The Brighton Summit - '˜a truly special thing'

A record number of attendees flocked to the Clarendon Centre for a fully-immersive learning and networking day, making it the best-attended in the six years since its inception.

Sam Knowles, founder and MD of Insight Agents, said: “The Brighton Summit is a truly special thing.

“An optimistic gathering of those who run businesses, charities, and third-sector organisations in Brighton, Sussex and the South East.”

This year’s theme of ‘Look Up’ inspired the choice of keynote speakers. Claire Mason of global strategic ideas company Man Bites Dog urged businesses to scale up, keep going and do what it takes to “make global waves.”

Author and broadcaster Misha Glenny challenged the audience with his talk “How the hell did we get here? And how do we get out?!”

The closing speech was from SpaceSouth founder Katherine Courtney, who blew the audience away with her anecdotes from her time as CEO of the UK Space Agency. Brighton Summit was trending on Twitter by 10am, thanks to live tweeting from Fugu PR as well as much online chatter from delegates and those who were unable to attend but were still taking a keen interest in the day.

Three keynote speakers, five workshops, four speakers and eight Event Horizon hours.

The Event Horizon comprised something different to break up the day, including an outside session with Unite the Beat where one group of attendees foraged for things with which to make music, chose their name “The Summit Specials” and composed a short piece which will soon be available on video.

Other sessions included the sharing of true tales from the audience facilitated by Herd; and a problem-solving hour using Lego led by Gamification+.

Healthy breakfasts, brunches, lunches, cakes and juices were available throughout the day to rev up energy levels, allowing attendees to network, socialise and relax.

The Library Corner and City Books ensured an oasis of calm where attendees could read and buy publications relating to the day or the city.

An interactive exhibition from MOOP which promised to find the magic in the mundane invited people to share thoughts, memories and inspiration drawn from everyday objects.