Tech talks at Net Prophet 2013

This year marked the fifth annual event and the first time that Net Prophet was held at Artscape Theatre, a venue that was far easier to find compared to Mutual Park (and more convenient if you've been there enough times to know how to find a bathroom without a queue). The event also included free Wi-Fi and abundant but discreet power cables to charge your equipment during the day. (All those people glued to all those glowing screens used the equivalent of three soon-to-be replaced trees.)

Informative, inspiring, and lots of fun

The day included a line-up of local and international speakers, some of whom made me wish that Net Prophet was stricter on timing like TED Talks, while others made me eager to talk to them afterwards. Alas, as I was one of the 1000 people who opted for a free ticket (and was unable to charm my way into VIP access, media card be damned), connecting with them via Twitter will have to do.

All in all, the day was informative, inspiring, and lots of fun. (What's not to love about Lonesome Dave Ferguson doing some impressive stuff with a harmonica, reminiscent of what Jeremy Loops did last year, and free goodies delivered via an air gun?) And even though Net Prophet is focused on technology and entrepreneurship, some of my favourite talks were those that had broader appeal, including Andre de Wet, Sylvia Brune, Don Packett, Robyn Hobson (who left the audience gasping aloud whenever her stilettos came dangerously close to her smartphone on the stage), and Bob Skinstad (who gave everyone in the audience a Power Ball lottery ticket for reasons I can't recall).

So, whether or not you think "it's all geek to me", Net Prophet will leave you feeling inspired to do great things in your field. Make sure you're there next year to understand why!

Net Prophet was started by the RAMP Foundation, a non-profit entity created by the RAMP Group as a means for social investment within the local internet-based economy. If you have been inspired through the Net Prophet conference or one of their other initiatives, pay it forward and help someone with potential to become a future entrepreneur. Go to donate.netprophet.org.za and make a contribution. Do it. Do it now.

www.netprophet.org.za