Let’s face it—conferences are not just about wearing a name tag and enduring the occasional mediocre coffee. When chosen well, they are a brilliant opportunity to spark new ideas, meet people who share your passions, and sometimes, just sometimes, redefine your entire business approach. Here’s what I’m eyeing for the rest of 2024, where the conversation goes beyond the usual platitudes and straight into the heart of innovation.

1. Web Summit 2024 – Lisbon, November 4-7, 2024
   A must for anyone in tech, digital marketing, or looking to disrupt their industry. This gathering in Lisbon promises to be a melting pot of thinkers, innovators, and change-makers. It’s the sort of event where you can hear the next big thing before it becomes the next big thing. Plus, the pastel de nata is to die for.
2. Mindvalley Summit – Digital, October 2024
   Mindvalley is all about personal growth and transformation, blending neuroscience, mindfulness, and entrepreneurship. It’s perfect if you’re looking to innovate from the inside out. I’m particularly looking forward to sessions on enhancing cognitive diversity in teams—an absolute game-changer for any business.
3. DLD (Digital Life Design) Conference – Munich, January 2025
   If you’re interested in how technology, science, and culture collide, DLD is a must-attend. With top speakers from AI, neuroscience, and beyond, it’s where the future is dissected, debated, and designed. I’ll be there with a notebook full of questions and a head full of ideas.
4. South by Southwest (SXSW) 2025 – Austin, March 2025
   Yes, it’s technically next year, but it’s worth planning for now. SXSW remains the king of creative convergence. It’s the only place where you’ll find tech innovators, film producers, musicians, and marketers all rubbing shoulders under the Texan sun. My not-so-secret plan is to finally attend a workshop on VR storytelling.
5. The World-Changing Ideas Summit – New York, December 2024
   Hosted by Fast Company, this event is where sustainability, innovation, and social change take center stage. I’m particularly excited about sessions on AI ethics and sustainable innovation—a must for any leader thinking about the future of business beyond mere profit.
6. Advertising Week Europe – London, October 16-19, 2024
   Advertising Week is a powerhouse of an event, covering the latest in media, marketing, and brand innovation. It’s the best place to get a feel for what’s next in the world of advertising, straight from the industry’s trailblazers.
7. Cognitive Neuroscience Society Annual Meeting – Denver, April 2025
   For the nerds (like me) who love diving deep into the brain’s inner workings, this conference is a treasure trove. With the latest research on cognition, neurodivergence, and brain health, it’s a great space to connect the dots between neuroscience and business strategy.
8. EmTech MIT – Cambridge, MA, November 2024
   Organised by MIT Technology Review, this event focuses on emerging technologies with the potential to transform industries. This year, the spotlight is on generative AI, quantum computing, and synthetic biology. It’s an essential pitstop for anyone looking to future-proof their business.
9. London Tech Week – London, June 2025
   Another one slightly ahead in the calendar but essential nonetheless. With a focus on innovation, diversity, and sustainability in tech, it’s where the UK tech community comes to connect, share ideas, and shape the future of tech.
10. The A-Fest – Bali, November 2024
    A-Fest is for those looking to combine personal growth with networking. Think Burning Man meets TED Talk—a curated gathering of entrepreneurs, visionaries, and change-makers. I’m ready to be inspired, ideally barefoot on a beach.

There you have it—a mix of the tech-centric, the brain-bending, and the just plain transformative. If you see me at any of these, please do say hello. And if you can’t make it, follow along on my socials—I’ll be sharing insights and takeaways from each event!

(And always remember, half of the magic is in the conversations you have over the coffee breaks… or cocktails.)