1+1is more than 2
I love innovators and creators. People who see the world and think, “You know what would be better?” “You know what we could change?” It reminds me so much of the artist mindset. The idea that someone sees a blank canvas (in whatever medium they choose), envisions something different, and then just makes it. And don’t get me started on artists who use innovative tech. Gosh, I love them!
Whether they make a new kind of technology or artwork, what these innovative people create is impactful. In some cases it might changing how you think about the world and, in others, how you interact with the world. That’s so powerful.
When I hear of someone doing something really innovative in emerging tech, I get super excited. Most often it’s about who else would be interested in learning about that new innovation. If I know the person (or even if I don’t), I reach out. “You know who you should meet?” “Have you heard of?” I have met many people over LinkedIn because of my blatant approach. If at an event, I have dragged one person from one side of a room to another to make it happen. “You two should meet!” jumps out of my mouth before I have the common courtesy to be polite about it. (Sorry to anyone I’ve done this to and will do it to — I’m working on it!) And I usually will try and connect that person to at least 3-4 other folks.
It’s a core belief that in connecting two people who are passionate about the same things, each will benefit from that connection. That 1+1>2 and that each will have a greater likelihood of succeeding.
INSPIRING INNOVATION could be called many things besides a “Conference.” Some folks have suggested a Salon, a Forum, a Symposium. Whatever the right title, the event is about “conferring,” about the exchanging of ideas and finding ways that we are all connected and how we can support one another. An exponential version of 1+1>2.
So, that on Sept 18-19, everyone will have that moment of, “Wow, I’m so glad we met” and their innovative minds will begin to think of all of the exciting possibilities to come. I hope to see you there!
- Sam