Web Summit and Collision Prove that Showing Up IRL Matters

In the post-pandemic world, one that is now dripping with the promise that AI will create ever-more synthetic experiences, live events give us something real again and make us tap into a fundamentally human phenomenon – collective neuro-syncing. Scientific American notes, “when people converse or share an experience, their brain waves synchronize.” Woah. But we kind of knew that already,  right? It’s worth showing up at events, and showing up well – here’s why.

As social beings we get energized, inspired, and challenged when around others, and that helps us rise beyond what we think we’re capable of. This nicely  articulates the importance and the power of showing up and plugging ideas into the human collective – it helps us achieve our (individual, and collective) purpose. 

A look ahead at Web Summit 2024

As one of the largest tech events globally, Web Summit brings together 70,000 people from all over the world in Lisbon this November 11-14. And while  it is large, it’s still small enough to make meaningful connections, meet fellow industry executives and build relationships with media from all over the world, including top technology journalists.     

The different Web Summit speaking formats (moderated panels, fireside chats, and keynotes) give executives flexibility, depending on their goals. While keynotes  are great for inspiring audiences and creating content that can reach online audiences post-event, panels and fireside chats are great for developing relationships, networking with other executives and spotlighting thought-provoking ideas.    

The other value-ad of speaking at a global event like this is the ‘event behind the event’. Being on the inside track, the conference within the conference:  the VIP access. The good news is that primary speakers and their +1’s automatically get VIP access which lets you into the world of secret meet-ups and happy hours – and puts you in proximity to top-tier media and other executive speakers for personal and intimate hobnobbing and networking.    

If you’re excited about synchronizing brain waves on a global scale, the time to apply for a speaking role at Web Summit is now – and we can help.   

A look back at Collision 2024 

Never is ‘collective neuro-syncing’ more apparent than when you step into a large event like Collision, recently held in Toronto from June 17-20, where thousands of people are buzzing around, energy wafting off them in spades. And it’s one of the main reasons why live events retain their value and will become even more valuable in the AI era.    

For executives that do not have a lot of speaking experience, Collision (which will rebrand as Web Summit and relocate to Vancouver in 2025) is the perfect  place to start. With many panels occurring over three days, it’s pretty manageable to score an executive panel or keynote. In addition to the experience of speaking live, executives get exposure to key media, can amplify their content and experience on social media, and use the experience to secure future media and speaking opportunities.  

Even for seasoned executive, Collision offers the opportunity to deliver bold messages, showcase a meaningful partnership (IBM did this with Maria Sharapova  in a joint Q+A on the role of data and AI in sports, and it was outstanding), connect technology with real-world outcomes, inspire others about how technology is shaping the future and spark a movement with a tangible call to action.     

Collision is also a great way to start building meaningful media relationships on the ground. Top-tier and tech journalists moderated all the panels (and there were many) throughout the event, along with a dedicated media village where VIPs mingle with journalists and participate in on-site interviews. Whether rubbing shoulders with a journalist backstage before a fireside chat or panel discussion, setting up an on-site interview at the media village, or just bumping into a journalist from The Wall Street Journal, The Information or WIRED and striking up a conversation, the opportunities are there.   

While tech was the hero this year, there is certainly a purpose and a platform for sector-based storytelling. Companies from healthcare, media and entertainment,  aerospace and defense, mobility and more showed up at Collision to articulate their breakthrough products and innovation goals in front of an ‘in-the-know’ tech and business audience. And while Collison remains one of the largest tech conferences in North  America, Web Summit in Lisbon is where the global players go to play.   

Gathering IRL may not be the only way to work today, but the benefits of relationship building, engaging with a community, and sharing ideas, especially at industry leading conferences, remains key not only to brand building but also sparking those brain waves.