Stephen Yarwood

Urban futurist, former Lord Mayor and city strategist shaping the future of communities, infrastructure and innovation

Overview

Stephen Yarwood is one of Australia's most recognised urban futurists, city strategists and leadership speakers. A former Lord Mayor of Adelaide and internationally respected urban planner, Stephen helps governments, organisations and communities prepare for a future shaped by technology, demographic change, sustainability and innovation. Through his expertise in urban development, smart cities and future trends, he inspires audiences to think differently about leadership, infrastructure, governance and the cities of tomorrow.

Who is Stephen Yarwood?

Stephen Yarwood is an internationally recognised urban planner, strategist and keynote speaker with decades of experience helping cities and organisations navigate change. Passionate about the relationship between people, technology, infrastructure and place, he is regarded as a leading authority on future cities, urban innovation and the evolving needs of citizens.

His career spans government, academia, local government leadership and international consulting. Stephen has worked across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America, advising organisations on city planning, governance, infrastructure and sustainable development. He is also the founder of city2050, a consultancy focused on helping governments, corporations and communities prepare for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

From 2010 to 2014, Stephen served as Lord Mayor of Adelaide, where he led a range of initiatives that positioned the city as an internationally recognised hub for innovation, sustainability and urban transformation.

Career Highlights

• Former Lord Mayor of Adelaide (2010–2014)
• Founder of city2050, a future-focused urban strategy consultancy
• Internationally recognised expert on future cities and urban innovation
• Led Adelaide's city-wide Wi-Fi network and smart city initiatives
• Established a CISCO Smart Cities partnership and global "Lighthouse City" recognition
• Delivered major city revitalisation, transport and placemaking projects
• Developed Adelaide's carbon neutral action plan and sustainability initiatives
• Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Adelaide Business School
• Award-winning member of the Planning Institute of Australia
• Member of the internationally respected Academy of Urbanism

Key Speaking Themes

• Future cities and urban innovation
• Leadership and strategic planning
• Smart cities and digital transformation
• Artificial intelligence and urban development
• Infrastructure, transport and mobility futures
• Governance and public sector transformation
• Sustainability and climate-resilient communities
• Creating vibrant, healthy and liveable cities

What Your Audience Will Gain

Stephen helps audiences understand the powerful trends reshaping cities, communities and organisations. His presentations provide practical insights into future planning, innovation, leadership and sustainable development while helping decision-makers prepare for rapid technological and social change. Audiences leave with a clearer understanding of emerging opportunities and actionable strategies for creating more connected, resilient and future-ready communities.

Ideal For

• Government and local government conferences
• Infrastructure and urban development forums
• Leadership and strategy events
• Smart city and technology conferences
• Property, planning and development summits
• Sustainability and future-focused business events

Frequently Asked Questions...

What does Stephen Yarwood speak about?
Stephen Yarwood speaks about future cities, urban innovation, leadership, strategic planning, smart cities, infrastructure, sustainability and governance.

Who is Stephen Yarwood?
Stephen Yarwood is an urban futurist, former Lord Mayor of Adelaide, city strategist, urban planner and international keynote speaker.

What is Stephen Yarwood best known for?
Stephen is best known for his leadership as Lord Mayor of Adelaide and his expertise in helping cities and organisations prepare for future challenges and opportunities.

What is city2050?
city2050 is Stephen Yarwood's consultancy that helps governments, businesses and communities understand and respond to emerging trends in cities, technology and urban development.

What smart city initiatives did Stephen Yarwood lead?
During his time as Lord Mayor, Stephen helped deliver Adelaide's city-wide Wi-Fi network, CISCO Smart Cities partnership, sustainability programmes and innovative transport initiatives.

Why do organisations book Stephen Yarwood as a keynote speaker?
Organisations engage Stephen for his unique combination of leadership experience, urban planning expertise and future-focused insights into technology, infrastructure and societal change.

What industries benefit from Stephen Yarwood's presentations?
His presentations are particularly valuable for government, infrastructure, planning, property, technology, sustainability and leadership audiences.

Is Stephen Yarwood available for keynote speaking engagements?
Yes. Stephen Yarwood is available for conferences, leadership forums, strategy sessions and keynote presentations throughout Australia and internationally.