Ideas Expo Botswana Conference A Success

This year's Ideas Expo conference was about helping individuals understand that powerful ideas can transform brands.  Which is exacly what we need here in Botswana. People should not be afraid of their ideas. Let me give you a picture rundown of what went down at the conference. 

The crowd comprised of mostly young people, people in the media & communications, film and radio and arts sectors. it wasnt so formal, everyone was free to wear anything they wanted (you know how artists are, but i aint mad at you. rock on!). It was my kind of scene. Attendees felt free to comment on what the speakers discussed. Soo Relaxed.  For that i will give it an 8/10.

The decor was nice. I love the fact that they made the area look less formal by including couches on the stage. Nice touch. Ill give it a 7/10. Only because the conference chairs were not covered. Some of them were torn and it was a bit of an eye sore. I also like the fact that there was none of those generic plastic flowers and stupid trees on the stage. The exhibitions outside kept people occupied during breaks while they ate

The speaker lineup was hectic. I especially liked Xolisa Dyeshana (of Joe Public)'s presentation. He's Africa's Great Change Agent for sure. I'll give it an 9/10. Only because i think they could have done better when it came to the Botswana speakers, Mother's great, i met her, she's wonderful, but she didnt particularly gel with the rest of the speakers. Or maybe because she's like me: not good with pu

blic speaking..maybe.

 

After the conference we were all invited to Thapong Visual Arts Centre for a social mixer. Intimate crowd, Basarwa Band playing in the background, LeshyLovesong serenating us with her poetry, artworks sorrounding us. Not your usual Gabs spot. Most of all, creatives got to mingle with the speakers and each other all night. I definately formed a few relationships there. I'll give it an 8/10. The artists will also be performing at this year's Afri-can International Music festival. Which i wont miss for anything!

The numbers that turned up for the conference did not satisfy me. Batswana havent warmed up to the idea yet, but like i always say, "we'll get there". All in all i LOOVED it!