The 48forward future conference took place for the second time. Participants enjoyed a packed twelve-hour program with numerous renowned speakers and a broad range of topics.
Thursday morning, 9:00 a.m. Freiheiz, an old turbine factory right next to the Donnersberger Bridge, gradually fills with people all interested in one topic: the future.
The future — more than just blabla
What does the future look like? This question also opened Kurt Kapp, Head of Economic Development and Deputy Head of the Department of Labor and Economic Development of the City of Munich, addressed the one-day conference. He noted that while the future holds many unanswered questions, it also offers many opportunities and scope for action.
The 48forward is divided into several thematic blocks such as “Future of Work”, “Future of Media” or “Future of Health”The speaker panels are usually followed by a short panel discussion to explore a topic from multiple perspectives. Host Daniel Fürg emphasizes this conference's importance:
"What we definitely don't want is the usual marketing blabber. We need a society that knows what's going on: We want to address issues more at a meta level and, in this context, talk about current developments and their consequences."
Whether the meta-level was actually touched upon in every presentation slot is something everyone has to decide for themselves. We think many speakers were able to inspire and certainly stimulate the audience to reflect and think further. Nico Lumma, in particular, “Talking about our society…” called for political participation, among other things, and asked how fewer people “left behind” Because it is precisely this feeling of "no longer being able to keep up" that generates social tensions that can lead to extremes such as Trump, Brexit, or AfD.
Lumma sees digitalization as a crucial factor: He considers the expansion of and access to high-speed internet and digital topics in the curriculum to be absolutely necessary. Lumma concludes his lecture with the following plea: “Get going, cause time is running!”
The financing tip: Take the money!
Entrepreneurship was also not neglected, and was covered, among other things, by a panel discussion. Freya Oehle of spottster, Pia Poppenreiter of Ohlala, Veronika Leitermann of Caremondo, and Yacine Coco of Talent Rocket addressed the question: What can entrepreneurship look like in a world that is constantly and rapidly changing?
The founders also shared a lot about their own experiences in the startup world, offering helpful tips and insights to the young and startup-savvy audience. For example, on the topic of financing, Yacine Coco said:
“If there is money on the table, take it — and run!”
Or when the founders talked about their biggest mistakes. Veronika from Caremondo said:
"One of my main learnings was, that I didn't focus enough at the beginning. This doesn't sound like a big term, but as a founder of an early stage startup you have so many opportunities every day. So you have to tell yourself every day: Focus! Focus on those things, which lead you to reach the next milestone."
Paula Schwarz, founder of the Startupboat.eu on stage, and reported how her initiative brings together a wide variety of stakeholders, thereby generating new solutions, for example, in issues of refugee policy. The speaker invited everyone present to participate in this fascinating topic.
Our conclusion: 48forward and Daniel Fürg once again succeeded in bringing outstanding speakers to Munich, covering a wide range of topics. And moderator Hannah Klose, with her usual charming and competent style, managed to keep the audience entertained throughout.
What we take away: In the panel “Future of Media” The question arose as to whether journalism was dead. Mustafa Isik of the BR commented: "Stop victimizing yourself! The need for journalism was never bigger!"
