About
Meaning connects and inspires the people who believe in better business.
Why Meaning?
The planet is in crisis. Our institutions are failing us. On this knife edge, business has a critical role to play in innovating and piloting new methods, approaches and ways of working to create a more sustainable, equitable and humane world.
As individuals we cannot afford the luxury of dividing our personal values from our daily working lives. The future is ours to create and we all have a role to play in making it a better one. So at Meaning we explore what it means to live, work and organise with integrity and purpose.
Meaning’s core themes…
- Progressive economics
What happens when capitalism is no longer working? - The future of work
How do we create meaning in a world where conventional work may no longer exist? And which organisational structures will best serve us? - Planet positive business
What kind of systemic change is needed to support people and planet? - Disruptive innovation
Who are the people making meaningful change happen? And what can we learn from them? - Personal growth
How do we need to develop as individuals to thrive in these volatile times? And what are the tools we need in order to have a meaningful impact with our work? - Modern leadership
What kind of leaders do we need – and what is leadership today anyway?
Who will be there?
- Big-thinking entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs looking for inspiration and community
- Leaders from large companies, charities and public-sector bodies
- Consultants and agencies looking for fresh thinking to help their clients thrive through the disruption
- HR professionals who believe people are at the heart of business
- Sustainability-driven innovators balancing profit and planet
- Students, apprentices and interns building purpose-driven business careers
- 500 passionate people who care deeply about creating a meaningful impact
Why come to Meaning?
- Inspiration
Hear mind-blowing ideas and find real world examples of pioneering businesses innovating to disrupt their own sectors and whole systems. - Challenge
Encounter uneasy ideas, unexpected emotions and alternative perspectives on the role of business in society. - Learning
Explore new ways to approach business problems and gain practical tools to take back into your work that will help you create the sort of future we can all get excited about. - Community
Find yourself at the heart of a warm, respectful, intelligent gathering of fellow travellers and potential collaborators. - Encouragement
Discover evidence that the possibility of a better business world goes way beyond theory or wishful thinking. It is already on its way. - Fun
Meaning is a hugely enjoyable event. You will meet some amazing people. You will laugh. You may also cry. And you will eat very tasty food.
Need to convince someone else to pay for your ticket? Here’s the business case.
Who’s behind Meaning?
Meaning was created by Brighton-based business transformation consultancy NixonMcInnes in 2012, as way of sharing stories about what happens when business is brave enough to think differently.
Meaning is now lovingly curated and produced under the stewardship of event director Louise Ash, along with a lot of much appreciated help and support from the NixonMcInnes alumni, event partners and many other wonderful friends and contributors.
Meaning is a non-profit-making event – every penny of income goes into creating the best possible experience for participants. We’re always keen to hear from partners and sponsors who can help us continue to create this very special event. There are big benefits to getting involved.