We have all been to enough conferences whether as attendee or speaker to guage at the badge collection point if the gig is likely to be hot, warm or cold. So how did Vision 2011 turn out?

 The conference launched with Andrew Keen delivering a thought provoking talk on the impact of new technology on 21st century business, education and society. Andrew demonstrated how data is the new oil, what exactly web 3.0 is and how the Internet is the cause and creation of an old breaking down industrial system.

The TV convergence panel chaired by Paul Appleby gave a fascinating insight to the future of the screen in the living room from both a broadcaster point of view and the people behind the emerging platforms that will compliment it.

Harry Pearce, a partner at Pentagram and a member of the advisory board for Witness working with Peter Gabriel for the human rights charity, demonstrated powerful spatial design print that stunned the auditorium into silence as every creative mind reevaluated just what beautiful design was capable of achieving.

Every talk gave delegates food for thought with many sessions including a nod towards how understanding the irrational human mind enables us to create a better experience for customers. Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman of Ogilvy and a behavioural economics evangelist demonstrated how, contrary to many marketing folks belief, brand preference is not carried around in our heads. 

Finally, two days and 24 speakers later, Dave Trott closed the conference with a credible way to sell advertising. His use of science, common sense and humour left everyone in no doubt that the creative industry can and will continue to thrive if we remember that there is weakness in complexity and strength in simplicity.

The main gallery at the Arnolfini buzzed with 160+ delegates exchanging new ideas, forging new connections and a bit of clock watching to ensure a good seat for the next speaker. 

Kate's Kitchen provided healthy eats that hit the spot with comments such as 'it was the best conference lunch I've ever had!'.

All the delegates, sponsors and exhibitors seemed to leave full of optimism for our industry moving forward, a head full of changes that must be made, an iPhone full of new contacts and looking forward to Vision 2012.

 Many delegates commented that there were so many great speakers and they had not been able to see them all.  Don't worry - there will be excerpts from each of the sessions on www.visionbristol.co.uk as soon as we can edit them.  And don't forget if you are feeling overwhelmed by information now you're back at your desk and you don't know how to start putting it all into practice, Vision For Change is here to help you.  Email caroline@bristolmedia.co.uk to reserve your place.