Ben Reid
“New Zealand’s Leading Futurist” - BusinessDesk
New Zealand-based technology futurist Ben Reid focuses on the exponential changes being driven by AI and other emerging technology trends. His engaging presentations are frequently described as “mindblowing” by audiences, bringing the very latest international advances in AI into a fresh, entertaining and easily consumable format and suggesting practical steps to get started with AI.
When he’s not speaking, Ben works as an independent technology advisor with leadership teams across Aotearoa New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific region, helping to develop responsive and actionable technology strategy. In particular, the immediate steps required to adopt AI and digital transformation. From 2017-2019, Ben was the founding Executive Director of the AI Forum NZ, a broad based think tank focused on developing AI strategy and policy for Aotearoa. He brings over 25 years’ professional experience in diverse roles including software development, enterprise architecture, digital transformation and strategic business consulting.
Ben is also well known for his weekly Memia newsletter which now goes out to thousands of people around the world, exploring the cutting edge of new emerging technologies and thinks deeply about the implications for our future society and economy. The fresh newsletter content frequently informs Ben’s speaking presentations.
He has a forthcoming book, Fast Forward Aotearoa which explores how exponential technology is defining the future of New Zealand… and what we can do about it.
Quotes from recent speaking engagements:
"Ben opened our eyes and minds with his talk, 'Fast Forward Aotearoa: How emerging technology is defining the future of New Zealand... and what we can do about it'. He challenged us to visualise what we see Aotearoa looking like in the next 10, 20 or even 50 years.”
“Featuring the brilliant keynote by technology futurist Ben Reid, we delved into the digital age's impact on auditing. Ben's insights were truly inspiring, sparking discussions on industry trends around AI and Tech.”
