A focus on culture and transformation at FWD50 2019

Alistair Croll
Nov 4 · 4 min read

One of the most striking and consistent pieces of feedback from our 2019 content survey was this: We’ve drunk the Kool-Aid.

Many people tasked with IT transformation are already true believers. They want to know how to manage digital innovation, and what to avoid to maximize success. And while technology training is useful, digital transformation is more than tools — it’s people. Culture, not tech, is the real challenge.

That’s why we’ve adjusted FWD50 to this new reality, and packed the lineup with content on culture and transformation. For starters, our breakout tracks this year are divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced content, so you can self-select the level of expertise you’ll find most useful.

Photo by Jonas Jacobsson on Unsplash

But beyond structural changes, there’s lots to learn:

Tuesday, November 5

This is our workshop day, open to anyone with a Conference + Workshop pass. It’s a chance to spend several hours on culture and transformation — or sample some of the 30-minute Fastforward talks.

Wednesday, November 6

We start the first day of the general conference with keynote talks on the art of the possible, the technology trust crisis, prototyping future democracy, and even the use of Science Fiction to envision possible futures. Then it’s time for breakouts:

Thursday, November 7

The final day of FWD50 is also full of content on culture and transformation.

We have some other talks we’ll be announcing in the coming days, but what’s clear is that transformation takes more than tech — and we’ve filled the workshops, breakouts, and keynote talks with inspiration and practical lessons on digital transformation. If you haven’t already, grab your ticket on the FWD50 website.

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Alistair Croll

Written by

Writer, speaker, accelerant. Intersection of tech & society. Strata, Startupfest, Bitnorth, FWD50. Lean Analytics, Tilt the Windmill, HBS, Just Evil Enough.

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How do we use technology to make society better for all? Each year at FWD50, the world's digital governments convene to chart the course of policy, platforms, and innovation.

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