Forget 2018, or Even 2019 -- What Will Conferences Look Like in 2029?

Bernardo Moya, the founder of 'The Best You EXPO,' shares his thoughts.

learn more about Karen Tiber Leland

By Karen Tiber Leland

Ethan Miller | Getty Images

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

On this episode of the Thought Talk Podcast, I speak with Bernardo Moya, founder of The Best You EXPO and editor-in-chief of The Best You Magazine.

Bernardo navigated economic adversity during the 2008–2009 recession by seeking opportunities where others saw obstacles. Today, Bernardo runs Europe's largest personal development trade fair. In our interview, he discusses the future of conferences and how to get the most out of them.Topics include:

What will conferences look like in 2029?

Moya says that while he believes that live events will be part of the future of conferences, the challenge will be to customize the event experience to each person's individual requirements. "Moving forward I believe that virtual will play a big part," says Moya. "I see huge opportunities to engage with people online, even as part of a live conference."

For example:

  • You will have the opportunity to instantly download a video, eBook, online presentation, etc., from the company or speaker whose session you are attending live.
  • You will be able to virtually check out what is going on in the various breakout rooms and watch it being livestreamed.
  • You will get to chat with others at the conference via an app even if you are not in the same physical space.

Preparing to attend conferences so that you get the most benefit.

"The conference will obviously put together a program, a schedule, etc.," says Moya. "While having a general plan works, if you can come with an open mind, without a pre-established idea of what an event should or shouldn't be, you will get more out of it."

Ultimately the key to a successful conference is to be open to those Aha! moments to see what actually can happen.

How you can do a better job of implementing back home what you learned at the conference.

One of the things that happen is that people go to conferences, get inspired, learn a lot, and then never implement what they learned. Moya has a curious take on how people can do a better job of actually implementing what they're learning when they get back home. To start, Moya says there are three types of people who attend conferences:

  • Those who attend a conference out of curiosity but never take any action based on what they learned.
  • Those who have big dreams and attend but don't necessarily implement what they learn; rather, they keep on procrastinating and putting things on the back burner.
  • Those who attend and go out and make it happen.

Moya believes that the biggest difference between those who go on to take action after a conference and those who don't is a belief in their own mortality.

"What happens is that even though we all know that we are mortal, we tend to believe that our mortality is going to come when it's convenient for us or once we've achieved X or Y," says Moya. "The challenge is to stop procrastinating, understand you are mortal, welcome change, and just go for it."

For more from Bernardo Moya, the founder of The Best You EXPO and editor-in-chief of The Best You Magazine, listen to his episode on the Thought Talk Podcast.

Karen Tiber Leland

Author and President of Sterling Marketing Group

Karen Leland is the founder of Sterling Marketing Group, where she helps entrepreneurs and executives build stronger personal, team and business brands. She is also the best-selling author of The Brand Mapping Strategy: Design, Build and Accelerate Your Brand.

Related Topics

Editor's Pick

Everyone Wants to Get Close to Their Favorite Artist. Here's the Technology Making It a Reality — But Better.
The Highest-Paid, Highest-Profile People in Every Field Know This Communication Strategy
After Early Rejection From Publishers, This Author Self-Published Her Book and Sold More Than 500,000 Copies. Here's How She Did It.
Having Trouble Speaking Up in Meetings? Try This Strategy.
He Names Brands for Amazon, Meta and Forever 21, and Says This Is the Big Blank Space in the Naming Game
Business News

These Are the Most and Least Affordable Places to Retire in The U.S.

The Northeast and West Coast are the least affordable, while areas in the Mountain State region tend to be ideal for retirees on a budget.

Living

8 Things I Discovered While Working With Affluent Clients in New York City

After a decade working with the 1%, I learned that they have common traits.

Travel

6 Secret Tools for Flying First Class (Without Paying Full Price)

It's time to reimagine upgrading. Here's how to fly first class on every flight, business or personal.

Thought Leaders

The Collapse of Credit Suisse: A Cautionary Tale of Resistance to Hybrid Work

This cautionary tale serves as a reminder for business leaders to adapt to the changing world of work and prioritize their workforce's needs and preferences.

Business News

I Live on a Cruise Ship for Half of the Year. Look Inside My 336-Square-Foot Cabin with Wraparound Balcony.

I live on a cruise ship with my husband, who works on it, for six months out of the year. Life at "home" can be tight. Here's what it's really like living on a cruise ship.

Business Solutions

This Comprehensive Microsoft Excel Course Can Turn You into a Whiz for $10

Master Microsoft Excel for less than the cost of your lunch with this top-rated course.