Most Events Are The Same. This One Is Different.
At a time where inside-the-box thinking and partisan politics distract from real innovation, Future Frontiers offers an oasis from the convention of the day-to-day world. It is a place for entrepreneurs, a place for visionaries, and a place for pioneers to come together as we forge our way into the future.
Let’s be honest. Most events are the same.
Last year was my first year attending Future Frontiers in Austin, Texas, and it was the breath of fresh air I had been so desperately seeking. Each year, I find myself attending a slew of run-of-the-mill conferences ranging from topics as diverse as tech, economics, nutrition, cryptocurrency, and entrepreneurship.
Each event has its own unique branding and its own distinct mission. Yet, the events themselves are essentially carbon copies of each other. It’s not that there is anything particularly bad about these events, I just don’t feel anything while I’m there. Future Frontiers, on the other hand, was an entirely different experience.
As a writer, I am inspired by new ideas and emerging technologies that are helping humanity to flourish and pushing us further into the future. But these other events, even those focused on tech and innovation, seemed content to stay stagnant, focusing only on the problems, rather than the solutions.
From the second I walked into the venue I knew this was going to be different. While every other conference or convention had promised to push the boundaries of innovation and creativity in their respective fields, all had fallen short. Future Frontiers, on the other hand, was actually doing it.
Criticize by Creating
Instead of merely criticizing the world, Future Frontiers was presenting real solutions to some of the greatest obstacles facing humanity. Instead of complaining about pressing environmental issues, for example, Blue Frontiers’ Joe Quirk showed attendees how seasteading can actually help restore the environment without having to wait on public policy. Instead of criticizing our health care system, speakers at Future Frontiers presented viable solutions that are actually happening already.
One speaker spoke of a Dr. Devi Shetty from India, who had utilized the concept of economies of scale to help mass produce quality heart surgeries in order to drive down costs and make life-saving surgeries accessible to more people. Another speaker, Natasha Vita-More spoke of the burgeoning field of radical life extension that is helping humans live longer and healthier lives. The Foresight Institute’s Christine Peterson showed attendees how powerful technologies are in helping us find quality partners with whom we can spend our lives. But this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what this conference has to offer.
“There is really no way to accurately describe Future Frontiers unless you experience it firsthand”
There is really no way to accurately describe Future Frontiers unless you experience it firsthand. But one attendee described the weekend as, “If Burning Man and Ted had a baby, it would be Future Frontiers.” And I think it’s fair to say this holds true.
Over the course of three days, Future Frontiers introduced me to new concepts emerging in the world of cryptocurrency, biohacking, and the sharing economy, among so many others. I heard from brilliant entrepreneurs who are inspiring consciousness and alleviating poverty by creating value through commerce. And at the end of the conference, I was not left overwhelmed by all the problems facing the world. Instead, I was inspired and encouraged by the innovative solutions I had been presented with during my three days at Future Frontiers. The content of the conference, however, is equally matched by the caliber of people who are in attendance.
“The friends I made at Future Frontiers are not just the kind of people you see once a year.”
The friends I made at Future Frontiers are not just the kind of people you see once a year. Over the course of three days, I meditated, practiced yoga, laughed, and cried with some of the most amazing human souls I have ever had the privilege of knowing. These incredible people have become my community, and together we are pioneers exploring the future and pushing humanity further than ever before. I hope this year, you’ll join us.