Tag: Igor Beuker

The world is advancing in its digital transformation process

  Being innovative and decisive, persistently driving the change, will be basic traits for any organization planning to stay competitive and live up to the expectations of our technologically thriving world. The 2019 DXC Global Digital Enterprise Survey, written by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) and sponsored by DXC and Leading Edge Forum suggests that this will be “a year of decision-making and profound change”. This statement supports Diana Stefanova’s (Managing Director EMEA R&D VMware) views on digital transformation shared on the stage of Webit 2018: “Companies have to constantly innovate. If companies do not disrupt themselves, they will be disrupted by others.” Join Webit 2019 to hear more about current technological trends and how businesses cope with them

Surveying more than 600 executives on their strategies for digital transformation

EIU reveals that the majority of businesses (over 80%) plan to increase their 2019 investments in digital technology. As numbers suggest this is by far not a hazard as 70% of the respondents confirm that organization’s profitability has increased thanks to their digital strategy. Investments in cloud computing, mobile and applications are already considered entangled to modern business, so exploring emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, server less computing and others, could lead to greater agility and competitive advantage. On the matter, 75% of respondents state that a modern IT infrastructure positions their organization to produce stakeholder value. On the stage of Webit 2018 we also welcomed Mikael Conny Svensson - Vice-President Government Affairs & Public Policy, Mastercard Europe, who shared his vision for Europe in 2030-2050: “Innovation is absolutely necessary, not just to do business now, but to do it in the future too” Explore the report and find more interesting insights here By uniting data and analysis, an organization confidently adds value to its strategy and its further implementation, however, the adoption pace is still rather imperceptive. Only less than 30% of the organizations see their business units as “digitally enabled.” Thus, fundamental to a successful digital transformation is adequate cultural transformation. About 40% of respondents state that the process should be supported by significant initiatives related to organizational change, new recruitment and training programs, digital task forces activation, as well as strong understanding and commitment from core executives to keep and guide the “digi course”. As Igor Beuker, a professional speaker, serial entrepreneur and Angel Investor shared his thoughts on innovation at our 10th birthday: “Innovation is a culture, not a department!” Get the chance to hear about it,first hand experience at Webit.Festival Europe 2019, where attendance is 75% C-level. Evolving and moving forward to the digitization of the business has been proven to be a strategic benefit to any organization. So, if for any reason you still doubt the value of digitizing your company or industry, come to Sofia - the digital capital and get insights from the people implementing this transformation worldwide. Like what you read? Subscribe here and never miss Webit news and special promotions!

Advertising may win quarters, innovation wins decades

He is a new breed trendwatcher, energetic professional communicator, serial entrepreneur, award-winning marketing strategist and this will be his 4th Webit event - three times in Sofia and once in Istanbul, Igor Beuker has lots to share about his Webit experience.

“ Amazing conference, very well-organized, fantastic setting and backstage program, great speaker line-up, and very important to me as a professional public speaker and human being: the connection with the audience (at the event and on social media) is rare and heartwarming. “

Igor is among those speakers who have a special connection with their audience. Here is what he says about the audience in Sofia, and to his fans, in particular:

“ The connection with the audience in Sofia, is really one of a kind. I can’t explain the feeling.It’s one of the reasons why - out of 150 international talks each year - Webit is one of the highlights I really look forward to ”

We cannot deny that the difference between Sofia and Istanbul is enormous. Here is what Igor says about his experience:

“ Istanbul is a huge international city and the conference is a bit more business focused and formal than in Sofia, was my experience. I love the culture and the passion of the people in Turkey, and some of the attendees became business partners and friends.”

Bulgaria and Sofia are aiming at becoming a digital hub for CEE and the attitude and approach towards this is a bit more casual. In the same time, however, we coordinate with the government and local authorities, and as from last year, we were incredibly proud to announce that Webit is the flagship event of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The EU Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society Mariya Gabriel is chairing Webit's Plenary Sessions and is a patron of Webit.Festival along with The Government of Bulgaria and the Mayor of Sofia.” Last year I shared the stage and the dining table with the president of Bulgaria and the Mayor of Sofia, which is a great opportunity to share ideas.”

“Burning Man meet TED” and “Math Man in a world of Mad Men”...

...are just a couple of the new terms that were invented by the Bulgarian audience. At this year’s Webit.Festival Europe edition in Sofia, Igor will further develop his Mad Men vs. Math Men theory.

"Can I stretch my Mad Men vs. Math Men theory and framework even further? The Webit audience will give me the answer with their reviews and social feedback. My team and me value what they say and I even reinvent my speeches and one-liners for my talks, based upon what they highlight. That legacy brands and incumbents need to get out of their comfort zones, because that’s where the magic really happens. My bold style and personality I can’t change at 47, but the audience feels I know my why and I keep walking towards my purpose. Next-level change and reinvention is needed. Big is only good when big is smart: Advertising may win quarters, innovation wins decades.”

Igor is loved by the companies, adored by his fans and audience everywhere he goes and also by the media.

He gave a very special, exclusive, interview for a Bulgarian media. You can watch his interviews here, where he elaborates his Mad Men vs. Math Men theory in a more simple way. Igor’s answer to “how would you describe the atmosphere at Webit, he says: “Hard to describe, but when I look at the audience tweetback on my site, I get a huge smile on my face and I can’t wait to be back!”

We can’t wait to welcome you again, Igor! You have a very special place in our city and our hearts.

“ Experiencing the last three years, I expect Webit 2018 to be even bigger and better than the previous editions. If that is even possible.”

Sure it is! You don’t believe us? Take a look at the amazing speakers line here and the one of the kind networking opportunities here. You wish to attend? Book your ticket here.

The concept of Digital Single Market that covers digital marketing, e-commerce and telecommunication sectors in Europe was officially presented by the European Commission in May 2015 and was pre-announced on the stage of Webit’s CEEDS in April 2015. The Vice President of the Commission Andrus Ansip explained that the realization of the project could contribute €415 billion per year to the common EU economy and create hundreds of thousands of new jobs. More than two years after its announcement the Digital Single Market is still looks more like a great idea than а reality. And according to the famous marketing strategist and trendwatcher for Fortune 500 companies Igor Beuker this could be the greatest chance that Europe have, if it wants to catch up with the competition of economic juggernauts like USA and China. On the stage of Webit.Festival Europe he shared his Math Man view on why intelligence is the ability to adapt to change. This skill is increasingly important in the corporate world, struggling with the process of digital transformation. During his keynote speech at the Opening ceremony he showed the audience the latest trends in the digital economy and presented his thoughts on the current systems, that were developed for the 20th century. He explained that Digital Darwinism is the phenomenon in which trends, technologies, consumers and society evolve faster than established brands can adapt. It’s a fate that also threatens governments, institutions, and all other corporate organizations. Today, tomorrow and in the unforeseeable future.

“For almost 25 years I am witnessing that advertising may win quarters, innovation wins decades. I don’t need to know much about technology, I’ve just got an open and limitless mind. I’ve learned that i.e. our financial, political and educational systems were built for the 20th century. It’s about time we seriously upgrade these systems, so we can finally deal with the challenges and opportunities of this 21st century”, said Mr. Beuker.

According to Beuker, the traditional corporate world is ruled by “Mad Men”, who keep spending billions of dollars on advertising, backward-looking market research and consultancy services, but fail to innovate. That’s why Mad Men are losing the war from the Math Men. The exponential growing disruptors, who all have a trend-driven, opportunity-seizing innovation culture. He gave examples of Blockbuster, Kodak, Nokia and many other heritage brands, who neglected trends forever, but kept spending billions of dollars on advertising, IBM consultants, old school R&D, and backward-looking market research. Still they lost. The lifespan for Fortune 500s is declining at a pace we’ve never seen before in history. A serious wake-up call. On the other side we see exponential growing companies like Amazon, Tesla, Facebook, Google, Airbnb who are spending billions of dollars per year on trend-driven innovation, not on advertising.

“Amazon spends $13 billion per year on innovation, Walmart and Target each spend $2 billion per year on innovation. Incumbent brands are all addicted to advertising, and miserably fail at innovation. The reason is not technology, because we all have access to the same technologies. The problem with Mad Men is their DNA, mentality and mindset. They’d rather wait 4 more years on relevant business cases. While Math Men are the business case”, Beuker stated.

The expert thinks that the main problem with the big brands is their “buy not make mentality” - they are trying to acquire innovators, instead of innovating themselves. Beuker is sure that if the corporations don’t start to effectively innovate, they may no longer exist in 5 to 7 years. The biggest advantage is the fury of the founders of the new digital giants, like Amazon, Tesla and Alibaba. Math Man like Jack Ma has a purpose in life. In 20 years, he wants to grow Alibaba from 500 million to 2 billion customers worldwide, make 10 million retailers profitable and create 100 million news jobs. The Math Men generation entrepreneurs will have a much bigger impact on our global economy than politicians, who have no clue about the digital economy or how to deal with robotization and jobs.

“Digital single Europe is so important because we need startups and unicorns. They will provide new jobs, will create growth, will increase Europe’s GDP and will support our digital markets. We don’t have Facebook, Google, Airbnb and others, but we would like to have them. Politics and the EU need to facilitate businesses much better. Banning Uber is an ignorant way to block innovation”, said Beuker.

Soon you will be able to see his full presentation on our YouTube channel. If you want to keep up with the latest trend in the world of digital economy and technology, then Webit.Festival is the right place for you. Visit our website and book 2 of our Super Earlybird tickets for Webit.Festival Europe 2018 for just €100.

Ever since the emergence of the homo sapiens species on this planet, human nature is directly related to constant processes of transformation and development. But in the modern society we live in, these changes are happening at a much faster pace than most of us can understand. This year, Webit.Festival Europe will address precisely these comprehensive processes of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which in the coming years will change almost every aspect of our lives fundamentally. And there is hardly anyone, who understands today’s Digital world better than the renowned communicator and expert in Marketing and Media Igor Beuker. He will be among the keynote speakers during the Opening ceremony of the event, which will take place on 25-26 April in Sofia Tech Park. In the space of 25 years, Igor Beuker was kicked out of professional football and went from a college dropout to a radical marketing visionary and modern-day serial entrepreneur. He has become one of the prominent speakers in the international business speaking circuit. And he hasn't slowed down since. Today he is an energetic professional communicator, renowned keynote speaker & host, award-winning marketing strategist for Nike, Amazon, L’Oréal and Unilever, new breed trendwatcher for several Fortune 500 companies, serial entrepreneur with multiple exits, and angel investor. Global enterprise leaders and media have labeled him one of the most inspiring, innovative and influential speakers and entrepreneurs. In the recent years he appeared on countless television and radio shows as an expert voice on emerging trends in marketing, media and innovation. During his keynote speech at Webit.Festival, Igor will explain to the audience why he thinks that intelligence is the ability to adapt to change. Igor will look at the trends through his Math Man lens and will share his thoughts on the world’s current systems, that were developed for the 20th century. He will also present his views on the path Europe has to take to lead the digital economy and build collaborative ecosystems, instead of “egosystems”. Watch Igor’s appearance on at CEEDS’15 by Webit:

Hosting more than 3,300 top executives from Central and Eastern Europe, the seventh edition of the largest technology forum CEEDS'15 by Webit was opened by its founder - Plamen Rusev -serial entrepreneur and investor in technology companies and the Vice President of the European Commission Digital Single Market, Mr. Andrus Ansip, special guest of the event.

"The potential users in Europe are about 500 million- far more than the 350 millionth US market, but that each Member-State is subject to its own regulations is a real challenge in front of the digital single market”, said Andrus Ansip during his speech at the opening of ‪CEEDS. "If we want Europe to take its role is extremely important to make the necessary changes in education and the legal system, health care and transportation, but mostly to begin to encourage entrepreneurship, because some of the most successful companies in recent years are those who founded the business in principles of the sharing economy. " Although this doesn’t fit the current legal system, their current market value can compete the world's largest banks with centuries of tradition" - was the thesis that Plamen Rusev defended during the opening.

CEOs, founders, CTOs, CIOs and top managers shared their experiences during the ‪CEEDS by ‪‎Webit lecture stream and shared part of the marketing trends that will influence the market in the next few years:

• The future of media and marketing market will be ruled by the three C - computers, cloud technology and connectivity;
• Although the content, technology and statistical data are already bound together, the business gradually passes from content-oriented to ecosystem-oriented communication;
• Hyper-segmentation and the ability to manage "transparent" data are the main skills that marketing experts should learn and apply;
• Email communication retained its leading positions on user engagement and effectiveness.

The video is also top trend shared Hristo Hristov, CEO of Netinfo, with particular emphasis on video, which share tips and information. The second day of the biggest technological conference in Central and Eastern Europe - CEEDS'15 by Webit was focused on social networking, analysis and management of big data, shared economy and technology. On stage came the top managers from SAP, Microsoft, Ford, the Austrian Space Forum, Eliademy, Intel Capital, Orange Ventures, 3TS Capital, Telerik, Forbes Media and many others. The ability of businesses to engage their audience through hyper-segmentation, personal attitude and attention to details will help brand managers to optimize marketing budgets and pay less for advertising. The analysis of "big data" and anticipating the trends will be what helps them survive – those were the two main points that were propagandized by the lecturers on the ‪‎CEEDS’s "Marketing and Innovation" scene:

"Big data turn marketing into a science - we no longer talk about emotions or stories, we discuss "the new marketing" as a science that doesn't educate but analyze. " said from the stage Igor Beuker- Pro Speaker, Author & Awakener.

On the tech scene were discussed the technology in the field of aerospace and the evolution of cooperation between human and robot in innovation of astronaut suits and how they interact with the person who wears them. There was spoken also about the evolution in online education and how it affects traditional pedagogy, making it even more effective, but also how important is the role of the professional and qualified training.

"Education is a whole industry. By placing the right objectives and considering its proper value every business should be influenced and affected"said the founder of the online education platform Eliademy - Sotiris Makrigyanis.

CEEDS'15 by Webit ended with a panel discussion that illustrates the huge advantage that Bulgaria offers the investors and the opportunities for CEE entrepreneurial ecosystem to develop.

Igor Beuker is one of Europe’s most wanted professional speakers, valued as one of the leading independent and outspoken voices on emerging trends, brands, marketing, media and disruptive innovations. Igor delivered 412 keynote speeches in 42 countries and fired up events like Google Zeitgeist, IAA, Ad Tech, Social Media World Forum, Social Marketers Summit, IAB Europe and WPP Stream. Audiences around the globe have rated Igor’s stories as thought provoking, refreshing and inspiring: "the true rockstar of pro speakers". Today we're speaking with him about the emotion to apply for a Webit speaker, to be amongst the Audience winner and what could we expect from him on the stage of Webit.

- Are you excited that you are among the winners at audience award to be on the stage of GWC so 10 000 visitors from EMEA and ASIA will be able to hear your thoughts and you will share your experience with them?

Very excited since I feel that Webit is a true power brand in events. I’d like to compare it to playing Champions League. And being elected in a contest by the audience is an extra ‘kick’ indeed.

- During the contest they were really big names in the digital and tech industry worldwide so what was the feeling to compete?

Really big names, so I felt very happy and a bit proud. However, I’ve been pro speaker for 12 years and have been doing 412 keynotes around the world so far at many great events. But not on Webit yet. So trust me, I was highly motivated to be part of your line-up ;-)

- What was your motivation to apply for a speaker at Webit and What are your expectations from the 6th Webit Global Congress?

What Webite has achieved is phenomenal in my eyes. It was a bucket list thing. I needed to speak here as well.

- We have more than 300 media from all around the world there that are very curious for news and launches so please share with us in before just a part of your topic so to keep it hot..:)

I will give insights into the largest advertising pitch in the world. How the $ 5 billion account global account Unilever was won with big-data, adaptive media modelling and predictive marketing. A scoop to the world with many actionable insights.

- Who would you advise to attend Webit Global Congress and why?

Exponential technologies will disrupt all industries. So I would recommend everybody in the C-level suite to come to Webit. Hurry up and book your Webit tickets now!

Igor is one of Europe’s most wanted professional speakers, valued as one of the leading independent and outspoken voices on emerging trends, brands, marketing, media and disruptive innovations. He delivered 412 keynote speeches in 42 countries and fired up events like Google Zeitgeist, IAA, Ad Tech, Social Media World Forum, Social Marketers Summit, IAB Europe and WPP Stream. Audiences around the globe have rated Igor’s stories as thought provoking, refreshing and inspiring: "the true rockstar of pro speakers". Here are some of Igor’s career highlights:

• Pro speaker for Speakers Academy since 2002
• Consulted for 25 of the Fortune 500 companies
• Angel investor in tech, media and lifestyle start-ups
• Board member at media, tech, retail and entertainment firms
• Started 3 multi-million dollar businesses from scratch (acquired by WPP)
• Global Chief Social Officer at Mindshare (part of WPP - NASDAQ: WPPGY)
• Editor-in-Chief at ViralBlog.com, ranked #43 in the AdAge Power150
• Chairman at IAB for 5 years, member since 1997
• Jury member at Webby, Esprix and AMMA Awards
• Chief Commercial Officer at Telefonica O2
• Chief Marketing Officer at TeliaSonera
• Chief Digital Officer at Scoot

Igor Beuker is passionate about marketing and disruptive innovations. However, no words can describe him, so come at the 6th Global Webit Congress to see him with your eyes. And … the end of August is here. So, it’s your last chance for early bird prices.