Innovation in Focus: Key Takeaways from STEP Conference 2013
I was honored to be an organizer of yesterday's incredible tech event in Dubai, the STEP Conference 2013. The energy was palpable, and it was truly inspiring to be in a room full of creative digital experts and global leaders. The discussions centered on the innovations and new technologies that are set to boost the region's digital landscape and create powerful new channels for brands to connect with consumers.
The day was packed with insightful presentations. My friend Tala Samman from myfashdiary.com participated in a panel on generating genuine interaction through online content. Scott Feasey from iris Middle East delivered an energizing talk on the need to build a cultural space for brand-consumer dialogue, outlining how brands must embody "passion & purpose, prototype, play, presence & propagation, and pivot."
Gavin Payne from JWT offered a refreshing perspective, noting that “innovation is the art of failure” and that technology's true role is to "enable and enhance a great user experience.” Meanwhile, Marco Blankenburgh from Knowledgeworx connected tech, brand, and culture, astutely observing that “Dubai is a mini version of the global economy.”
A definite highlight for me was a riveting panel on IT Vs. Marketing in Digital Decision Making, featuring Brent Hoberman (lastminute.com), Neetan Chopra from Emirates, and Yousef Tuqan from Flipmedia (who is so digitally native he famously proposed to his wife on a website where she had to click ‘yes’!).
The panelists delivered some unforgettable quotes that captured the essence of modern business:
“Just marketing, just IT, or just digital, isn’t enough; they need to meet at an intersection.” – Neetan Chopra, Emirates
“Innovation isn’t run by marketing or just IT; people make things happen and technology enables us.” – Brent Hoberman
“Marketeers are becoming scientists – and must have the ability to understand data. Data modeler is a sexy job for the next decade.” – Terry Kane, Jumeirah Group
As Ray Dargham, the founder of STEP Conference, emphasized, regional events like this are crucial for fostering change in the digital ecosystem and creating a generation of innovators rather than followers.
The conversation was so vibrant that #STEP2013 trended throughout the day. To stay plugged into this amazing community, be sure to follow @stepconference on Twitter. The future of tech in the region is bright, and STEP is right at its heart.
