Speakers
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John Naisbitt (US/AUT)World-renowned futuristic writer and the father of Megatrends
John Naisbitt is often referred to as the global philosopher among futurists and is one of the most sought-after speakers in the world. He has been hailed by the Financial Times for his “astonishingly precise predictions” and inspiring messages. He is the famous writer of the best-seller, Megatrends, which has been published in 57 countries. His newly published book Mindset is already expected to be the next bestseller.
John Naisbitt has worked alongside presidents, including JFK and Lyndon Johnson, and in the private sector as an entrepreneur. Along the way, he has seen his conviction that all-important changes in life starts from the bottom upwards, frequently demonstrated and confirmed.
As a true visionary, John continues to survey and engage in the world around him and to give his international audiences the courage and determination to do the same.
Learn more about John Naisbitt, and read about a presentation given by John Naisbitt in January.
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Richard Watson (AUS)CEO of the Global Innovation Network, founder of the NowAndNext website
Richard Watson is a leading international trend-watcher and futurist, having established organizations including Now and Next, Global Innovation Network, and Free Thinking. He is a columnist for Fast Company and a regular writer for other global publications.
Having advised some of the biggest companies, including Virgin, McKinsey, News Corporation, Toyota, Tesco, McDonald’s and Unilever, Richard Watson has profound experience in advising large, successful organisations on how to gear up for the future.
Learn more about Richard Watson’s work at Now and Next, Fast Company and the Future Exploration Network.
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Karen-Marie Lillelund (DK)Communication consultant
Karen-Marie Lillelund is a communication consultant, a writer and a cabaret singer at the Danish amusement park Bakken.
She is one of the most asked-for speakers in Denmark when it comes to humour and communication. She is known for capturing her audience with exciting and amusing performances combined with a generous share of her profound and applicable knowledge of communication and its pitfalls.
Learn more about Karen-Marie Lillelund.
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Thomas Geuken (DK)Psychologist and futurist at CIFS
Thomas Geuken is a psychologist, a futurist at CIFS and is extensively consulted by private corporations on the meaning and implications of narrative leadership.
Places to go
Thomas is also the co-author of a new book All dressed up but no where to go – questioning the future, which was the original inspiration for the Places to Go conference. With his clear vision and strong presence, Thomas inspires people to see the world in a new perspective.
Learn more about Thomas Geuken and his psychology group “Psycces”.
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Tina Monberg (DK/UK)Lawyer, psychotherapist and mediator
Tina Monberg is a lawyer, a psychotherapist and a mediation graduate of Harvard Law School. Put this altogether and you get a powerhouse of original thinking who in her daily work propounds and exemplifies the belief that the win-win solution is not just a myth, but a practicable reality.
In addition, Tina has published several successful books on how to solve conflicts through mediation.
Learn more about Tina Monberg and the Pangaea society.
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Verne Wheelwright (US)Former businessman and now a dedicated personal futures theorist
Where most futurists focus on the future of society, companies or institutions, Verne Wheelwright is a “micro-futurist”, focusing on personal and individual futures. He has published a number of articles and a book about his highly respected workshop methods.
Three steps
By focusing on his own three-step methodology of personal research, scenarios and the development of a strategic plan, Verne will unravel the mysteries of the kind of personal planning that impacts our lives at all stages and in all environments.
Learn more about personal strategic planning.
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Andy Hines (US)Director of consulting and organizational futurist at Social Technologies
Andy Hines has had an exhilarating career so far, and there is no sign of him stopping. He has been a partner in a think tank focusing on trends and developments in international organizations, he has been editor of the futures magazine Foresight and he is the co-founder and former president of the Washington DC Chapter of the World Future Society.
At the moment he is director of consulting and organizational futurist at Social Technologies, a company that helps Furtune 500 companies and large NGO’s with future foresights.
The hallmark of his approach is creating connections—between today and tomorrow, between knowledge and action, between aspirations and reality.
Learn more about Andy Hines through this recent interview from Financial Times, or at Social Technologies.
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Mads Kjær (DK)Entrepreneur and chairman of Kjær Group
Mads Kjær is a truly passionate soul and a pioneer within his area. As chairman of Kjær Group he is personally involved and dedicated to innovation, entrepreneurship and investments in Africa with a view to the continent sustaining and growing itself independently.
Kjær Group is the Danish parent company to an international group of automotive companies providing transportation solutions to emerging countries.
Learn more about the Kjaer group and their work with corporate social responsibility and corporate social opportunities.
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Arwen O’Reilly (US)Staff editor at MAKE Magazine and CRAFT Magazine
Arwen O’Reilly is the staff editor at MAKE Magazine and CRAFT Magazine, two quarterly publications for those who spend their days (or nights) crafting, tinkering, designing, disassembling, re-creating, transforming and inventing cool new uses for the crafts and technology in our lives.
Arwen is an expert on the rise of the do-it-yourself culture, a rebirth of the urge to craft and enjoy amid mass production and consumption.
Learn more about crafting at MAKE Magazine and CRAFT Magazine.
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Johan Peter Paludan (DK)Director of the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies
Johan Peter Paludan is the director of the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies, and is widely renowned for his skills on futures studies themes and methods.
He also plays an active role in the so-called scenario-process developed by CIFS. Johan Peter specialization lies in labour market issues, education, The Dream Society and social trends.
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Adam Hill (UK/DK)Creative Director of Brand X and the Conference Moderator
A co-founder of Brand X, a financial services marketing bureau, Adam Hill has hosted numerous international futures conferences and will bring his own unique brand of urgency and humour to the day’s events.
In his role as moderator, Adam will aim to tie the multitude of strings of thought and inspiration together throughout the day.