If we have a platform for the conference that is a funnel to the forum where the conference presentations and discussions within the forum we build habit that there is community.
Sustainability needs energy (& revenue). They come from use. Use comes from familiarity and belonging (Maslow’s hierarchy of need etc). If we have a conference platform and we design a user experience that ignores or marginalise the forum then we take no advantage and possibly The efforts actually become disabling In terms of community growth and thus discussion and thus extension of ideas and thus uptake and therefore the growth of valuable ecosystem
Taking a copy of the document to ease accessibility and commentary - It’s long and I haven’t read it all yet but I did have 2 comments. A comment on the opening part of “big purpose”: I’d say ”Sharing the knowledge of big integrated governance and progressing it’s development. "
IE accentuating there is something to share and then holding out the offer to be involved in future development. Just 2¢ aimed at establishing there is already a valuable BoK 1st
And … If you want to change the context / culture in a discontinuous step-wise manner then you need a stronger force that invalidates the current status quo and often a disaster better yet somebody else’s disaster is required plus you need personal motivation for everyone involved and motivation is generally strongest when it is The threat of loss of something valued or opportunity for the addition of a much larger benefit (See my many musings on leading complex change/projects - eg https://logicalmodel.net/t/lcp/index.html#inbrowser)
In addition to ongoing, background development – many of us need a mountain to climb, a goal to score, a prize to win. Hence – a conference is to be a focal point for progress, and that stepping stone to the future.
So a conference cannot be about explaining what exists – it has to be a celebration and a melting pot at the same time. It needs to inspire us.
What has dragged me down over recent years is professional groups not being able to see the BIG picture. The focus on their perspective, with little will to join it all up. Being controversial – this could be seen as gutless parochialism. How can we get past people being resigned to fix what they can - to step change what is needed? What has inspired me recently is that seasoned professionals from the strategy, governance, risk, and change thought leadership domains have achieved some basic realisation:
• “Totally agree that strategy delivery often gets left to chance when it should be a deliberate, integrated process”
• “I see this all too often, especially the notion that strategy delivery still feels like crossing fingers for many leadership teams.”
Furthermore, they understand how BIG provides something which does not come from each of their domains, but needs to come from all domains:
• “Love the clarity around Business Integrated Governance – it’s refreshing to see it framed as an enabler, not just a compliance box-tick”
• “What stands out in the BIG approach is the emphasis on integrating decision-making from vision through to operational cadence. That’s the missing bridge in so many organisations: strategy lives in PowerPoint, governance keeps the ship afloat — and never the twain shall meet.”
The mission for the Conference – pre, during and post – is to help organisations see that there is a way to connect from purpose, to vision, to strategy, delivery – and back again my leveraging integrated governance as an enabler – and that it is achievable by thinking BIG.
Conference Purpose Statement
The BIG Conference 2025 will be the inaugural global event to introduce, promote, and activate the BIG (Business Integrated Governance) community. Its purpose is to raise awareness, generate engagement, and build momentum for integrated governance by
• Providing a “101’ introduction to what is, why do it, and how to get an initiative off the ground
• Showcasing its value, tools, and real-world impact.
• Providing a platform to connect people, promote thought leadership, and attract collaboration and investment.
• Generating funds and relationships to operate the Community Interest Company
Conference Goals
Raise awareness and visibility of BIG and integrated governance across global professional communities – the why, for who, the what and how.
Grow the BIG community by attracting significantly more members, contributors, and collaborators (individuals and professional groups).
Demonstrate the value of BIG through practical tools (e.g., readiness assessments), case studies, and speaker insights.
Engage sponsors and partners to support and co-promote the conference, with mutually beneficial exposure.
Facilitate interaction and content creation, allowing participants to shape the future of BIG and share insights.
Generate momentum for future events, membership growth, and wider recognition and adoption of integrated governance thinking.
Generate funding, to enable the operation of the CIC, and professional support for developing the Body of Knowledge
Drive usage, as if there is no usage, there is no point
Benefits by Stakeholder Group
✅ Attendees
• Discover what BIG is, how it works, and why integrated governance matters.
• Participate in interactive sessions such as readiness/maturity assessments, workshops, and Q&A panels.
• Gain exposure to emerging governance trends, tools, and best practices.
• Receive a certificate of participation or digital badge to share professionally.
• Opportunity to connect with a growing international community of governance professionals.
✅ Commercial Partners and Sponsors
(Note - A Commercial Partner is a company that works to develop business around BIG. A Sponsor may only support the event)
• Access a targeted, global audience of professionals and decision-makers interested in governance, strategy, and transformation.
• Receive tiered visibility opportunities (e.g., branding, speaking slots, featured content).
• Position themselves as thought leaders in governance innovation.
• Gain qualified leads and networking opportunities via attendee engagement and follow-up.
• Contribute to the growth of a pioneering movement and social enterprise, supporting innovation and industry change.
✅ Partners & Collaborators (e.g., professional bodies, media, networks)
• Co-branding and visibility across event marketing, sessions, and post-event communications.
• Opportunities to host breakout sessions or roundtables aligned with shared goals.
• Access to content and insights from attendee engagement (e.g., survey data, readiness insights).
• Strengthen their own communities by offering new, high-quality governance content.
• Influence the future direction of BIG through active involvement and feedback.
✅ Organisers, Contributors, and Volunteers
• Shape the design and delivery of a high-impact international event.
• Build leadership credibility and visibility within the governance space.
• Receive public recognition for contributions (e.g., “Founding Organiser”, “Conference Ambassador”).
• Network with sponsors, speakers, and influential partners.
• Gain skills and experience in conference planning, facilitation, and strategic outreach.
• Receive a reference from BIG CIC leadership for help and support provided
the document content to make it easier to foster conversation debate idea contribution or look at the ball finch it was hovering by the there is never looking to see what it’s going to get today
Conference Inspiration
The BIG CIC Purpose is:
• Knowledge Growth & Sharing – Further develop and share knowledge on Business Integrated Governance (BIG) with members, professional bodies, partners and the public
o Community Engagement – Encourage volunteer participation in knowledge advancement and sharing.
o Domain Integration – Work with relevant professional bodies to align and integrate knowledge within and adjacent to BIG
o Partner development – Support organisations to define and develop consulting, services, training and solutions leveraging BIG.
• Education & Accreditation – provide the Body of Knowledge, oversee exams, and issue BIG credentials.
In addition to ongoing, background development – many of us need a mountain to climb, a goal to score, a prize to win. Hence – a conference is to be a focal point for progress, and that stepping stone to the future.
So a conference cannot be about explaining what exists – it has to be a celebration and a melting pot at the same time. It needs to inspire us.
What has dragged me down over recent years is professional groups not being able to see the BIG picture. The focus on their perspective, with little will to join it all up. Being controversial – this could be seen as gutless parochialism. How can we get past people being resigned to fix what they can - to step change what is needed? What has inspired me recently is that seasoned professionals from the strategy, governance, risk, and change thought leadership domains have achieved some basic realisation:
• “Totally agree that strategy delivery often gets left to chance when it should be a deliberate, integrated process”
• “I see this all too often, especially the notion that strategy delivery still feels like crossing fingers for many leadership teams.”
Furthermore, they understand how BIG provides something which does not come from each of their domains, but needs to come from all domains:
• “Love the clarity around Business Integrated Governance – it’s refreshing to see it framed as an enabler, not just a compliance box-tick”
• “What stands out in the BIG approach is the emphasis on integrating decision-making from vision through to operational cadence. That’s the missing bridge in so many organisations: strategy lives in PowerPoint, governance keeps the ship afloat — and never the twain shall meet.”
The mission for the Conference – pre, during and post – is to help organisations see that there is a way to connect from purpose, to vision, to strategy, delivery – and back again my leveraging integrated governance as an enabler – and that it is achievable by thinking BIG.
Conference Purpose Statement
The BIG Conference 2025 will be the inaugural global event to introduce, promote, and activate the BIG (Business Integrated Governance) community. Its purpose is to raise awareness, generate engagement, and build momentum for integrated governance by
• Providing a “101’ introduction to what is, why do it, and how to get an initiative off the ground
• Showcasing its value, tools, and real-world impact.
• Providing a platform to connect people, promote thought leadership, and attract collaboration and investment.
• Generating funds and relationships to operate the Community Interest Company
Conference Goals
Raise awareness and visibility of BIG and integrated governance across global professional communities – the why, for who, the what and how.
Grow the BIG community by attracting significantly more members, contributors, and collaborators (individuals and professional groups).
Demonstrate the value of BIG through practical tools (e.g., readiness assessments), case studies, and speaker insights.
Engage sponsors and partners to support and co-promote the conference, with mutually beneficial exposure.
Facilitate interaction and content creation, allowing participants to shape the future of BIG and share insights.
Generate momentum for future events, membership growth, and wider recognition and adoption of integrated governance thinking.
Generate funding, to enable the operation of the CIC, and professional support for developing the Body of Knowledge
Drive usage, as if there is no usage, there is no point
Benefits by Stakeholder Group
✅ Attendees
• Discover what BIG is, how it works, and why integrated governance matters.
• Participate in interactive sessions such as readiness/maturity assessments, workshops, and Q&A panels.
• Gain exposure to emerging governance trends, tools, and best practices.
• Receive a certificate of participation or digital badge to share professionally.
• Opportunity to connect with a growing international community of governance professionals.
✅ Commercial Partners and Sponsors
(Note - A Commercial Partner is a company that works to develop business around BIG. A Sponsor may only support the event)
• Access a targeted, global audience of professionals and decision-makers interested in governance, strategy, and transformation.
• Receive tiered visibility opportunities (e.g., branding, speaking slots, featured content).
• Position themselves as thought leaders in governance innovation.
• Gain qualified leads and networking opportunities via attendee engagement and follow-up.
• Contribute to the growth of a pioneering movement and social enterprise, supporting innovation and industry change.
✅ Partners & Collaborators (e.g., professional bodies, media, networks)
• Co-branding and visibility across event marketing, sessions, and post-event communications.
• Opportunities to host breakout sessions or roundtables aligned with shared goals.
• Access to content and insights from attendee engagement (e.g., survey data, readiness insights).
• Strengthen their own communities by offering new, high-quality governance content.
• Influence the future direction of BIG through active involvement and feedback.
✅ Organisers, Contributors, and Volunteers
• Shape the design and delivery of a high-impact international event.
• Build leadership credibility and visibility within the governance space.
• Receive public recognition for contributions (e.g., “Founding Organiser”, “Conference Ambassador”).
• Network with sponsors, speakers, and influential partners.
• Gain skills and experience in conference planning, facilitation, and strategic outreach.
• Receive a reference from BIG CIC leadership for help and support provided
