Forget expensive tickets, make conferences accessible for talented youngsters
Written on 29th November 2008
2 COMMENTS 
Ernst-Jan Pfauth, editor in chief
Although our industry is all about online activity, two of the best ways to get connected still takes place offline: conferences and meet-ups. I prefer the first, as some top dogs don’t have time for meet-ups, but do come to conferences. Most of my meetings with heroes 2.0 took place at gigs like Le Web, Next08, The Next Web and Web 2.0 Expo.
Money, money
There’s just one problem with those events: they’re pretty damn expensive. If you’re young, self-employed or a student, and not able to get a press pass – you will have a hard time collecting those 750 euros to get in.
I’ve seen both sides, as I’ve organized a conference as well as having tried to get into them for free. The high prices are there to cover the financial risk, but most people don’t get this and complain on Twitter and blogs.
Skip your holiday
I don’t worry too much about people who have plenty of money to spend on a conference but are unwilling to make the effort – that’s mostly a matter of priorities. Skip your holiday. But I do think it’s a waste that a lot of talented students and young entrepreneurs see no way to cross the financial barrier.
The solution is pretty simple. Next time when I organize a conference, I’ll definitely find a company or angel to create some sort of talent fund. They give me money good for ten tickets, and I’ll give these away to talented folks. That way I don’t risk losing money, the investor gets an image boost, and the talents have the time of their life.
Talent pool
Leading example is Youthwatching, a conference about youth marketing and trends which will take place in Ghent on December 12. If you’re young and able to convince organizer Trendwolves you’re also talented, you’ll get in for free.
Walk up to your hero
Promise me one thing though. Make it worth it. Walk up to your hero (Martin Lindstrom, anyone?), tell him why you admire him, and make a great impression.
The Next Web Blog is closely associated with The Next Web Conference which is held annually in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. At this event speakers from all over the world come together to talk about, and show off, the future of the Web. (More info 
By David Petherick on Nov 29, 2008
I think this is a great idea, but I’d like to also point out there are also talented, but financially strapped “oldies” and “middlers” out there too!
In my view, it’s important not to discriminate for or against people just because of their age, although it’s extremely important for those who are studying to have these opportunities.
Reply
You’re right David, I was generalizing a bit. But when you’re not discriminating it’s hard to sell to the audience, don’t you think? Everybody would apply. I guess the older bootstrappers have to be even more creative. Luckily they have experience to count on. Right?
Reply