David Kwong Keynote Speaker

Illusionist
Mentalist
New York Times Crossword Constructor

David Kwong's Biography

David Kwong is no ordinary magician. He’s a New York Times crossword writer (a cruciverbalist), main stage TED speaker, Harvard grad, Broadway star and producer, and a consultant on blockbuster films like “Now You See Me.” His one-man show, “The Enigmatist,” sold out its 2019 run in New York City.

Kwong’s debut book, “Spellbound: Seven Principles of Illusion” (Harper Business), draws upon his diverse body of work to reveal how the principles of illusion can be used to gain an edge on the competition. With easy charm and mind-bending tricks, Kwong shows us how to command attention, sway opinions, and sell ideas.

On stage, Kwong combines his unmatched knowledge of illusions with a showman’s command of the audience. He is more than an entertainer, with keynotes that fuse his seven principles with observable and entertaining demonstrations. His insights on “Free Will Architecture” — easing others towards selecting something you proposed yourself — are fascinating to hear about, but even better to observe in action. Genuine, spontaneous, and effortlessly deft, Kwong has been called “ridiculously engaging” — and that has less to do with illusion than natural charm. He demonstrates how to bridge the gap between perception and reality to increase our powers of persuasion and influence in relationships, business, and beyond.

Recently, Kwong debuted a brand new stage show, “The Enigmatist,” with Baseline Theatrical (Hamilton) and one of the production designers of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.” He is the puzzle and secret code consultant for the hit NBC show “Blindspot.” Kwong served as the head magic consultant on the 2013 film “Now You See Me,” teaching magic to Jesse Eisenberg, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Mark Ruffalo, and Woody Harrelson.

Spellbound: The Principles of Illusions

Despite astounding CEOs, TED Talk audiences, and thousands of other hyper-rational people—and making them see, believe, and even remember what he wants them to—David doesn’t claim to have any supernatural powers.

As he outlines in his book Spellbound: Seven Principles of Illusion, all magic is science—the science of fooling your brain. Illusion is an ancient art rooted in control, and understanding its fundamental principles leads to greater command and influence in both life and work.

Successful leaders—from Steve Jobs, Warren Buffett, and Ted Turner to President Obama, Megyn Kelly, and Jeff Bezos—are masters of perception and control. They understand how to shape narratives, influence decisions, and achieve meaningful outcomes.

In this keynote, audiences will:

Bridge the gap between perception and reality to increase persuasion and influence.
Learn the seven fundamental principles of illusion—practical rules anyone can master.
Discover a powerful new way to present ideas, products, and skills—making your message more compelling than the competition.

Creating Order Out of Chaos: Taking Control of Digital Disorder

In today’s modern world, we are bombarded with an incessant stream of information and data. We’re constantly scrolling, updating feeds, and sifting through a never-ending barrage of posts and emails.

In this engaging presentation, David demonstrates—through feats of magic and practical insight—how to bring clarity and control to digital overload.

In this session, audiences will learn how to:

Organize vast amounts of information more effectively in their minds.
See the world through the lens of a magician, puzzle designer, and producer.
Synthesize disparate pieces of information into a more cohesive and intentional way of thinking and working.

David illustrates how to take control of digital disorder in a way that only a New York Times crossword constructor and cerebral magician can deliver.

Smart Entertainment

David Kwong dazzles audiences with boundary-defying (and mind-bending) puzzles and sleight of hand—but make no mistake: no ladies will be sawn in half.

Kwong is one of the most innovative, virtuosic, and intelligent illusionists working today. As a New York Times crossword puzzle constructor and go-to expert on illusion for major Hollywood blockbusters (Now You See Me, Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation, The Imitation Game), he brings a signature style of thought-provoking entertainment that captivates even the most skeptical audiences.

At the forefront of the “alternative magic” scene, Kwong is redefining what modern magic looks like—making it sharper, smarter, and undeniably cool.

These performances are ideal for organizations seeking something lighter than a traditional keynote, yet still rich in intelligence, humor, and storytelling.

Programs Include: