All interesting stuff, Sue. As the start-up outsider looking from the outside in - particularly with regard to the passive atmosphere within that conference setting - I might add a further point.
For genuine innovators and disruptors still in the nascent stages of their business lives - those that are not just tinkering around the edges of existing business models and practices - the costs of attending, let alone speaking, at any of the major advertising/publishing conferences are prohibitive.
The net result of which is an increasingly sterile echo chamber.
The 'insiders' hear what they want to hear from fellow insiders. 'Everythings fine...'
The view from outside the industry never gets to be heard; no-one rocks the boat - particularly at a time when that boat is leaking like a sieve.
And that trend is only getting worse as B2B publishers, the MediaBriefings, the Digidays etc recognise conference hosting is a decent new revenue stream. Particularly when other areas of their business start to come under strain.
Minus new ideas and fresh voices, institutions become ever more institutionalised.
Wherein lies a huge and historical danger that the likes of a Joseph E Tainter have long recognised.
Read more at http://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/disagreement-lifeblood-industry/1374017#R6roosYuAzDAJhUf.99