Amid a flood of industry events vying for attention, the CHNGNetwork introduces itself with a unique offering for leaders seeking depth beyond typical conference fare. Emerging in New York City on May 5 and 6, CHNGNetwork is crafted not as a conventional conference but as a series of main stage dialogues specifically geared towards comprehending and steering change within the digital economy. Organized by Karen Webster of PYMNTS and producer Vinnie Potestivo, the event returns to the physical gathering format, demonstrating a renewed focus on creating spaces for substantial discourse in a rapidly evolving sector.
Similar initiatives like the Innovation Project, also orchestrated by PYMNTS, sought to convene executives and intellectuals to discuss the future of commerce. Held annually at Harvard, it laid a foundation for conversations on evolving industry dynamics. However, unlike past ventures that paused due to changing circumstances, CHNGNetwork seeks to directly address the current inflection point shaped by artificial intelligence, data, and regulatory shifts. This convergence profoundly influences interactions within the digital economy, offering a timely platform for discourse.
How is CHNGNetwork Different?
Distinct from typical panels or sessions, CHNGNetwork presents a nontraditional experience centered on ongoing conversations over the two-day event. With content framed by seven core planks, the program integrates multidisciplinary perspectives, presenting ideas that extend beyond familiar industry narratives. Digital and video elements, including a documentary capturing the essence of discussions, enrich the immersive ambiance.
Who Shapes the Dialogue?
Attendees, termed as “change makers,” are envisioned to drive the event’s dialogue. They represent individuals with clear visions for progress, willing to invest resources and collaborate for impactful outcomes. The event eschews theoretical discussions in favor of tangible applications and measurable results, urging participants to share genuine insights and obstacles openly.
Webster stated, “We’re very intentionally not spending two days talking in the abstract about what could be.”
“They don’t just admire the problem. They commit to building the solution,” Webster commented, underlining the event’s focus.
Referred to as a “FinTech film festival,” Webster evokes the role of media in extending the event’s impact beyond the immediate. Documenting contributions of participants allows for wider dissemination of shared ideas and commitments, bridging current realizations and future ambitions.
Reflecting on the legacy of past gatherings like the Innovation Project, questions persist on its potential revival. However, the current economic landscape—with its emphasis on AI, digital storytelling, and achieving specific outcomes—necessitates a fresh approach. In response, CHNGNetwork emerges as a refreshed initiative aiming to shape economic discourse uniquely tailored for today’s industry climate.
CHNGNetwork strives to build an interconnected platform for change, focusing on curated interactions that foster actionable insights. By encouraging engaged participation, it aims to issue new directives for the digital economy, meeting the needs of modern leaders and innovators.
