Keynote SpeakerDaniel Brook

Author and Urbanist at the Intersection of Past, Present, and Future

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Watch Daniel Brook in action

Daniel Brook: The Accident of Color
A History of Future Cities: Daniel Brook

Popular Talks by Daniel Brook

Building the Global City

Gazing out at the skyline as your plane lands in Dubai, it’s easy to imagine that the global city is a twenty-first century creation. But the project of building new cities with new people to leap into modernity has existed as long as there’s been a modern world. By examining…

Gazing out at the skyline as your plane lands in Dubai, it’s easy to imagine that the global city is a twenty-first century creation. But the project of building new cities with new people to leap into modernity has existed as long as there’s been a modern world. By examining the history of these efforts, from their beginnings in Peter the Great’s instant capital, Saint Petersburg, through the great Asian port cities of the Age of Empire, to Dubai and its rivals today, we can come to understand the opportunities and pitfalls the global city offers and gain a critical perspective on our moment.
Why American Products Conquer The World

Colas and hamburgers are not the world’s most refined foods. Rough-handling 4x4s are hardly the world’s best vehicles. And big-budget action flicks aren’t the finest films. Yet American products have a tendency to conquer the world. Why? Having gathered in people from all over the world from its inception, America…

Colas and hamburgers are not the world’s most refined foods. Rough-handling 4x4s are hardly the world’s best vehicles. And big-budget action flicks aren’t the finest films. Yet American products have a tendency to conquer the world. Why? Having gathered in people from all over the world from its inception, America became a natural experiment in finding the product that can appeal to anyone from anywhere. It’s America’s secret sauce, metaphorically speaking—though the one on the Big Mac is a good example of it. While many lament this reality—after all, who loves mediocrity?—grasping this concept is crucial for understanding the global economy.
Globalization and Its Discontents

Globalization has been a volatile process ever since it began. The rush toward new ways and imported goods inevitably triggers an equal and opposite reaction from a growing sense that one’s heritage is being disrespected and one’s authentic self diluted. Understanding the tensions that have always lurked within globalization can…

Globalization has been a volatile process ever since it began. The rush toward new ways and imported goods inevitably triggers an equal and opposite reaction from a growing sense that one’s heritage is being disrespected and one’s authentic self diluted. Understanding the tensions that have always lurked within globalization can help us understand the world we live in. And it can lead to decisions from business executives and political leaders that curb the worst excesses of both extremes and avert destructive conflict between unsentimental globalists and militant provincials.

Biography

Daniel Brook is the acclaimed author of books on urban history including A History of Future Cities, The Accident of Color, and The Einstein of Sex (forthcoming). His work as a journalist and book and architecture critic has appeared in publications including Harper’s, The New Yorker, Architectural Record, Foreign Policy, and The New York Times Magazine. In his writing, Brook, who has reported from five continents, uses concrete observations—of a building, a city, an institution, or a person—to ground broader explorations of economic and political questions.

Brook’s work has garnered numerous awards including the Ina and Robert Caro Research/Travel Fellowship, the Winterhouse Award for Design Writing and Criticism, and Yale University’s John Hersey Prize. A History of Future Cities was named one of the ten favorite books of the year by The Washington Post, featured on the cover of the TLS, and longlisted for the Lionel Gelber Prize, awarded to the best foreign affairs book published in the English language each year.

Brook has appeared many times on National Public Radio and C-SPAN BookTV and has presented his research globally at thinktanks, universities, and museums, including the Asia Society, the University of Toronto, and the UCCA Center for Contemporary Art in Beijing. His research has been supported by institutions including the Library of Congress, the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, and the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts. His writing has been translated into French, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese.

Born in Brooklyn, raised on Long Island, and educated at Yale, Brook lives in New Orleans.

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What clients say about Daniel Brook

“Daniel's presentation was the perfect kick-off event for a symposium on Sustainable Cities—engaging, interesting, thought-provoking. Daniel was a joy to host. He delivered the caliber of speech that reflected positively on our organization. I wish we could host him annually! I absolutely recommend him.” Former Director of the Center for Sustainable Enterprise, UNC-Chapel Hill

“UCCA was privileged to host a lively program with Daniel Brook related to his book, A History of Future Cities. In a wide-ranging discussion, he concisely and concretely brought home the points made at greater length in the book, taking our capacity crowd on a journey through Mumbai, St. Petersburg, Dubai, and back to China. Daniel's engaging speaking style and willingness to engage meaningfully with questions allowed for a memorable talk. His expertise, curiosity, and humility cut through the linguistic and cultural barriers, bringing the audience new insight on a topic of immediate relevance to their lives.” Director of UCCA Center for Contemporary Art, Beijing

“When A History of Future Cities by Daniel Brook was published in 2013, I read it and learned a great deal. From 2000 to 2020 I organized an ongoing series of author talks at the University of Toronto. Attendees were graduate and doctoral students, professors and professionals from all sectors. I invited Daniel to come to Toronto as a guest of the University and give a public talk based on his book. He did so on March 3, 2013. The event’s fee was the same as the book’s suggested retail price. A large audience registered. Each paid registrant received a signed hardcover when they arrived. Some purchased additional copies at the event. Daniel’s talk was very engaging. I invited him to return to the University of Toronto on December 3, 2013 for an onstage conversation about his book led by one of the University’s leading professors. A large audience registered for that event at a registration fee equal to the book’s retail price. Each paid registrant received a signed hardcover and some purchased additional copies. Daniel’s thoughtful remarks at that event were just as compelling as his book talk was nine months earlier.” Director of Strategic Events, University of Toronto

How to book Daniel Brook as a keynote speaker

How do I book Daniel Brook for a keynote speech?

You can book Daniel Brook through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Daniel's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are Daniel Brook's speaking fees?

Daniel Brook's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Daniel tailored to your event.

What topics does Daniel Brook speak about?

Daniel Brook speaks on Authors, Cities, Cities & Environment, Diversity, Future. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Daniel to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Daniel Brook available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Daniel Brook for events worldwide, subject to Daniel's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does Daniel Brook deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Daniel Brook is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by Daniel Brook?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Daniel can accommodate.

Can Daniel Brook tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Daniel Brook on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Daniel can offer.

What languages does Daniel Brook present in?

Daniel Brook delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes Daniel Brook a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Daniel Brook's areas of expertise include Authors, Cities, Cities & Environment, Diversity, Future. To get a clear sense of Daniel's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can Daniel Brook speak at?

Daniel Brook can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Authors, Cities, Cities & Environment, Diversity, Future is relevant. Details of Daniel's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does Daniel Brook offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Daniel Brook is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Daniel Brook?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Daniel Brook, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Daniel's current availability for your dates.