From time to time I go looking for events where I might learn something new and get a different perspective. I also try to combine going to these events with meeting a friend, so we can discuss the subject. The LSE provides some great events and attracts interesting speakers. I try to avoid famous politicians as they tend to only say what we have already heard. I look out for people with expertise and something to say. Especially if it is about something I know little about.
Timothy Massad with President Obama
Last night I went to hear Timothy Massad who has been on the front line of the U.S. effort to combat the financial crisis and reform the international financial regulatory system. He was appointed by President Obama as Chairman of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission and was formerly as Assistant Secretary for Financial Stability at the U.S. Treasury. However, President-elect Trump will replace him as is customary with a new president.
Last week I spent two days at the MADE festival for entrepreneurs, which promised a lot and managed to exceed that promise. And by a large margin.
You could tell that even the leading politicians who spoke, Vince Cable and Michael Fallon, were quite taken aback by the energy of the event. And they go to a lot of events. The Duke of York also gave a ringing endorsement and much encouragement as well.
So in my mission to understand what works and what is not effective, I have reflected on what happened and why so many people left the event fired up and so excited to have been there. There were numerous tweest on the day after of people complaining of withdrawl symptoms!
This comment from Michael Hayman brings it home how good it was.
I walked out onto stage to open the festival, and I have never felt such an overwhelming sense of positive energy and palpable hope. It made me think that entrepreneurs are a tribe. It’s about mindset,
First the promise from MADE was big
What can you do in 48 hours? Come to MADE: The Entrepreneur Festival – a two-day masterclass in building a Great British business. From panel discussions and exhibitions to fringe events and quick-fire speaker slots, MADE is the country’s biggest and most inspiring festival of entrepreneurship.
“If you’re not at MADE, you’re never going to be MADE. You need to be there.” Dragons’ Den star Peter Jones CBE
Described as “the Davos for entrepreneurs”, the festival brings together 3,000 guests with 35 high-profile speakers in venues across the city of Sheffield.
Be inspired by Britain’s top entrepreneurs. Network with your peers. Discover how to turn your vision into a world beater. Share insider tips on cracking global markets. Learn how to super-charge growth.
This video conjures up the mood and the pace. The music was used as a signature throughout the event and had a powerful effect.
I am going to this entrepreneurs and business growth event tomorrow. Described as The Davos for Entrepreneurs, it makes a bold promise. But there is a great line up of speakers.
I am hopeful it will attract alot of real people who doing real stuff rather than just advisors and pundits. It is always great to meet more business people who are working on practical ways to grow their business and come up with new ideas.
Also it does not cost £700 or £1200 like some of the talking shop conferences. It costs £50. Continue reading →
