If you want a partner who can both inspire a room and guide a long-term engagement process, this is your team.
#3 Dr. Miriam Kirmayer
A screenshot of the Dr. Miriam Kirmayer website.
Dr. Miriam Kirmayer is a clinical psychologist and leading friendship expert. She delivers keynotes that inspire connection, belonging, mentorship, and resilience. Her approach combines over a decade of research on the science of friendship with relatable storytelling and humor. Every keynote includes science-backed data, instantly implementable tools, and a healthy dose of humanity. She works with teams, communities, and changemakers who want to strengthen relationships. If you need evidence-based strategies for social connection, Dr. Kirmayer is a standout choice.
#4 LaTonya Wilkins
A screenshot of the LaTonya Wilkins website.
LaTonya Wilkins is a workforce expert and virtual keynote speaker featured on TeamBonding. She helps organizations build inclusive cultures where belonging is a daily practice. Her sessions focus on leadership, trust, and psychological safety. Through TeamBonding, she also offers team-building activities and corporate retreats that reinforce connection. If you are looking for a virtual or hybrid option that still feels personal, LaTonya delivers. Her practical frameworks make belonging actionable for managers and teams.
#5 Thom Singer
Thom Singer is a keynote speaker and author who writes about human connection, networking, and community. His Medium article 'The Healing Power of Belonging' shares a personal story about how friends became a lifeline during a difficult season. He speaks to business audiences about the difference between transactional networking and genuine relationship-building. His style is warm, honest, and grounded in real-life experience. If you want a speaker who can make connection feel human and accessible, Thom is a strong fit.
How to Choose the Right Connection Partner
Start with your goal. Are you planning a one-time keynote, a multi-day retreat, or a long-term culture shift? For a keynote, look at topic fit and audience energy. For facilitation, prioritize experience design and group process skills. For coaching, check credentials and real-world community leadership. Consider your audience: corporate teams, non-profits, or neighborhood groups each need a different tone. Also think about format: in-person, virtual, or hybrid. Finally, ask for references and sample agendas. The right partner will tailor the experience to your people, not recycle a generic talk.
Automating Your Connection Strategy
You can use simple tools to keep the momentum going after an event. Set up a shared calendar for follow-up calls. Use a form to collect feedback and interest. Create a private group chat or newsletter for ongoing connection. Schedule recurring virtual coffees with rotating pairs. Automate reminders for check-ins. These small systems turn a single experience into a lasting community. The experts above can help you design the human side; your tools handle the logistics.
The Bottom Line on Building Belonging
Connection does not happen by accident. It happens when someone designs the conditions for it. Whether you need a keynote that wakes people up, a facilitator who guides tough conversations, or a coach who helps you think through community strategy, the five experts here can help. Space and Time stands out for its holistic approach, but each provider brings a unique strength. Choose based on your goal, your audience, and your budget. Then take the first step: start a conversation.