XXXIV ISPIM innovation conference in Ljubljana
During summer 2023 I visited Ljubljana quite suddenly by surprise due to family emergency - this Conference trip to this wonderful city was quite a special one. I had heard about this Innovation conference yet this was the first time I attended. Being fairly new to academia and the world of research, I truly enjoy spending time with fellow scholars - and this event did not fall short on my expectations! We also combined a visit to University of Ljubljana, this really was one highlight of our trip too. Besides hearing of all the interesting projects and curriculum we got a tour at the Boutique Hotel Zlata Ladjica in the city center. This BEUATIFUL hotel is full of true hospitality, every detail is really thought through.
It is important to get feedback on ones own ideas and research progression. In the conference I had the pleasure to introduce a poster and a research in progress article in this conference together with my dear colleague Miia. Both were closely tied to our work on innovation ecosystem work and Limelight Events Lab. Besides our own active role, we had time to visit a number of presentations - on foresight, innovation culture, innovation management, business models etc. What was unique, on my opinion, was the way this conference brought together academia and practitioners. This is very familiar to us through our work and these very interesting real-life cases truly gave perspective on how reseach supports business incentives as well and how this co-operation may be used to make a world a better place.
As an events production and management professional, I can not be without “screening” how events are run. I must highlight how I admired the way the organizers brought at the beginning of the conference to the limelight catering company, Jazersek Catering, responsible for this event. Also, in the opening event Brian Allan (Rock your business) touched everyone in the room in a way… That will last. How? I will not tell you - Google him and you´ll find out. I am not affiliated in any way to this business, but in the era of experiences this was something that was just… Amazing!
To all colleagues from Finland and all around - Hope to see you again next year!