The i-genius world summit unwrapped

After months of preparation, the first i-genius world summit has been…and gone. But WOW what an event!

Eighty dynamic and diverse individuals met at the stunning Indigo Pearl Resort in Phuket to find out what being a ‘social entrepreneur’ really means in a constantly changing world climate, and to discover how they could make the change in the world that they wanted to see.

We heard from Chris Cramer, former president of CNN International, about the media’s role in creating social change, while David Katz, Director of Social Responsibility at VIACOM, talked about working with corporations and the media. Matt Williams, founder and Director of Making Waves, shared his tips about building a successful business, and Ben Keene shared his adventures in Fiji with ‘Tribe Wanted’, recently featured by the BBC in the series ‘Paradise or Bust’. We had a panel discussion about opportunities for a new generation of social entrepreneurs with Isabel Maxwell, Chair of the Israel Social Venture Network, Claire Dove, Chair of the Social Enterprise Coalition, and Professor Kriengsak Chareonwongsak, President of the Institute of Future Studies for Development in Thailand.  Sheetal Mehta and Olly Donnelly talked about microfinance and their new venture Shivia.  Lucian Tarnowski, Anna Fiorentini and Rizwan Tayabali all pitched their business ideas to an impressive trio of entrepreneurs in ‘Investors Den’. Mark Chaplin and Sara Haq recounted their overland journey to the summit (from London to Phuket without stepping on a plane) and Barry Crisp shared his views on what being a social entrepreneur was ‘all about’. The legendary David McQueen encouraged us all to think about what makes a good partnership, the Kaos Pilots came and shared their take on social innovation, and injected the summit with their unique energy and passion, and the inspirational UnLtd Award winners showcased their amazing projects.   Who knew you could get through so much in so little time?!

Three fully packed days of talks, workshops, meetings (in the pool), group sessions, beach parties, gala dinners, and film festivals later, and it was time for everyone to begin their journeys home. The friendships formed and partnerships made will stretch far beyond the short time spent together, as participants left with their pockets stuffed with business cards, their bellies full of Thai food, a renewed passion and enthusiasm for their work, and a whole collection of new friends from across the world.

Bring on 2010 when i-genius will host its second summit – location to be confirmed, and suggestions welcome!

Read a few accounts of the events from participants, and check out some of the photos below….

Rizwan  Tayabali:
Reflections on the i-genius world summit

Meriem Aissaoui:
Smarta at the i-genius world summit

Dave McQueen:
i-genius final round-up

Tommy Hutchinson:
A secret location, good funerals, and it’s down to business, Three men, three women and a boy

Barry Crisp:
Thailand – a reflection, i-genius summit, day-by-day

Kaos Pilots:
ThaiWais Blogspot