This September, we are teaming up with The London Design Festival to bring you a night of inspiration talks from people passionate about design. After the talks, there will be a chance to network with the speakers and other audience members. Speakers TBA

Programme:

18:30 Doors open

19:00 - 20:30 Talks (5-6 Speakers + Performances + Panel) 

20:30 - 22: 30 Networking at Aqua Bar

WOW TALKS Events are light multi speaker networking events around a theme of specific disciplines. The unique format of talks emphasise the why rather than the how, highlighting aspirations and thought provoking questions. Our speakers are dreamers & doers from different walks of life who love and are inspired by their careers, people who have followed their heart and made a conscious choice to make a living doing what they love and realising their personal dreams. The result is an enriching, fascinating and joyful learning experience that opens minds for new possibilities. 

Where are the talks held? These events are held in selected Apple stores, Google campuses, museums, galleries, universities, festivals, quirky bars, private houses, business clubs, cultural centres and conferences worldwide. In the past we have also held events in: Secret Garden Party Festival UK, Wilderness Festival UK, Burning-Man Festival US, London Fashion Week.

What is the Format? 90 min, 5 speakers 9 min each, 1 musician/performer, 1 host/presenter. We start and end the event with a performance. Each speaker has up to 9 min to share their personal/professional journey , including the following five key elements: Uniqueness, Inspiration, Challenge, Vision, Question.

Sometimes we do an interview on stage instead of a talk. All the speakers take part in a short Q&A panel before the end. The talks are followed by social gathering and local drinks.

Who is going? We welcome everyone. Our talks are free, but attendees should to register in advance to secure a place on our guest list. We recommend you register as soon as the talks are announced as places fill up quickly. You will always find curious, friendly, open minded entrepreneurs, professionals and students from all walks of life some of which have given a talk before. It is a space where we encourage new friendships and partnerships. Our events can be any number between 50 – 250 people.

Who are the speakers? We showcase the people behind the extraordinary from all backgrounds and professions who have followed their heart in what they do and make a living by doing what they love. People who are realising their dreams with a great sense of responsibility and accountability....all are welcome.  Speakers are confirmed at least 21 days before the event.

What makes WOW Talks different to other talks such as TED Talks?  

A.         It is about the WHY not the HOW: In their talks we ask our speakers why they chose what they do, what led them to their choices, and what inspired them? The focus is on the personal perspective and the story behind each person. It allows for a unique insight into what matters. Speakers are open, honest and willing to share their intimate journeys. The audience is able to relate to the stories even if they do not share any professional similarities with the theme or the topic of the event. 

B.         It is about the QUESTION not the CONCLUSION: We ask every speaker to end their talk with a thought provoking question. This opens up new perspectives and possibilities for the audience. We do so because we want to avoid imposing any particular belief or concept on our audience which can limit and close down the conversation. 

C.         It is about the COMMITMENT not the SUCCESS: We find speakers who demonstrate in their present life professional and personal commitment to their vision. We welcome to the stage people in different levels of their career development. Our varied speakers and performers are perhaps 'up and coming' or the 'next big thing' in their industries and are natural leaders in their local communities.

Can I host the talks? If you would like to host WOW Talks, please contact us. You will need to be trained. You will need to attend in one our events before you can host one.  Can I speak? You can apply to speak here. You will need to film yourself doing a 3min talk and send it to us. In some cases we will show a clip version of this at one of our events.

Beyond the talks being enriching and thought provoking, we have found that they are a milestone and a catalyst in the career development of the speakers, no matter how advanced they are in their careers. The WOW TALKS format makes them confront core questions helping them further clarify their vision. By speaking at our event they are inspiring people to follow their dreams. They are also become part of an amazing community and network of dreamers & doers that support each other. 

We hope to see you there!