Conferences Redefined: Innovation, Connection, and Real Impact

How do big events like the Singapore FinTech Festival or Dreamforce actually shape industries—and even nations?In this episode, I chat with Amit Gupta and Harsh Rungta, two visionary leaders whose journeys are as impressive as the global meetups they frequent. Amit, a tech entrepreneur and Global Chair of TIE, and Harsh, a financial leader with a passion for innovation, share behind-the-scenes insights on the power of connections, collaboration, and community at these events.Discover how these meetups go beyond the surface to spark innovation, attract investment, and build ecosystems—all while sharing personal stories and strategies to make the most of every encounter!IN THIS EPISODE(00:00) What makes meetups more than just meetings?(00:30) The power move behind SFF's global success.(02:30) Bhutan's bucket-list pitch that stole the show.(05:30) Why the best events solve real-world problems.(09:30) Can AI transform the future of conferences?(14:30) Dreamforce: Innovation meets showmanship on a massive scale.(18:00) Why kids are a hit at Berkshire Hathaway.(25:00) TIE’s summits: Building entrepreneurial ecosystems globally.(29:00) Exclusive retreats where ideas and bonds flourish.(31:30) Turning quick chats into lifelong connections.Harsh Vardhan RungtaSuccessful, results-oriented professional with a solid record of accomplishments in a highly competitive, rapidly growing industry. Demonstrated leadership, problem solving, and planning skills resulting in bagging breakthrough clients and making inroads into new markets.https://www.linkedin.com/in/harsh-vardhan-rungta-b086656/AMIT GUPTAChairman, Global Board of Trustees, TiEFounder & Group CEO, Ecosystem GroupCo-Chair, MIIMAmit believes in the power of the digital economy, and it is with that belief that he founded Ecosystem, a next-generation Technology Research and Advisory Platform, and its spinoff Kampd, a professional communities-led social learning platform. Ecosystem democratises access to cutting-edge innovation, through its acquisition of CoVentured, an Australia-headquartered innovation discovery platform serving Fortune 500 enterprises globally.https://www.linkedin.com/in/amit-gupta-5320171/ HOSTCHANDAN DEEPChandan is an operator and advisor with a keen interest in scaling up high-growth tech businesses in Asia. Chandan is currently a VP at B Capital, a global venture capital firm with $6.5 Bn AUM. In her role, she leads strategy and operations, partnering with founders and leadership teams of their portfolio companies to drive growth and GTM. Previously, she was one of the early employees for Twitter in the region post IPO, scaling out their commercial operations across 6 markets to $100 Mn+ revenue run rate.  Prior to her venture into tech, she spent several formative years in management consulting across BCG and Accenture specialising in tech, media and telecom sectors. She can be reached on her email at [email protected] and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/chandandeep/. ABOUT TiE TalksTiE Talks brings to you leadership and venture-building lessons from founders, investors and experts in the TiE Singapore network, a vibrant ecosystem of Asian entrepreneurs, angel investors, venture capitalists, and industry professionals.—This podcast is powered by CrazyTok: We help experts become influencers by helping launch, produce and grow your custom-branded audio and video podcast channels.