Keynote Speaker
Inspiring the Future of Cities
Ludo has presented to audiences across the world, from Los Angeles to London, from Bogota to Singapore and from Seattle to Stockholm. His talks inspire, challenge, and motivate audiences and draw on 30 years of international experience leading city transformations, from London to Melbourne, Auckland to Cape Town.
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Through passionate storytelling, global case studies, and sharp insights, Ludo brings the “magic of cities” to life—highlighting the challenges and opportunities that define our urban future, and offering practical inspiration for leaders, professionals, and communities.
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Signature Talks
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​The Magic of Cities
By 2080, 9.2 billion people will live in cities.
This high-energy talk explores the forces shaping our urban future, sharing incredible comeback stories from six cities worldwide.
Audiences gain practical insights, tools, and strategies that can be applied to their own city’s journey.
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Auckland: From City of Cars to City for People
From Urban Shame to Global Fame - How Auckland reinvented itself as the World's Most Liveable City. (Economist, 2021).
A deep dive into Auckland’s bold, design-led transformation—charting its long-term vision, super-city amalgamation, and city centre renaissance.
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Density is Our Destiny
Few topics spark more debate than urban density. This engaging keynote unpacks the myths, tensions, and opportunities around how and where we live.
Suburbia, medium-density, and high-rise each have a role—but when one underperforms, the whole city pays. Expect provocative ideas and practical pathways forward.
This Is What They Say...
DMN Summit 2024
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“inspiring and well delivered”;
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“his insights and talks of his experience were outstanding and world class”;
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“His vision and positivity was impressive”;
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“Ludo was a very engaging speaker and I really enjoyed his before-and-after comparisons”;
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“Hard to go past the keynote speaker and his passion for urban design - loved seeing and hearing about his past projects”.
Previous Keynotes
TIER 1 – GLOBAL & BOARD-LEVEL
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International Expert panel discussing iconic urban transformations at Cityscape Global Summit, Riyadh (Nov 2025), Main Stage.
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Presentation on “The Magic of Cities” to Committee for Perth Board Members, Boardroom (Nov 2025.
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Presentation on Liveable Cities & Tools for Transformation at CEO Roundtable Workshop with Perth Metropolitan Councils CEOs Group, City of Vincent, Perth (Nov2025)
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​​TIER 2 – CITY-SHAPING INSTITUTIONAL AUDIENCES
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Presentation on “The Magic of Cities” to City of Greater Geelong Staff & Property Council of Australia, Geelong Library, on behalf of PCA Victoria Division, sponsored by Tract Consultants (Nov 2025)
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Committee for Perth Perth 2050 Summit, Keynote to approx. 500 Perth city-leaders (Oct 2025)
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Committee for Perth ‘Movers & Shakers’ Event, Crystal Room, Crown Resort, Perth (Oct 2025), shared stage with Roger Cook MLA, Premier of Western Australia
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City of Stirling, Perth WA (Dec 2025)
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Keynote to Design Matters National, National Summit, Federation Square, Melbourne (Nov 2024)
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Presentation on Tools for Transforming Cities to City of Port Phillip Staff at request of CEO
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TIER 3 – SECTOR & INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES​
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Property Council of Australia (Victoria), Precincts Outlook Breakfast Series, Melbourne (2023)
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Property Council of Australia, Precincts Summit, Melbourne (2022)
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LGPRO Annual Conference, Melbourne (2020)
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“Dean’s Lecture”, Auckland University (2019)
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Walk21 Conference, Bogotá (2019)
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UNDP Future of Places Conference, Stockholm (2016)
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World Design Capital, Cape Town (2016)
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Housing Development Board, Singapore (2016)​
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TIER 4 – PROFESSIONAL, BOARD & CIVIC ORGANISATIONS​
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The Committee for Sydney Members & Partners, Sydney
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DINZ National Design Conference, Auckland
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NZPI Masterclass, Auckland & Christchurch
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RICS, Auckland, Auckland
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NZ Cities Summit, Wellington
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Auckland Chamber of Commerce
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SkyCity Board, Auckland
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Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand Conference
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Rotary Clubs of Wellington and Auckland
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University of the Third Age, Auckland
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The Northern Club, Auckland
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Place Leaders Association Australasia, Auckland
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Property Council Australia, National Summit
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Property Council of New Zealand (Hamilton Waikato Branch)
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Tauranga Business Association, Bay of Plenty NZ
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Eastern Suburbs Women’s Group, Auckland
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Lowndes Business Intelligence Series, Auckland
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New Zealand Institute of Architects (Urban Design Group)
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Akland Street Traders Association (Melbourne) and City of Port Phillip Staff, Melbourne (2014)