HumanX Amsterdam was fun, engaging, and confusing.
The organizers did a great job, and the people were kind and open.
But some of the conversations left me with questions.
Questions left unanswered.
Maybe you can help.
Here are some of my insights from the 3-day conference:
- Nobody, and I mean nobody, knows exactly how AI will play out, both in micro and macro. Behind all the buzzwords, slogans, and good intentions, there’s underlying anxiety. The so-called “experts” don’t know more than you. They do, however, keep saying they are “pro-human.” Yes, that is actually a term a CEO used in one of the media sessions.
- Apparently AI needs context. That was the main selling point of 99% of vendors.
- The best GTM folks are actual hustlers. Most of them don’t come from Tech. And they understand conference selling 100X better than “career tech GTM” folks. Dear CEOs, choose your GTM team carefully. Look for ballers.
- As I already claimed, niche creator-led newsletters/outlets are the real deal. Shoutout to Jo from AI for Ecommerce. You are awesome. A straightforward newsletter name is the way to go.
- The handsome and funny reporter Christoph Schwaiger (from Tom’s Guide, among other outlets) should focus on writing more about Tech. Even though there are definitely benefits to him writing about plant seeds. Google how Brussels sprouts look before they are snatched. Also do the same on pineapples (thanks, Jo),
- Is AI already subtly maneuvering us into doing things it wants us to do?
- Until a robot can clean my dishes, I don’t care if it can dance. Signal over noise.
- Companies that focused on pre-event marketing beat companies that didn’t and got roughly 5X demo meetings.
- Claude and OpenAI are delaying IPO because of business model and open-source concerns; don’t fool yourself otherwise.
- The Next Web is doing great. Shoutout to my friend Cristian Dina, what a lovely and sleek workhorse.
- I hope there will be more Cybersecurity vendors at HumanX Vegas. They could really stand out compared to Black Hat, Gartner, and RSAC.
