Existing Talks Tracks
The META Trend Briefing: The Only Cultural Forecast You Need
Drawing upon an unprecedented analysis of 500+ global trend reports over the past decade, what can we learn about our future? This rigorous, data-driven trend briefing delivers cultural intelligence you won't find anywhere else.
As creator of the world's most widely-read annual trend forecast, I'll share distilled wisdom from thousands of cultural predictions, the largest emerging social shifts, and most importantly, the strategies organisations can use to better resonate within the zeitgeist. This briefing is ideal for executives, strategists or innovation teams which require reliable cultural intelligence to inform business decisions.
Attendees will gain confidence in what's really worth paying attention to in culture and how to both navigate social change accordingly.
Foresight as Activism: How to Resonate in Culture by Authoring the Future
Stop passively analysing trends and start actively shaping culture. As a veteran trend forecaster for the largest organizations in the world, I challenge conventional wisdom with the truth: "Trends are BS."
This keynote reveals how organisations can transition from sideline observers, to developers of meaningful social change by engaging with online communities. Here, we'll dive into a powerful alternative to traditional trend analysis with case studies and thinking that teams can apply that very afternoon.
Perfect for forward-thinking executives, strategists, and innovation teams ready to stop chasing culture and begin creating it. Attendees will leave with practical tools to immediately transform their approach to cultural relevance and market positioning.
Audience Capture: How to Reclaim Creative Integrity Amidst Algorithmic Fatigue
Are you creating for yourself or for the algorithm? This eye-opening creator therapy session exposes the hidden psychological forces and agendas manipulating creators, turning them into soulless content machines.
Creators were once in control, taking risks and moving culture. Today, metrics, audiences and platforms dictate how we show up. We must strike equilibrium again. Drawing from cutting-edge social science research and media theory, we'll unpack how "Audience Capture" is risking our creativity and sanity online, affecting everyone from institutions to everyday social media users.
Essential for creators, marketers, creative professions and everyone with online presence who feels increasingly controlled by likes. Audiences will walk away creatively empowered, more diligent of platforms' dangerous dynamics, and equipped with a refreshed sense of autonomy to build more meaningful audience relationships.
Background
Based in New York, Matt leads Global Foresight & Research Methods at Reddit, and is a Webby Award–winning writer recognised as a “Top Voice in Market Research.” Over the past decade, he has advised clients from Google to UNICEF, and McDonald’s to The Met, on subjects ranging from fandom culture to AI ethics.
His critically acclaimed publication ZINE explores the interplay between media, technology and society, and his work has been featured in The New York Times, VICE, The Guardian, and more. Matt is also the creator of the META Trends Report and co-founder of The Tiny Awards.
A guest lecturer at NYU and The New School, and speaker at SXSW and MoMA, he brings both intellectual depth and cultural sharpness to every stage and engagement.
