The Problem With Anthropy
I sometimes find there is a problem with Anthropy, namely it doesn’t fit in other people’s expectations. When they first hear about it, now the UK's largest national gathering of leaders focused on Britain’s future, the reaction can be one of confusion or even scepticism. "What exactly is Anthropy?" "Why should it matter to me or my organisation?" and "How does it differ from the myriad of other conferences and gatherings I get asked to attend?"
These are common questions, often raised I have to say by those entrenched in traditional ways of thinking, those who may not immediately see the broader picture or the transformative potential that Anthropy holds, or in particular the wider role they can play. It can be personally incredibly frustrating and I just wonder if those of you who believe in Anthropy can help by understanding the main challenges that can make Anthropy difficult to comprehend for the uninitiated and perhaps spread the word in your own networks as to why it is what it is.
Firstly, this is Not Your Typical Siloed Conference: Unlike the majority of conferences, Anthropy doesn't fit neatly into a specific sector or industry. It isn’t designed around a singular theme or a narrowly defined field. For decision-makers and budget holders, who are used to ticking boxes, be it for sponsorship, attendance, or even simply understanding the event, this can be disorienting. "Where does this fit in our strategy?" they might wonder. The truth is, Anthropy was always about defying these conventional boundaries. Anthropy has never been about focusing on just one industry or a singular problem, it is about the entirety of breadth of what makes Britain what it is. In year one I described it as a ‘launchpad’ , where diverse voices from all sectors could converge to share ideas, challenge norms, and create new solutions. It is a place where the intersections between sectors are explored, where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts but this can be difficult to grasp for those who are used to the comfort of clearly defined silos. But it is precisely this breaking down of barriers that makes Anthropy so powerful and why I created this saying and sign which famously greets people when they arrive:
I stage it at An Inconvenient Location: The Eden Project, Cornwall: Another hurdle for many in their thinking is the location. The Eden Project in Cornwall is not the most accessible venue, especially for those based in major cities or other parts of the UK. It is many hours away by train, car, or even plane and this distance can be off-putting for potential attendees. “Why not hold it somewhere central?” some might ask. Well that was always the option in year one, where I was being encouraged to stage it in London or Oxford, but this question misses the point of my decision. The Eden Project is not just a venue; it is an integral part of the Anthropy experience. Nestled in the heart of Cornwall, the Eden Project offers an unparalleled backdrop where delegates can engage in discussions amidst the World’s largest indoor rainforest or within the Mediterranean biome environment. This setting isn’t just about aesthetics, it firstly is a case study in re-imagining a redundant industrial hole in the ground and it is all about fostering a different mindset, encouraging participants to go beyond the usual confines of an urban conference room. It is about connecting with nature, with the environment, and with one another in a way that simply wouldn't be possible elsewhere. It makes attendees not just think differently, but feel differently.
Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon fireside chat with The Telegraph’s Kamal Ahmed in the Med Biome
It is about Real Life not Virtual: In the age of Zoom and Microsoft Teams, where every conference seems to offer hybrid options or fully virtual participation, Anthropy stands apart by insisting on in-person attendance. For many, this might seem outdated or even exclusionary. “Why can’t I just join virtually?” is a question that’s often posed to me by some of the speakers I try to engage.
The answer lies in the nature of human interaction. By demanding that all speakers and participants be present in person, I know Anthropy fosters a deeper level of engagement and experience. There is no option to "half-participate" from behind a screen. Instead, everyone is fully present, fully engaged, and fully committed to the discussions at hand. This creates an atmosphere of immediacy, of importance, that simply can't be replicated in a virtual setting. It forces people out of their comfort zones, making them part of something larger than themselves. Equally by staging it where I do, it means people have to make a serious decision to participate or not, in the same way they might decide to go to an international conference. It requires the same degree of seriousness as being attracted to Davos or the such like, although with Anthropy at least the local Cornish economy benefits from the delegate spend.
Why These Challenges Are Anthropy’s Strengths
So, why should anyone embrace these challenges rather than shy away from them? The answer lies in what I know makes Anthropy truly unique.
Breaking Down Silos for New Perspectives: To solve the complex issues of our time, we need to move beyond the traditional boundaries that have long defined our thinking. Anthropy does just that by bringing together diverse perspectives from all sectors, government, business, academia, civil society, and more. It is a melting pot of ideas, where participants are encouraged to think differently, to question their assumptions, and to consider new possibilities. This is where innovation happens, at the intersection of disciplines, in the space between the silos.
A Unique, Immersive Environment: The Eden Project is not just a venue; it is an experience. Where else can you attend a conference session in a rainforest, then step into a Mediterranean climate for the next? This immersion in different environments is more than just a novelty, it is a way to stimulate different ways of thinking and feeling. When you are surrounded by nature, by the very ecosystems we need to protect and preserve, it changes your perspective. It reminds you of the bigger picture, of the interconnectedness of all things.
Commitment Through Presence: In a world where it is all too easy to be distracted, to multi-task, and to disengage, Anthropy’s insistence on in-person participation is a radical act. It says, “This matters. Be here. Be present.” This commitment fosters a deeper level of engagement, both from speakers and delegates. It creates a sense of urgency, of importance, that simply cannot be replicated through a screen. It is in this space of focused attention that real connections are made, that ideas are shared, and that progress is achieved.
The Logic and Magic of Anthropy
In essence, Anthropy is a unique blend of logic and magic. The logic lies in its national agenda, its focus on addressing the critical issues facing the UK and the world, but the magic comes from the human experience, from the connections made, the ideas shared, and the inspiration drawn from being in a truly unique environment.
For those who have been part of Anthropy before, I urge you to spread the word and help me convince those new to the opportunity, to break out of their conventional thinking. Help others see what you have seen, feel what you have felt. We are on the cusp of something extraordinary, something that has the potential to evolve into a major national force for good in this year, particularly with a new Government, but we need your help to get there. Consider your role in this journey, not just as a participant, but as a member of a community dedicated to shaping the future.
As the founder of Anthropy, I want to express my deep appreciation for everyone who has been part of this journey so far. Your engagement, your ideas, your commitment, these are the things that make Anthropy what it is. But I also want to share my greatest frustration: when I encounter budget holders or decision-makers who ask, “What’s in it for us?” or “What’s your impact?” without considering the real return is for their understanding of their wider role in shaping Britain and the impact they themselves could have. Anthropy is not just something one attends; it is something one contributes to. The value derived is directly related to what is put in…..and the impact? That’s something we all create together.
So, I call upon anyone who considers themselves an Anthropist, firstly to pledge to join us again in March 2025 and also to try and encourage others to do the same. Together, let us shape Britain for the better, let’s break down the barriers, challenge the norms, and create a future that reflects the best of all of us. Thank you for reading and if you haven’t yet booked your early bird tickets they can be found at this link here: Anthropy Early Bird
