Client Quotes

"David’s presentation was both the highest rated and most talked about session of our entire conference. Conversations went from ‘what’s this going to be about?’ or ‘what does this have to do with us?’ prior to the talk to ‘how come we’ve never heard this before?’ If you care about the future and want an eyes wide open, glass half full look at the horizon, David Zach fits the bill." —Mike Waldinger, Executive Vice President, AIA-IL
Also from the AIA-IL '07 conference, this evaulation comment from an attendee, "This was a great in-depth presentation – world class – thanks to the presenter and thanks to AIA committee for scheduling such a high quality, thought provoking speaker."
"Your ability to handle, entertain and teach over 700 Landscape Architecture students, especially with them being outside of school on the weekend, was amazing. I'm glad we had you as our closing keynote and the fact the audience gave you a standing ovation proves they did too."
—Travis Moore, LAbash 2007 Chairman (also "lagniappe" link at the site to see two funny promo videos - after I saw these, I knew they were going to be a great crowd)
"Designers are a unique breed — ask 1000 designers what they think, and you get 1000 different responses. One thing that our delegation of designers could agree upon was that you were able to provoke without offending, to set things in perspective and then question that perspective. Your talk hit that fine balance between entertaining and informative. You have a canny ability to gear a presentation to the audience. Very satisfying! This made my job as project manager much easier."
—Marc Lefkowitz, Era 05 Global Design Congress
"I attended a professional development conference [Assoc. of Government Accountants] and one of the keynote speakers was a guy named David Zach. Anyway, the guys actual job title is 'Futurist'. Really."
"Anyway, the guy is somewhere between Douglas Adams and Ray Kurzweil and definitely worth checking out. I was fortunate to run into him waiting for lattes at a coffee shop the next morning and talked about, among other things, the 'coming singularity' of man and machine, vacuum cleaners surpassing the intelligence of human beings within 30 to 40 years (they are at the intelligence level of spiders currently) and how his 'job' is really just sitting in coffee shops and reading books - constantly." —Szol [This showed up in a Google Alert and was on the "Counter-Earth Culture" website forum for the discussion of John Norman's Gor. I have no idea what Gor is, but do remember a great conversation with the guy!]
"When we were looking to bring in a futurist, there were lots to choose from and it was difficult to sort through them. But then my 14 year old daughter started watching the tapes with me and when we got to yours, she said, "Hire this one, he's cool." She was right, anybody who can impress both the people of John Laing Homes AND my 14 year old has something important to say. Thanks for working with us."
—Larry Webb, CEO, John Laing Homes
"Your presentation was so terrific - clearly a guy who understands how to communicate and WHAT to communicate."
—Carol Kelly, Windermere Realty
"The effort that you put into preparing and facilitating the Taking the Future home session was exceptional."
—Helen Taylor, American Family Insurance
"You were an excellent speaker with a common sense approach to a difficult topic."
—Dorothy Hansen, Minnesota Council of Managers
"We enjoyed your style and how you became part of the crowd."
—John Sauer, Wisconsin Assoc. of Homes and Services for the Aging
"Your presentation was well targeted and extremely well received by our delegates."
—Richard Davies, Arkansas Governor's Conference on Tourism
"The way you reached our audience was witty, funny, and insightful."
—Allie Chamberlain, American Petroleum Institute
"You proved to be flexible and willing fit your message into our template, which made my job so much easier."
—Susan Cox, International Chain Salon Association
"Your valuable insight into the future, humor, and extreme graciousness were appreciated."
—Adam Cohen, Information Builders
"Your style is very entertaining and your content is relevant, informative, and thought provoking. Many meeting guests enjoyed the social time you spent with them and appreciated the stimulating conversations and discussions."
—Kim Cocklin, Williams Gas
"You were clearly the hit of the week with our customers."
—Lorin Stearns, IBM Advanced Business Institute
"The adjustment of your program to meet our specific needs was remarkable and your ability to grasp an audience from the beginning and hold them on your words was extremely impressive."
—Stephen P. Cortright, Major General, OK Air and National Guard
"Thanks so much for the wonderful presentation. Even my minister referenced your presentation in his sermon on Sunday."
—Dennis J. Tomczyk, The Monroe Clinic
"You are someone who has their hand on the pulse and attracts an audience easily."
—Thomas O'Dowd, MPI-Chicago
"Our managers appreciated the way you were able to relate the practical everyday behaviors and current trends to what will be happening in the future."
—Linda Philipps, Menasha Corporation
"You left us laughing and with a lot to think about."
—Carol Claussen, Laub Group
"Your presentation was a perfect way to shed light on things we'll all be looking forward to in the very near future."
—John Gerdelman, MCI
"The feedback I have received so far is amazing. Everyone thought you were great and better than what we've had in previous years."
—Donna Lee, Sun Microsystems
"Your speech was not only informative but excellently prepared and presented."
—Laurie Rudd, Rockwell Automation
"I truly believe that your presentation was one of the best our association has ever experienced."
—Barbara C. Worth, The Council of Educational Facility Planners
"Mr. Zach was perfect for the event. He did considerable research and incorporated that into his remarks."
—Kathleen Hedland, Council of Logistics Management
"Your workshop was the hit of the day."
—Deborah Fugenschuh, Donors Forum of Wisconsin
"Your keynote was outstanding. Thank you for helping us to think differently about our past, our present, and our future."
—Steve Weisberg, Florida Council on Aging
"Your ability to interpret the "newness" of our world in clear, useful, and provoking ways gave us a solid base as we designed the next generation of learning environments."
—Victor Sidy, Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture
"You have the gift to entertain while you educate."
—Laura Mehlhaff, South Dakota Bureau of Personnel
"Your wonderful speech left everyone in a relaxed, yet alert frame of mind, exactly the atmosphere we were reaching for."
—Jill Beauvillia, Symitar Systems
"There was no question you made a special effort to meet our needs and you were right on target. The standing ovation was a testimony of audience appreciation."
—Wendy Helton, University of South Florida
"Your wit, humor, presentation style and content charmed our over 800 participants."
—Linda Dawson, Colorado Association of School Boards
"You helped trigger new thinking and new ideas for the 21st century in a very entertaining manner."
—Suzanne Bentz, BellSouth
"His warmth and humanness came across even in a formal setting. We were most appreciative of his patience and wisdom in the informal discussions with the Curriculum Council."
—Joanne Nicholson, Ed.D. Stamford Public Schools
"Thank you for opening conference with a presentation that set the tone for the three days."
—Judith Anderson, California Department of Education
"By attending sessions and speaking informally with attendees, it reflects your genuine interest in our endeavors."
—James LeMay, Coastline College
"We also appreciated the fact that you remained at the conference and were available for follow-up conversations with participants."
—Leslie Purdy, Instructional Telecommunications Consortium
"I am grateful for your redesign of your talk with so many references to issues relevant to libraries and the information industry."
—John Stewart, Virginia Library Association
"Your presentation style was the selling point because you're able to direct your message in a light and humorous manner and at the same time deliver a strong message."
—Kathy Ligday, High Industries
"Your comments were so incredibly thought provoking."
—Anita Kramer, California Lodging Association
"I compliment you on your preparation and concern for learning something about our members before the engagement. As a result, your thought-provoking, fun talk was the very core of our meeting."
—Michael Hoesly, International Business Brokers Association
"Your speech was right on target and wonderfully tuned to our audience."
—Jim Vaselopulos, Serigraph
"We especially appreciated the time and effort you put forth to customize your presentation with examples that were meaningful to credit union officials and staff."
—Kenneth Robinson, NAFCU
"The question I feared most, "Why did you ask a futurist to our forecast?" never surfaced. Instead, I got numerous compliments on your insights and presentation skills."
—Robert Mulhern, CB Commercial Real Estate
"Thanks again for helping to make the event memorable and valuable for our scientists and their spouses."
—Robert Parks, Eli Lilly
"I can't tell you how many conversations we have with our members about the way you closed your presentation. Your "humanizing" of the future, tying it with values, style and eloquence, and family had us all talking."
—Mark Schroeder, Wisconsin Corporate Central Credit Union
"Dave's presentation captivated our audience. He was dynamic, thought-provoking and entertaining. He made us look great in front of our clients!"
—Nancy Vick, Marsh, Inc.
"Thanks for doing a fantastic job as always. We all thought that even though you are always very good, that this one was your best!"
—Billy Wilson, Phi Theta Kappa

Notes

If you’ve heard Dave let him know what you think and add your own comments to this list, please use our contact form. (you can do it anonymously too!)