The C2 runway was full of curiosity, individuals and visions of the long run
If planners solely take note of issues like last-minute registrations, advertising and marketing ways, occasion sponsorships, declining occasion attendance, the shift from content material to expertise, viewers retention, KPIs and ROI, a teen wanting from the surface in will look twice and marvel if this {industry} is as glamorous as they thought.
The assembly {industry} talks loads about these items that every one matter, however its actions draw the road between being out of contact. We have to communicate extra about what’s going to appeal to the following era, who care about human connection, carbon footprint, sustainability, trigger and creativity.
However who’s doing it effectively, and are they in contact with Gen Z? Everybody can have a unique reply to this, however what number of of you haven’t been to C2 shortly or ever? This can be a place to seek out out what different conferences are leaving off their agendas.
C2 in Montreal is led by CEO Anick Beaulieu. Her workforce of imaginators is comprised solely of extremely revered champions. Artistic company Sid Lee, networking platform Braindate and founding accomplice Cirque du Soleil are only a few who’ve been loyal and believed within the idea since its inception 14 years in the past. The influence and power of their creativity, innovation and human connection proceed to influence enterprise leaders, thought leaders, know-how specialists, creatives and causes necessary to individuals at present.
The 14th version of C2, held in Might, was an explosion of concepts and thought management and attracted Gen Z by the carloads. Why? As a result of they concentrate on the long run and their boutique-ish model brings curiosity, collaboration and all issues summary. Whereas the ticket worth is excessive, the aim and worth stand out towards the remaining, making it the go-to if you need to select only one present a yr.
Folks, revenue, tradition or all three? What does C2 prioritize? We invited Beaulieu to reply some questions, and that is what she needed to share.
With regards to the long run, the place does C2 see itself 5 years from now?
In 5 years, we see C2 persevering with to cleared the path in experiential B2B gatherings, producing a few of the most impactful packages on this planet. Our focus will stay on designing industry-defining tasks that carry collectively the sharpest minds in enterprise to spark innovation, strengthen relationships and unlock progress for our companions. Whether or not in fintech, advertising and marketing, consulting, infrastructure or leisure, we’ll maintain serving to organizations construct deeper connections with their stakeholders. Our ambition is to be the go-to strategic accomplice for C-suite internet hosting and creator-driven packages that form the way forward for enterprise experiences.
What’s one factor that C2 prioritizes when planning these occasions?
Probably the most necessary issues C2 prioritizes when planning occasions is creating immersive and impactful experiences. The distinctive factor about gatherings is the power and capability to create one thing collectively—the discussions, the relationships, the concepts that may solely emerge when a bunch is collectively, IRL. At C2, we consider people do enterprise collectively, not firms.
Learn Extra: It’s All About Engagement!
Refined via this philosophy and 15 years of utilized experience designing world-class enterprise gatherings, we not too long ago codified our “secret sauce” right into a strategic framework referred to as GenXP. This technique ensures each occasion we produce is grounded in function, participation, and real-time evolution. You possibly can try the playbook at c2genxp.com.
How does C2 construct its technique yr by yr, and who’s summoned to the desk to share concepts?
Our technique is like the whole lot we do, collective and collaborative. We construct our annual technique by drawing on a variety of inner and exterior voices, together with strategists, inventive leads, shoppers, companions and cultural collaborators. This ensures that our imaginative and prescient at all times displays each our core values and the evolving wants of the industries and communities we serve.
Is C2 trying to find extra native expertise this yr? Is that this a precedence?
Sure, sourcing native expertise stays a precedence for C2. Even with our flagship occasion, C2 Montréal, our primary goal is to create financial influence for Montreal. Due to this, we strongly consider in working with inventive professionals who perceive and mirror the cultural richness of our house base.
Learn Extra: The right way to Nurture Future Leaders
Belief, security and human sustainability are on the core of what persons are battling and have been for fairly a while. How does C2 tackle this?
C2 addresses belief, security and human sustainability by designing experiences which can be participant-centered and grounded in actual human connection. Our work emphasizes psychological security, inclusion and energetic participation to make sure that our gatherings should not solely inspiring but in addition respectful and nourishing for all concerned.
How has world uncertainty impacted C2? Did the planning change final November, or did it keep establishment?
International uncertainty has reshaped how we predict. We perceive that to actually join with our audiences, we have to meet them the place they’re emotionally, professionally and culturally. Meaning constantly adapting our programming, communications and design strategy to mirror their lived realities. This mindset shift started final fall and led us to formally codify our methodology into GenXP: a responsive, generative framework that not solely meets the second, however gives house for inspiration, connection and strategic readability. It’s a steadiness between being grounded within the now and offering a breath of contemporary air when individuals want it most.
Some affiliation leaders have stated that psychological well being is a human assets downside as a result of occasion professionals wouldn’t have the time to handle workforce stress and what comes with it. What have you ever completed at C2 that speaks to this?
At C2, we consider psychological well being isn’t simply an HR concern, however a shared organizational duty. Our dedication is to create circumstances the place individuals can really thrive. Meaning setting cheap schedules, monitoring workloads and deliberately constructing house for relaxation and restoration. We combine reflective and regenerative moments into our mission rhythms and foster a tradition of openness, the place communication, care and readability are prioritized. In the end, we all know that inventive excellence is just attainable in environments the place individuals really feel supported, seen and set as much as do their finest work.
Learn Extra: Supporting Psychological Well being at Conferences
If the mindset and technique align together with your expectations, then this is perhaps the present to pursue in 2026.
See you there.
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Janice Cardinale is a Good Ladies in Conferences Award winner and Corridor of Famer, and founding father of Occasion Minds Matter, empowered by Membership Ichi.
She is devoted to a mission that helps belief, security and human sustainability via the training and coaching of the following era to acknowledge and reply to psychological well being within the office.
