We are social creatures and so share ideas through conversations, writings and debate. Being exposed to new ideas helps you more fully understand your own ideas, which you can then refine and expand. Without new information, we’re relegated to the same paths and can quickly become stuck in a rut.
We go to conferences not only to network and meet new people, but also to hear new ideas. So it was interesting to hear a lot of comments about this years SXSW interactive conference – many were disappointed with the sessions and topics. Why? Because outside of pitches, there wasn’t really anything new. (Although even those dissatisfied with the content said the people were worthwhile.)
Having looked at some of the nearby regional conferences, the problem seems be viral. The same set of speakers talking about the same general topics. Surely there are lesser known people that have something worth talking about? What about having some of the companies and people speak about success stories? Or giving concrete methodologies are steps that are repeatable? (A must for any scientific research, by the way.)
I don’t think the problem is in having well-known speakers. Perhaps its in letting them give the same speech all over the world. Maybe conference organizers need to put together an overall theme and then ask specific speakers to cover certain topics. I want speakers to draw upon their experience and expertise, but I think we need to push for new ideas. And if it’s not from someone well known but they have great ideas and know what they’re talking about – I’m ok with that too.
What do you think?
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