Why did I choose 4 Years From Now over the famous Web Summit?
I’ve heard over and over again that the Web Summit is the biggest event of its type in the software development industry. And that’s true. It’s the biggest. But is it the best? Web Summit has around 30.000 attendees. 4YFN has around 20.000. Well, you will not meet even 10% of them anyway, so the size does not really matter. What does?
What’s the real value?
Let’s be honest, being in a huge conference makes us feel excited, having Mark Zuckerberg on stage makes us feel excited, but is it what we really go to a conference for? Let’s see what Mark usually talks about — flying drones providing internet to 3rd world countries. It’s a very generous project, sure, but it does not matter for 99% of us.
The majority of us go to conferences because we want to improve our business. More specifically, we want:
- Connections
- Useful information
- Inspiration
Each of these elements is easier to get on a conference that is specialized. And 4YFN is so. This conference is organized next to Mobile World Congress — the biggest conference in the world dedicated the mobile industry.
4YFN is focused on startups, new technologies, investors. There are no so many people that try to sell you something. It’s more about co-creation and innovation.
What’s the problem with Web Summit?
Problem #1: Web Summit became a very profitable business for its funders. They just want to earn more money, by attracting more participants with high-level speakers like Mark Zuckerberg. A conference that considers profits to be most important is never a good idea.
Problem #2: It’s too general. Not having a specific niche is painful for the attentees. You can meet 10 random people there, and only one of them will be a match for you. It’s because Web Summit attracts all variety of companies working on the web technologies.
Problem #3: Prices. Web summit ~€800, 4YFN €300 (or half of it, if you use the promo code below). For €800 you either should have very specialized conferences with the best CEO’s, or you should have a VIP pass and the possibility to meet speakers. The strongest group of companies that can afford to buy tickets for €800 are those who treat it as a direct investment and are looking for new customers. It means that there is a lot of software houses. I have nothing against them, but having too many of then in one place does not make sense.
See you on 4YFN!
If you want to participate, you can get a ticket for half price using the promo code below.
4YFN at Mobile World Congress (26–28 February, Barcelona) is a 3 day startup event that will take you on a fascinating journey to discover over 600 disruptive companies; show you how traditional industries are transforming and ways in which society are innovating their surroundings through education and communication.
From talks, workshops and inspiring keynotes to the latest pioneering projects from startup booths, 4YFN will show you unique projects that are paving the way for our future! More info here: https://www.4yfn.com/event/4yfn-barcelona-2018/
You can buy your half-price ticket (for €150) here: https://registration.4yfn.com/#/ home using the discount code: MEETUP150 until the end of January.
