Creativity is a muscle that needs exercise. The more you exercise that muscle, the more creative you become. So consider attending the BIFMA 360 Leadership Conference as part of your executive workout plan.
The theme for this year’s conference is “Creative Curiosity,” which is fitting since the 360 is all about industry leaders creating the future of the industry. Set for Jan. 27-29 at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort and Golf Club in Carlsbad, Calif., the conference is designed for industry leaders to set aside the day-to-day grind of operating a business and let them reflect and be inspired.

Deidre Jimenez, BIFMA’s president and CEO explains: “The 360 theme builds upon the previous year’s theme. In 2022, we focused on Navigating Next and recognized industries either disrupt or be disrupted. In 2023, we focused on defining the Future First through innovation and in 2024, finding innovation through Experimental Excellence. This year we finish the story by focusing on the key skill needed to innovate, disrupt and lead — Creative Curiosity.”
This is no boondoggle. The 360 is a leadership workout where executives gather to dig into the topics and be challenged by thought-provoking concepts presented by a line-up of first-class keynote speakers, who start almost as soon as the event begins.

The opening keynote is “The Theory of Creativity” presented by Duncan Wardle, founder of ID8 and the former head of innovation and creativity at Disney. In his role at Disney, Wardle and his team helped Imagineering, Lucasfilm, Marvel, Pixar and Disney Parks innovate and create magical new storylines and experiences for consumers around the globe. Today, he is on a mission to embed a culture of innovation into every company’s DNA. His presentation will be followed by a hands-on workshop.
Other speakers include:
Tara Cunningham, CEO of Beyond-Impact, who will present “Neurodiversity At Work.” She will explain ways of unlocking innovation and growth by harnessing neurodiversity for competitive advantage and business success. Neurodiversity celebrates all the differences in the human brain that are associated with leading, working, and processing information.

Andrew Winston, an advisor at Winston Eco-Strategies, who will present “Net Positive: How Courageous Companies Thrive by Giving More Than They Take.” Winston is a globally-recognized expert on megatrends, sustainable business, and how to build companies that profit by contributing to a thriving world. He was ranked No. 3 on the Thinkers50 list of the most influential management thinkers in the world.
Lital Marom, founder and president of UNFOLD and innovation strategist and visionary, presents “The Power of AI: Unleashing a New Era.” A thought leader on agile business processes and digital transformation, Lital Marom helps organizations unlock their potential by fostering exponential thinking, leveraging emerging technologies, and championing innovative business models. In her engaging and compelling talks, she inspires business leaders to disrupt their own norms and push beyond their limitations to future-proof their business.

David Shing, the “digital profit” known as Shingy is a visionary in the digital era, who closely observes the unfolding future in the vast online landscape. He passionately shares these insights, guiding conversations about our digital direction and its optimal utilization. His presentation is “Creative Re-Branding Using Digital Technologies.”
Of course, the conference also includes an economic outlook, this year from Todd Buchholz, CEO of Sproglit. His presentation will focus on how demographics, technology, and a populist bias against globalization are reshaping the economy, and what business owners and operators can do about it.

Creativity is definitely on tap, but BIFMA Director of Membership Services Andrew Kotman notes the event is planned with plenty of opportunity for colleagues and competitors to come together for social events as well, including the always-popular welcome reception and “speed dining” event that has attendees moving from table to table as a way to meet new people in the industry.
“We have a lot of new people coming this year. It will be a great first experience for them,” he said. “Some are industry veterans; some are relatively new to the industry. We also have several new members joining us this year. The networking continues to be a highlight of the conference.”



