CiscoLive has been getting bigger every year. The logistics of making the show work so well can be staggering and there is a small group of people from Cisco that are responsible for it. Every year they are challenged with bringing fresh, new experiences to attendees and every year they do a great job.
One of the big changes that a lot of people noticed for 2018 is the loss of the Social Media Pass. While this was a relatively inexpensive way to go to CiscoLive, it really did not have a lot of perks. If I am going to CiscoLive, I want to hear from visionaries and technologists so I can bring back great information. I go on the full conference pass since I want to hear from the technologists – the people that help make Cisco’s products. But that may not be for everyone.
Technology immersion is not the only part of CiscoLive. So, in 2018 the CiscoLive Team has given customers a new option: the Imagine Pass. This pass has a cost ($695 for early bird pricing) but it comes with some really good features. Basically, the return on investment (ROI) is pretty good. Just like the Social Media Pass from before, you get to go to all the keynotes, the Customer Appreciation Event, and the World of Solution floor. The difference is that you get meals and access to the Innovation Showcase and Big Ideas Theater, which are both new for 2018.
But what is the Big Ideas Theater? Just from the name, you can guess that it is about ideas, concepts, and visionary thought. The theater will contain a diverse lineup of thought leaders, strategists, technologists, and other provocative voices from across industries. This looks to be a great change for Cisco attendees that don’t want to immerse themselves in the technology tracks. Here is the official lineup:
Monday:
1:30 – 2:30 pm: Star Search
Hakeem Oluseyi (Astrophysicist and the Space Sciences Education Lead for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters)
4:00 – 5:00pm: Shift Your Brilliance: Leading Amidst Uncertainty
Simon Bailey (Best-selling author and renowned teacher)
Tuesday:
9:00 – 10:00 am: Emotional AI and the Future of Work
Dr. Rana el Kaliouby (Pioneer in Emotional AI, Co-Founder and CEO of Affectiva)
1:30 – 2:30 pm: Herding Tigers: Be The Leader The Creative People Need
Todd Henry (Author, Inspiring Speaker and Expert on Managing Creatives)
4:00 – 5:00 pm: Finding Your True North: Possibility Through Positivity
Grant Korgan (World-class adventurer, Nano scientist, and professional athlete)
Wednesday:
9:00 – 10:00 am: The Future Is Talent
Jenna Carpenter (Founding Dean & Professor of Engineering at Campbell University)
1:30 – 2:30 pm: The Neuroscience of Innovation
Amy Posey (CEO & Facilitator)
4:00 – 5:00 pm: How This Entrepreneur Turned Her Diet Soda Addiction Into a Company
Kara Goldin (Founder & CEO of Hint Water)