Conference News: What I learned this week – Jan 22

Changes to IWNY: According to Crain Communications, who helps run Internet Week New York, there will be some changes during this year’s festival.  The reason for this is because the group is “re-evaluating how the IWNY HQ needs to be structured for the future growth of this important festival and will therefore not be offering sponsorships and speaker roles in the same capacity as previous years.” The week will still be an exciting time in New York with many partner events hosted by agencies and content creators.  Internet Week New York will take place from 16 – 22 May.

Along for the Ride: Earlier this month, TU-Automotive announced that it has been acquired by Penton, an innovative information services company.  According to the official press release, the acquisition will “strengthen both Penton and TU-Automotive’s position as the market leading provider of events and digital information for the fast growing automotive technology industry.” This will be especially important as the company considers events focused on the Internet of Things, which is having a huge impact on transportation.

Speaking Opportunity:  More than 3000 attendees visit Aspen, Colorado the week of June 26 to “present and discuss the ideas and issues that both shape our lives and challenge our times” as part of the Aspen Institute Ideas Festival.  The 2016 event will include ten tracks covering topics such as Arts: Culture and Identity, Future of Food, The Power of Connectivity, and Reimagining Capitalism.  The Festival organizers are accepting speaker recommendations until 1 February which may be made here.

Lunchtime Learning: The organizers of the Business Innovation Factory (BIF), which takes place in Providence from 14 – 15 September, believe that ‘A good story can change the world.’  This is, in fact, the theme for the 2016 conference.  For more than 10 years, BIF has focused on amazing innovations changing industries and companies for the better. To see some of the best storytellers that have graced the BIF stage over the years, check out their video archive.

Coming Up Next: Events happening next week include the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) Annual Meeting, which will focus on what is next for the $50 billion dollar digital industry; The WORLDWEBFORUM, bringing together business-leaders in the Swiss economy to discuss the successful implementation of digital strategies; and ITEXPO East, a leading business technology event held in Ft. Lauderdale.