In an era where innovation is the key to solving global challenges, conferences that focus on technology and social change serve as crucial platforms for inspiration and collaboration. These gatherings bring together thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers to discuss groundbreaking ideas and solutions. Here, we spotlight several influential conferences that are driving positive change and share stories of their impact on attendees.

I love these sorts of conferences. It is different than just watching videos when you feel the energy in the room and have the opportunity to exchange thoughts with other participants (who mostly are as inspiring as the speakers). I attended the TED conference when it was staged in Oxford and the House of Beautiful Business in Lisbon. Two inspiring, yet completely different experiences. TED is huge and very professionally organized – e.g. if you don’t come in time (and queue) you might watch some of the talks in a separate room on TVs. Yet – as this happened to me several times, I made lots of new friends there and had the most surprising meetings and exchanges – as you could talk during the talks.

The House of Beautiful Business was a much smaller conference. Due to its founders, it is a very open-minded, multi-perspective, and emotional conference. It plays with perceptions and challenges your thinking.

Both experiences inspired me to start TEDxMarrakesh – because it is also fun to organize these gatherings. My motivation was that with the platform TEDx and Marrakesh as the place behind me, I could contact any person in the world (well almost) that I always wanted to talk to and invite them as a speaker. I did that for eight years in a row until Corona hit and the borders were closed. It challenged and shaped my view on many things, including my career path. Here is a summary of the two – and also two conferences I want to go to in the future.

House of Beautiful Business (different locations)

Overview: The House of Beautiful Business is a global platform that combines business, arts, and humanities to foster a more humane future for business and society. Their annual festival, held in Tangier, Morocco, is a unique event that blends intellectual, emotional, and somatic experiences.

Innovation Spotlight: The festival explores diverse topics such as climate action, digital transformation, and inclusive business practices. Through mainstage talks, breakout sessions, and immersive experiences, participants are encouraged to rethink traditional business models and embrace more sustainable and equitable practices.

Impact Story: At the 2024 festival, attendees participated in sessions that examined the intersection of AI and ethics, inspiring many to develop more responsible AI applications. One participant, Maria Lopez, a tech entrepreneur, was inspired to launch a project that uses AI to improve healthcare accessibility in underserved regions.

TED (Changing Locations)

Overview: TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) conferences are renowned for their wide-ranging talks that cover topics from science and technology to art and social issues. TED’s mission is to spread ideas that can change the world.

Innovation Spotlight: TED Talks have introduced numerous groundbreaking ideas to the global audience, including advances in renewable energy, innovative educational methods, and cutting-edge medical research. The format encourages concise, powerful presentations that can inspire immediate action.

Impact Story: One notable TED Talk by Sir Ken Robinson on “Do Schools Kill Creativity?” has sparked a global conversation on education reform, influencing educators and policymakers to integrate more creativity into curriculums. This talk alone has led to numerous initiatives aimed at fostering creativity in classrooms around the world.

Katapult Future Fest (Oslo)

Overview: Katapult Future Fest is a premier event that focuses on exponential technologies and their potential to create a positive impact. It attracts entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders interested in social innovation.

Innovation Spotlight: The conference covers a range of topics including artificial intelligence, blockchain, and sustainable development. It emphasizes the role of technology in solving global problems and encourages collaboration between different sectors to drive social change.

Impact Story: During Katapult Future Fest 2023, a workshop on blockchain technology inspired John Smith, a social entrepreneur, to develop a blockchain-based solution for transparent supply chains in the coffee industry. This innovation is now helping to ensure fair trade practices and improve the livelihoods of coffee farmers in developing countries.

Brilliant Minds (Stockholm)

Overview: Founded by Spotify’s Daniel Ek and investor Arash Pournouri, Brilliant Minds is an exclusive conference in Stockholm that brings together leaders in tech, music, fashion, and business. The event aims to spark discussions on creativity, leadership, and innovation.

Innovation Spotlight: Brilliant Minds emphasizes the power of creativity and cross-disciplinary collaboration to drive change. Sessions often feature discussions on how technology can be leveraged to address societal issues such as mental health, climate change, and social inequality.

Impact Story: At a recent Brilliant Minds event, a session on mental health in the digital age inspired Anna Wilson, a digital artist, to create an app that uses art and meditation to improve mental well-being. Her app has since gained widespread acclaim and is helping users around the world manage stress and anxiety​.

Conclusion

These conferences are just examples of a range of new events that have been established in the last years – they are more than just events; they are incubators for ideas and catalysts for action. By bringing together diverse minds and fostering innovative thinking, they inspire attendees to pursue solutions that drive positive change in their communities and beyond. Whether it’s through groundbreaking technologies or fostering inclusive business practices, these conferences continue to shape a better future for all. When are you going on your inspiration trip? Find some more ideas in the link section.