Saying goodbye to 2023

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This week we’re quoting loads of people, actually. 

It’s the end of 2023, and we’re feeling nostalgic – it’s been a huge year for LEAP, and for our incredible global community. 

So we wanted to take one last opportunity to share some of the wonderful things LEAP speakers have told us about their experience of the event in Riyadh, before we look ahead at what to expect at LEAP 2024. 

Will we see you there? 

At LEAP 2023, we networked 

According to Nick Cooney (Founder and Managing Partner at Lever VC), “It was great to make a lot of useful connections at the event which will continue to be useful down the line.” 

Phnam Bagley (Space Architect at Nonfiction Design) added, “I met cool, smart, passionate people from all over the world. I look forward to developing relationships with KSA businesses and seeing how a California-based company like mine can do to accelerate innovation on Earth and in space.”

Kris Libunao (Executive Director and Chief Sustainability Officer at SmartCT) said:

“LEAP 2023 was a great networking platform. I was able to meet with specialists in the field, and influential experts in my field. It’s a great event where I was able to share my ideas, gain knowledge from others' experiences, and even identified possible partners for future initiatives.”  

We shared knowledge 

Ghela Boskovich (Regional Director/Head of Europe at Financial Data and Technology Association) said: 

“Having so many industries convened in one spot made it so much easier to have conversations about the intersectionality of different data sets, and what potential use cases arise from blending those insights.”

And Anna Tutova (CEO at Coinstelegram) noted: 

“The event brought together influential figures from both government and tech sectors, including Saudi Arabian government officials, ministers, high-profile companies like Microsoft, Oracle, Google, Ericsson, Nokia and Aramco, as well as prominent tech investors. This gave me a unique platform to connect with key players in the industry and establish meaningful relationships.” 

And we walked away with renewed drive to achieve our goals 

Elliott Levine (Director Worldwide Education at Qualcomm) shared the unexpected inspiration he gained at LEAP 2023: 

“I was inspired by the many people with interest in education technology, but none more than the students that were able to attend my opening session. You could see their curiosity and desire to embrace technology to aid in their learning and their lives.” 

Tutova added: “I gained critical insights into emerging trends, such as the transformative power of AI in various industries, the metaverse's potential economic impact, industrial use of digital twins, open banking and fintech developments in the region.” 

And for Amy Peck (Founder and CEO at Endeavour XR), “The camaraderie between the speakers was also such a positive experience. I am still so inspired by the event and the future vision in Saudi – I don’t think it will ever fade!” 

So, what about LEAP 2024? 

LEAP 2023 was a resounding success. But as Mike Champion (CEO of Tahaluf) said, “We don’t want to stop there.” 

At LEAP 2024, we’ll have 110% square metres more space, which will enable us to host more than 2,000 exhibitors (up from 900 in 2023), and at least 1,300 investors. It’s happening in March – just a few months away. So if you haven’t already, we really encourage you to register now. 

When we interviewed Alvaro Abella (Managing Director at Gulf Capital), we asked him if there’s one thing he wishes he knew at the beginning of his career. And he said: 

“Nothing is constant but change! You need to be very adaptable and proactive in the world of alternative investments. As Bruce Lee once said, ‘Be Water My Friend!’”

If we had to tell you one good reason to join us at LEAP (and if we’re honest, there are many good reasons), we’d echo Abella: change is the only constant in the tech industry, and in order to be successful, you’ve got to be a part of that change. 

Have an idea for a topic you'd like us to cover? We're eager to hear it! Drop us a message and share your thoughts.

Catch you next week,
Richard McKeon
Marketing Director

P.S. - Mark your calendars for LEAP 2024 📅 4-7 March 2024. Want to be a part of the action?

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