David Parrish is an international speaker on the creative economy, creative industries and creative entrepreneurship.
He has spoken at creative economy conferences and events around the world, working with governments, creative industries organisations, business support agencies and creative entrepreneurs.
David’s keynote speeches combine international experience with practical insights into how creative enterprises can succeed — and how organisations, cities and countries can create the conditions in which creative industries can flourish.
Speaking About the Creative Economy
The creative economy brings together creativity, entrepreneurship, culture, innovation and business.
But successful creative economies are not created simply by encouraging people to be more creative.
David explores the business and economic dimensions of the creative industries: how creative entrepreneurs develop sustainable enterprises, how new business models emerge, how intellectual property and innovation create value, and how support organisations and policymakers can help creative businesses succeed.
His presentations draw on examples and experiences from creative industries around the world, adapting the content to the particular country, audience and objectives of each event.
Creative Economy Keynote Topics
David can tailor a keynote speech around themes including:
International Creative Economy Experience
David has spoken about the creative economy and creative industries in more than 60 countries.
His international speaking engagements have included the Korea Creative Economy Forum in South Korea, Creative Business Summit Africa in Kenya, the Cultural Economy Conference hosted by the Government of Chile, and creative economy events in Colombia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia and elsewhere.
He has also presented on the creative industries to the United Nations (UNCTAD) in Geneva and the European Commission in Brussels.
This international experience enables David to bring together ideas and examples from different creative economies while recognising that every country, city and creative ecosystem has its own opportunities and challenges.
“David knows the ecosystem of creative industries and has enormous practical experience in working with creative businesses. David is a high-level professional who speaks the genuine language of creative entrepreneurs.”
— Gaukhar Kozhasheva, Art2B Lab, Almaty, Kazakhstan
A Practical Perspective on the Creative Economy
David approaches the creative economy as both a business adviser and an entrepreneur.
Having started and managed creative businesses himself, he understands the realities facing creative entrepreneurs as well as the objectives of the organisations that support them.
His presentations are practical, engaging and accessible rather than heavily academic. He uses stories, international examples and business ideas to connect economic development and creative-industry policy with the realities of running creative enterprises.
Invite David to Speak About the Creative Economy
If you are organising a creative economy conference, creative industries event or programme for creative entrepreneurs, policymakers or business support organisations, David is happy to discuss your audience and objectives.
Keynote speeches can also be combined with workshops, panel discussions, mentoring sessions and other contributions to an event or creative economy programme.
Contact David to discuss your event
For videos, testimonials, other keynote topics and more information about working with David: