May 15, 2011

In praise of opinion (not information)

Just back from interviewing smart folk in NY for a film for A Big Event on the future of the global economy and government tax strategies.  

Struck by a simple truth.  People don’t go to events, summits, conferences (call them what you will) for information, but for opinion.  In most industries the information is out there.  In volume.  Live.  Online.  Like thick alphabet soup.

What the live medium is about in our information-overloaded age is summary, insight and navigation.  Or put another way: opinion.  Great live business gatherings are about engaging with opinions that guide future actions. 

Obvious enough.  But how often have we all been to events where the guy at the front transmits a pile of information rather then opinion?  Thoughts?