360 Summit At The NYSE Nov 10

For the tenth year on November 10, Wf360 and NYSE Euronext will co-host a remarkable evening for 200 senior executive officers (what people call "C-suite," referring to CEO, CMO, CFO, etc.) and board directors of publicly traded companies and some other special guests.

It's a remarkable evening for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that it defies the traditional format of corporate dinners in New York: it is not a charity event, where companies "buy" a table, then fill it with people to whom they may owe a favor, like junior staff members, or people who are doing the company a favor just by being there.  This is an evening for which people cannot buy a ticket; they are personally invited.  The result is that virtually everyone who comes to this "must-attend-if-you're-asked" event can be assured that the other 9 people at their table will be peers, from a variety of industries, and with something to say.

It's a good thing, too, that they come with something to say because unlike the usual procession of keynote speakers, the 360 Summit keeps its focus on the attendees at their tables.  Conversations on a variety of the kind of topics that are on every business leader's mind, are facilitated throughout the evening.  Often, a guest is invited to stand and put into context a question that's been on his/her mind and share it with the rest of the group by posing the question, beginning with the words "What if...?"  The "what if...?" can be about anything: health care, the economy, attracting talent, global competition, whatever is on their mind. 

It's stimulating, provocative and leaves people with at least a few new near-friends with whom to get in touch again and, perhaps, continue the conversation in which they were so engaged at the table together.

It's a great way to see what some of the world's most influential executives and thought leaders are thinking about.  And by positioning the evening as a series of conversations, it's easy to get everyone engaged.

And, of course, that's what conversation--and Wf360--are all about.

 

This November 10 Summit will be extra special because it closes a decade of 360 Summits, and because it kicks off the next decade.  Every person at this dinner will have opinions about just where things could be at the end of the next decade.  Or will they?  Perhaps all of us have gotten shy about making predictions that go further than, say, quarterly results.  The 360 Summit is a good opportunity to dream a bit, about what we could make happen if the stars align as we want them too.

Right now we're in the throes of fielding the final rsvp's, and making arrangements for the evening's famously wonderful "goody bag," given to each guest as they leave.  Will keep you apprised.