About

TBD Conference

Founded in 2018

TBD Conference was created to challenge stale conference formats with editorial edge, and provocative critical thinking that equips attendees to make better decisions.

Based on the TBD Framework, introduced in the book Disruptive Technologies, TBD Conference underpins how participants interrogate signals, evaluate risks, and respond with sharper choices in uncertain environments. Probably why an attendee at the original TBD said the conference was ‘Like TED…withouth the bullsh!t”.

Different by Design

TBD rejects the conventional stage-and-audience structure. Attendees sit in the round, move together as a group between sessions, and learning is reinforced thanks to neuroscientists employing cutting-edge research, and psychological learning techniques. 

Six unique formats drive learning:

Solo (10-15) Mins

A single obsession or point of view distilled to its sharpest form

Fireside (20 mins)

A journalist puts a senior executive under honest, light grilling

Trio (30 mins)

A journalist or subject-matter expert drives a rapid debate between two opposing thinkers

Squad (40 mins)

Four experts talk without a moderator. One holds a “grenade” to throw if the room goes quiet

Flashcards (10 mins)

An expert responds live to unseen prompts, tested in real time

*NEW* Mebate (10 mins)

A one-person debate. The audience votes. The outcome is decided immediately.

The Experience Matters

Experience is central to the conference design. Resident slam poet Miss Yankey has performed every year, offering live interpretations that reframe, and go beyond, the day. Participants have created desk zen gardens that reflect what they just learned. Psychologically tested digital art breaks, guided breathwork, and Wing Tsun martial arts classes have been used to shift biochemistry to embed ideas. The aim is not passive consumption but embodied, memorable learning.

"Some conferences feel like abuse...what I love about TBD is that it’s not patronising, it assumes the viewer has intelligence."
“Like TED…without the bullsh!t.”

Virtual and IRL

During the pandemic, TBD created a vibrant virtual experience with Groovy Gecko. Interactive formats attracted a global audience, far beyond the physical event. Coverage in Fast Company, CNN, and Forbes highlights the role of TBD in reinventing the conference model and setting a higher standard for critical thinking. What started as a WhatsApp group per event is now an international network of peers who continue to share insight and support in TBD+.

TBD+

TBD+ extends the community year-round. Members include past speakers, attendees, brands, agencies, Pulitzer-Prize winners, and beyond! TBD+ membership includes video archives of all past conference sessions, plus exclusive articles, experiments, TNN monthly events, and discussions. Members learn business development skills, get exclusive opportunities, and can even host their own courses on the platform. Use this super secret link to get a discount on your membership.

Timeline

2018

The Next 24 Months

2019

Risk/Reward

2021

Mollitiam

2022

Espérance

2023

Materia

2024

Fascia

2025

Eigengrau

2026

Vanta

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