Why do I still bet on creative conferences?
In a world where the digital and physical realms increasingly intertwine, the value of creative conferences has never been more pronounced. I've spent years studying, organizing, and promoting these gatherings because they are more than mere events; they are transformative experiences that reshape culture and the social fabric.
With SXSW London coming up soon, the rebirth of MIDEM+ or the expansion of Amsterdam Dance Event beyond electronic music, these gatherings are paving the way for blending art, performance, science, and technology, creating ecosystems where professionals and creatives converge to foster innovation.
Festivals such as Primavera Sound or Advanced Music, S.L. take a hybrid approach, combining a strong music lineup with B2B opportunities, offering a bit more than the traditional showcase festivals. These events are essential for discovering new talents and facilitating industry connections, but do they really accelerate the transformation of the industry?
Then there are the traditional fairs, which, in an effort to stay relevant, engage consumer brands to create a 'cool' factor, often incorporating elements from their more avant-garde counterparts to attract a broader audience. I'm thinking of Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) or IFA Berlin partnering with TNW to build startup programs.
The landscape is further enriched by the emergence of events like ComplexCon and VeeCon... the new kids on the block.
These platforms are redefining the conference experience by merging pop culture with industry insights, appealing to both consumers and professionals. They learned from the successes of Lance Fensterman who redefined business events for the masses with ReedPop. Or Karl-Heinz Müller with Bread & Butter back in the day.
Amidst this evolving ecosystem, there is ample room for innovators to craft new experiences. We aim to build conferences that not only provide networking opportunities but also serve as a crucible for cultural evolution and a laboratory for societal transformation.
Reflecting on an article I wrote in 2017, the passion for events that blur the lines between categories and genres remains (link in the comments).
As the event industry continues to move towards an interdisciplinary approach, traditional formats are being reimagined. The quest for attention now requires event producers to seek inspiration from creative conferences, aiming to energize their audiences with fresh perspectives on interaction and knowledge sharing.
It's not about attending more conferences; it's about selecting the ones that truly matter—the ones that will change your perspective on life and business.
#CreativeConferences #Innovation #Culture #TechEvents Sesamers
Crafting CX Solutions & Process Automations in Zendesk @Leafworks.de
2moOh yes! Bitte dieses Jahr wieder solche Aufnahmen machen von mir beim Wakeboard fahren 🤙🏻 Das war so tolles Licht