David ColettoGenerational Trends and Public Opinion Keynote Speaker

Infinitely curious, passionate, and eternally optimistic — three words to describe David Coletto, the founder, chair, and CEO of Abacus Data. He is the founding partner of the research and strategy firm, Abacus Data, which is recognized as one of Canada’s most respected market research firms and a leading strategy firm. He is one of Canada’s best known and most respected public opinion analysts, pollsters, and social researchers and was recently named one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Canadian politics by The Hill Times. With a career spanning over two decades, Coletto is the official pollster of the Toronto Star and considered a leading expert on generational change. In his timely, data-driven keynote presentations, he delivers strategic advice customized to his audiences and the industries they serve.
Since launching in 2010, Coletto has grown Abacus Data into one of Canada’s most respected, full-service market research and strategy firms. He has worked with many of the world’s most respected brands, associations, corporations, and non-profits, including Google, Airbnb, TD Bank, Interac, Canadian Medical Association, Government of Canada, Dairy Farmers of Canada, WorkSafe BC, Imperial Oil, BMW, and the LCBO, among others. He is also frequently called upon by local, national, and international news organisations to assess public opinion and has advised political leaders at all levels of government.
Having devoted his life to exploring what people think and feel about their work, lives, and politics, Coletto is an in-demand keynote speaker. He has spoken to thousands of people in audiences ranging from massive national conferences to intimate briefings in boardrooms across North America and Europe. Coletto believes that by understanding what motivates and informs people's worldview, we can create a more understanding, empathetic, and action-driven world.
Coletto earned a PhD in political science from the University of Calgary. He is currently a professor in the Graduate Program of Political Management at Carleton University, where he teaches courses in polling, political marketing, research methods, and designing public affairs strategies. He is also an adjunct professor at Arthur Kroeger College, where he contributes to educating future researchers and strategists. He also curates and writes the newsletter, “inFocus with David Coletto”, which is read by thousands of business, political, and community leaders.
In addition to his professional and academic roles, Coletto is a member of the Ottawa Board of Trade, reflecting his commitment to community involvement and leadership within Ottawa's business network.
Coletto’s expertise in marketing research underpins his work in public opinion analysis, consumer insights, and strategic decision-making for organizations across sectors.
Speakers Like David Coletto
Check Speaker Availability and Pricing
"*" indicates required fields
Speaking Topics
From Plenty to Scarcity: The New Paradigm of the Consumer, Workplace, and Political Marketplace
In this data-filled, engaging presentation, Dr. David Coletto, one of Canada’s top pollsters and CEO of Abacus Data, breaks down the transformative shifts we’re experiencing in consumer behaviours and public opinion.
Through his expert analysis, derived from polling thousands of Canadians weekly, Coletto provides an incisive look at the current socio-economic landscape shaped by the growing challenges in accessing essential services like healthcare, housing, food, and energy, and unveils how a burgeoning scarcity mindset is reshaping expectations and behaviours across Canada.
With a career informed by asking thousands of Canadians, hundreds of questions every week, Coletto brings a unique blend of analytical rigour and engaging storytelling to his presentations. He explores the rise of zero-sum thinking and its profound effects on consumer decision-making and societal values. This session will not only offer a deep dive into the data but also connect these insights with broader implications for your audience, their sector, and the world around them.
Key learning objectives include:
- Understand the emerging scarcity mindset: Gain insights into how and why Canadian consumer expectations are shifting towards a scarcity mindset and the impact this has on their behaviour.
- Analyze the influence of zero-sum thinking: Explore how zero-sum thinking is influencing consumer behaviour and decision-making, providing a new lens through which to view market dynamics.
- Strategize for impact: Learn how to adapt your strategies to effectively engage with consumers and stakeholders in a landscape marked by increased scarcity and competition.
This keynote will equip attendees with the knowledge to not only understand but also effectively respond to the evolving needs and challenges of today’s consumers.
Leading Through a Generational Revolution
Go beyond stereotypes to the motivations, priorities, and realities of Canada’s younger generations.
Dr. David Coletto, one of Canada’s top pollsters and a leading voice on generational change, provides an illuminating, data-inspired keynote presentation on leading through a generational revolution and the nuances of generational shifts impacting today’s workplace.
Coletto will delve into the core of what drives Generations Z and Millennials — groups that are swiftly redefining norms in business and society — to uncover the distinct aspirations, values, and challenges of these younger generations, offering invaluable insights for today’s leaders. As the founder and CEO of Abacus Data, a leading research firm, his presentation is grounded in nearly 15 years of research, interviews, and surveys involving thousands of Canadians each week.
This talk moves beyond common stereotypes to provide a detailed, data-driven examination of the generational changes influencing team dynamics and leadership strategies. From exploring what motivates younger employees to dissecting their views on work-life integration, Coletto uses exclusive, cutting-edge data not available elsewhere to illuminate the critical differences and surprising similarities among the generations.
Whether you are leading a multinational corporation, a dynamic non-profit, or a major labour union, this presentation will equip you with the understanding needed to effectively guide and inspire a multigenerational team. Coletto’s experience working with a myriad of organizations across Canada and the United States ensures that the insights provided are both broad-reaching and deeply relevant.
Key learning objectives include:
- Understand the key motivators and values of Millennials and Gen Z to foster a collaborative and responsive workplace environment.
- Identify strategies to bridge generational gaps within teams, enhancing communication and operational efficiency.
- Leverage exclusive data to predict emerging trends and adapt leadership styles accordingly, ensuring sustained organizational growth and innovation.
Q&A for David Coletto
Where does David Coletto travel from?
David Coletto is based in and travels from Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
What topics does David Coletto speak on?
David Coletto speaks on Canadian public opinion, consumer trends, generational change, market research methodologies, and the intersection of public policy with consumer behaviour.
What is David Coletto's speaking fee?
David Coletto's fee ranges depending on the event, but he is normally $12,500 CAD plus travel for a speaking engagement.
How long is David Coletto's typical keynote speech?
The standard length of David Coletto's keynote speeches is approximately 45 to 60 minutes, though this can be tailored to meet specific event requirements.
Does David Coletto offer Q&A sessions after his talks?
Yes, David Coletto is available for Q&A sessions after his presentations, providing audiences with the opportunity to delve deeper into his topics of expertise.
Is David Coletto available for panel discussions and workshops?
Besides keynote speeches, David Coletto is available for participating in panel discussions and conducting workshops, adding value with his deep knowledge and insights.
Can David Coletto tailor his presentations to specific audiences or themes?
David Coletto is skilled at customizing his presentations to align with the specific themes and audiences of various events, ensuring relevance and impact.
What are some of David Coletto's notable past speaking engagements?
David Coletto has been a featured speaker at various prestigious events and forums, showcasing his expertise in market research, public opinion, and generational trends.
What technical requirements are needed for David Coletto's presentations?
Standard audio-visual equipment such as a microphone, projector, and screen are typically required for David Coletto's presentations. Any specific technical needs can be discussed during the booking process.
How can we book David Coletto for our next event?
To book David Coletto for an event, it is recommended to contact Heather at ProSpeakers.com at 416 420 4525 for detailed information on his availability, booking process, and any other arrangements needed for his speaking engagement.
"David’s presentation at the NLCSA’s Conference last week was fabulous!! It exceeded our expectations and was easily one of the best of the day. David presented a lot of useful information, while keeping things very engaging and humorous. The time just flew by! Not to mention that David was extremely professional and self-sufficient. It was a great experience for us all the way around."
- Newfoundland & Labrador Construction Safety Association



