The Next Big Thing, a two-day Innovation Acceleration event that took place earlier this month, has been hailed a huge success.
The Hull Culture & Leisure event, part of the Innovate Humber business support project, was free for eligible SMEs to attend and was an impressive showcase of breakthrough innovation techniques essential for breaking into the rapidly evolving, game-changing markets.
Produced by Page Consulting, The Next Big Thing boasted a line-up of seasoned speakers who imparted their expertise, insights and lessons on the new technologies and innovative techniques reshaping our business and societal landscape.
Day 1 of the event took place at the recently opened EDGE Hub for Skills and Enterprise on June 8, 2023, as part of Humber Business Week. Leading the sessions was Jonathan MacDonald, an award-winning author, global entrepreneur, investor and highly sought-after keynote speaker. This marked his first keynote in Hull.
The EDGE Hub’s Antonio Tombanane and Mark Evans Smith discussed emerging opportunities in digital transformation, while Geoffrey Bye of AI Futures gave a keynote on the disruptive role Generative AI is already playing in jobs and society, and the opportunities available for future-ready businesses.
Day 2 unfolded at the Mercure Hull Grange Park Hotel, Willerby, on June 20, 2023. Attendees were introduced to the innovative Innovation Cycles process, developed by Page Consulting. This revolutionary method aims to aid entrepreneurs in swiftly identifying high-potential opportunities in new and emerging markets.
Additionally, Sue Pleasance and Matthew Soare from Hull Culture & Leisure talked about the innovation facilities and expertise in the Humber Region and how local businesses could access them.
Sue, strategic development manager for Hull Culture & Leisure, said: “In this era of rapid market evolution, it is time for Humber-based businesses to step into the spotlight as pioneers of the next wave of significant market opportunities, establishing themselves as leaders in their respective fields.”
Hull Culture & Leisure is dedicated to providing vibrant, dynamic, and inclusive cultural and leisure services to Hull and its wider region. With a diverse array of services and projects, it is committed to promoting cultural growth, innovation and societal development in the area.
