In an interview with Annabelle Mander, executive vice president of Tahaluf, we dive into the transformative vision behind LEAP 2025, the tech industry’s most anticipated event of the year.
From the theme “Into New Worlds” to the event’s new features and its alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Mander sheds light on how LEAP is paving the way for groundbreaking innovations and global collaborations.
LEAP returns this year for its fourth edition, and it is held under the theme “Into New Worlds”. Can you elaborate on this theme and share its importance given today’s tech landscape?
The theme “Into New Worlds” encapsulates the spirit of LEAP 2025. It speaks to the transformative power of technology and its ability to open new possibilities, new markets, and indeed, new worlds. In today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape, this theme is more relevant than ever. We’re witnessing breakthroughs in areas such as AI, mixed reality, and biotech – LEAP 2025 will explore these advancements, showcasing how they are reshaping industries and creating entirely new ones.
This theme is not just about the future; it’s about the present. The technologies being showcased at LEAP are already impacting our lives, from the way we work and communicate to the way we access healthcare and education. Attendees will have access to live showcases and hands-on interactive experiences that bring future tech to life. By bringing together innovators, investors, and industry leaders, LEAP 2025 will facilitate the conversations and collaborations needed to navigate these changes and harness the full potential of these modern technologies.
LEAP 2025 promises to be the event’s biggest edition yet, with features like Sports Tech Track, Tech Arena, and LEAP Nights. Can you talk more about these features? What other events should the attendees look forward to?
We’re incredibly excited about the new features at LEAP 2025. The Tech Arena’s interactive ‘tv-style’ format features live demonstrations and sessions hosted by BBC Click presenters and internationally renowned technology journalists Lara Lewington and Spencer Kelly. Designed to position visitors at the forefront of technological breakthroughs, everything from AI and Mixed Reality to Fashion Tech and Brain-Computer Interfaces feature, providing visitors a window into the future. With more than 170,000 attendees anticipated, exhibitors have the chance to captivate an audience of tech professionals, enthusiasts, and investors with their most innovative and impactful technologies. It’s a glimpse into the future, and it’s happening at LEAP.
The inaugural Sports Tech track meanwhile showcases the power of Saudi Arabia’s sporting passion and the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing sport as part of its Vision 2030 diversification goals and its recent winning bid to host the 2034 World Cup. Hosted by France and Manchester United football legend Patrice Evra, the Sports Tech stage features more than 30 sporting stars. Major names such as Javier Tebas, President of LALIGA; Grand Slam tennis champion Dominic Thiem; a host of former footballers ranging from Andrea Pirlo to Iker Casillas, former Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham OBE, and a host of high-ranking representatives from the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, and more. They will gather to discuss the latest innovations and trends, exploring how technology is transforming sports, from enhancing performance to creating new fan experiences.
Furthermore, LEAP 2025 brings 1,600+ investment leaders from BlackRock, UBS, Bank of America, General Atlantic, Eurazeo and Andreessen Horowitz, plus other influential investors shaping the future of funding.
This is the first time LEAP is transitioning to a ticketed model. What’s the reason behind this decision, and how do you see it impacting attendee engagement and the overall event experience?
The move to a ticketed model for LEAP 2025 is a strategic decision aimed at enhancing the overall event experience for all attendees. It allows us to better manage capacity, ensuring a more comfortable and less crowded environment. This will facilitate more meaningful interactions and networking opportunities. The revenue generated from ticket sales will be reinvested into the event, enabling us to curate even higher-quality content, attract more top-tier speakers, and provide enhanced facilities and services.
Ultimately, the ticketed model is about creating a more valuable experience for everyone involved. It signals a shift towards a more sustainable and professional event format, aligning LEAP with other leading global tech conferences. We believe this change will lead to increased attendee engagement, as they will have a greater sense of investment in the event and be more motivated to actively participate in the various sessions, workshops, and networking activities.
Read: LEAP 2025 to highlight innovation through culture, entertainment and heritage
LEAP is known for hosting an impressive lineup of speakers and thought leaders. Can you share some of this year’s speakers, and what unique insights or expertise will they bring to the event?
LEAP 2025 features its usual lineup of world renowned thought leaders and speakers – representing a diverse range of industries and expertise. They include: Arvind Krishna (Chairman and CEO, IBM), Enrique Lores (President and CEO, HP), Mohammed Kande, (Chairman, PwC), Nicola Mendelsohn CBE (Head of Global Business Group, Meta) and Omar Hatamleh (Chief AI Officer, NASA).
We are also hosting leaders from organisations like Oracle, Google, NBA, Formula E, BlackRock, Disney, and The GRAMMYs. This year’s speakers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to LEAP, offering unique insights into the latest trends and challenges shaping the tech landscape.
Attendees can expect to hear from experts on topics ranging from AI and cloud computing to sports technology and the future of entertainment. These speakers will share their perspectives on how technology is transforming their respective fields, offering valuable lessons, inspiring innovation, and solidifying LEAP’s position as a global platform for knowledge exchange.
LEAP is in support of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. In what ways does this year’s event further align with and contribute to the Kingdom’s ambition to become a global technology hub?
LEAP has always been aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a national strategy aimed at diversifying the economy and establishing the Kingdom as a global leader in various sectors, including technology. LEAP directly contributes to this vision by fostering a thriving tech ecosystem, attracting international investment, and promoting innovation. The event serves as a platform for highlighting Saudi Arabia’s advancements in technology and its commitment to becoming a global tech hub.
LEAP 2025 will facilitate knowledge transfer, connecting Saudi talent with global experts and providing opportunities for local businesses to collaborate with international partners. The exhibition also encourages investment in emerging technologies, supporting the development of a knowledge-based economy. By bringing together key players from around the world, LEAP enforces Saudi Arabia’s position on the global tech stage and contributes to the realization of Vision 2030’s ambitious goals.
In addition, Tahaluf would also like to thank the Saudi Ministry for Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), and the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones (SAFCSP) for being such incredible partners and LEAP co-organizers.
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