Inspire and challenge your audiences with 25 years of built environment expertise.
Bringing energy, industry knowledge and practical insights to conferences, internal events and team sessions.
Why book me?
I've spent 25 years inside firms like Arup, WSP, Mace and Ramboll so understand the built environment industry through and through. I speak your language, understand your challenges, and know what actually works in our industry.
I'm known for tailored presentations that get people thinking differently about their work - whether that's marketing strategy, thought leadership, business development or career progression. Audiences appreciate the honesty and leave with things they can actually use.
What I speak about
Marketing and business development
Strategic marketing for built environment firms,
Thought leadership that drives business
How to actually win work in our industry
Moving from commodity to strategic advisor
Leadership & career development
Building your career in built environment marketing
Personal branding for technical professionals
Navigating marketing leadership roles
Industry-specific insights
What's working in AEC marketing right now
The future of marketing in built environment
ESG and sustainability positioning
Formats
Keynotes — 45-60 minute presentations
Workshops — Half-day or full-day interactive sessions
Panels — Moderation or participation
Internal Sessions — Team training and strategy sessions
Podcast Guest — Industry expertise and insights
All presentations are customised for your event and audience.
Recent speaking
Digital Women — AI in Marketing event
Architizer Future Fest — How storytelling helps architects win clients (1000+ registrants)
Women in Architecture — Panel on changing the face of architecture
RIBA Guerrilla Tactics — Digital marketing for architects
Inside Housing — Podcasts in comms strategy
Enterprise Nation — Marketing to corporates and government
Relevant experience
Digital Woman of the Year 2022
Architizer Trailblazer for contributions to architecture marketing
RIBA London Awards Judge (2023, 2025)
Architizer A+ Awards Juror (2024, 2025)
Host: The Built Environment Marketing Show (19,500+ downloads)
Since 2020, I've hosted bi-weekly conversations with marketing leaders from firms like FCB Studios, Make Architects, Hoare Lea, Mace, Arup and Perkins&Will.
19,500+ downloads | Strategic insights from industry insiders
The show has been shortlisted for a Podcast for Business Award and an Archiboo Award for Best Consultant.
Looking for a podcast guest? I regularly appear on built environment, marketing and business podcasts bringing industry-specific expertise and energy.
Podcast
Podcast
Beyond speaking, I create and produce podcasts for clients.
Interchange Podcast — Six-part series for Meeting of Minds featuring transport leaders discussing integrated transport
The Built Environment Marketing Show — My own show featuring industry pioneers and marketing leaders
If you need someone to host a podcast series, help set up and run one, or be a knowledgeable guest - let's talk.
What audiences are saying.
We invited Ayo to speak at Adventures in Marketing 2025. She was a brilliant addition to the speaker list, and we're so glad she said yes! Ayo talked about finding a scrappy way through marketing, and she really helped take the fear and stress out of a topic that many business owners find hard.
Would highly recommend having Ayo as part of your speaker team for your next event. Plus, she's great fun at the after-party too! Win-Win!
Abi Sea, Co-founder, Adventures In Marketing conference
“I really liked the case studies with the visual examples illustrating her points. It was also packed with content.”
Digital Women Skills Fest delegate feedback
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I'm focusing on strategic clarity and market confidence for built environment firms - how to compete on value rather than price, what actually differentiates firms, strategic procurement positioning, and building market confidence through thought leadership. I also draw on practical experience with digital marketing, storytelling, and professional branding to illustrate strategic points. All content grounded in 25 years working in the sector.
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Conference keynotes (30-60 minutes), panel discussions, webinar presentations, university guest lectures, and workshop facilitation. In-person or virtual delivery.
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From intimate roundtables (15 people) to virtual conferences with 1000+ participants. Most corporate events are 30-150 people, industry panels typically 15-50 attendees.
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Always. I work with you to understand your audience and their strategic challenges. Whether it's partners needing clarity on positioning, marketers wanting to influence strategy, or students understanding industry dynamics, content is tailored to deliver strategic value.
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Fees depend on session length, format, and delivery method. Generally £1,500-£5,000 for conference keynotes. Contact me for a specific quote: ayo@abbasmarketing.com
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Yes. I help students understand how the built environment sector actually operates strategically - how firms win work, what creates competitive advantage, and how to position yourself professionally from the start. I've worked with Brunel University, SOAS, and others.
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Yes. I've moderated panels for WSP, BuildUp, and others, bringing strategic framing to keep conversations valuable rather than generic industry commentary. I can help draft session outlines and suggest strategic discussion angles.
Frequently Asked Questions
