Reigniting the Entrepreneurial Spirit: Insights from SISO's Groundbreaking Panel

At a time when the pace of innovation can feel daunting, the SISO conference's provocative panel— moderated by Douglas Emslie and featuring Michelle from Fast Forward Hospitality, Jon Weiner from FinTech, and Stu Salomon from Quantum Events-posed a question that resonates across our industry: Have we lost the entrepreneurial spirit?

The answer, as revealed by these trailblazers, is a resounding no. Instead, entrepreneurship in events is evolving, fueled by vision, resilience, and a willingness to break new ground.

The Changing Face of Innovation

Innovation isn’t the exclusive domain of the young or the traditionally entrepreneurial. Michelle’s story is proof: in a single year, she launched two distinct events—a first-of-its-kind conference for tasting room owners and a show dedicated to the Creator economy. Her journey demonstrates that entrepreneurial energy knows no age or boundary. It’s about identifying unmet needs and having the courage to serve them.

Quantum Leap: From Consulting to Event Creation

Stu Salomon’s path is a testament to the power of curiosity and adaptability. With no prior events background, he transformed his consulting work with ConnectED DMV into a thriving quantum industry conference. “We weren’t setting out to create an event,” Stu shared. “We were studying next-generation transformative industries and saw an unmet need in the quantum space.” Sometimes, the most impactful ventures emerge from unexpected places.

The Investment Ecosystem: More Than Just Money

Strategic investment is the lifeblood of successful events. Jon Weiner, a serial event creator, underscored the value of investors who bring more than capital to the table. “For entrepreneurs with no clue about events, having a group like EVG provide both money and knowledge is amazing,” he noted. At EVG, we believe in empowering founders with not just funding, but also mentorship, industry insights, and a collaborative community.

Navigating Challenges and Knowing When to Pivot

The panelists were candid about the realities of event creation. Michelle highlighted the importance of team engagement and market responsiveness: “We look at whether the community is responsive, how our team feels, and if they’re excited about the project.” Jon added that early conversations about exits and scaling are essential, reminding us that a forward-looking strategy is key to sustainable growth.

The Future of Entrepreneurship

The panel’s closing message was clear: entrepreneurship is not defined by age or background, but by passion, market understanding, and the courage to take calculated risks. Whether you’re rooted in hospitality, FinTech, or pioneering fields like quantum computing, the opportunity to create transformative events is wide open for those ready to seize it.

Key Takeaways:

• Innovation transcends generational boundaries

• Strategic investment and mentorship are crucial for event success

• Passion and market understanding drive entrepreneurship

• Continuous learning and adaptability are essential