The Curious Conference 2024 – A Catalyst for Systemic Change
September 4, 2024
On a beautiful, sunlit day, the community of Inspire 2 Ignite CIC gathered to celebrate a year of transformational impact at the Curious Conference 2024. Held at the enchanting Shortmead House, this event was a testament to the power of community, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of positive change for young people.
Opening Moments
The evening began with an inspiring address from Inspire 2 Ignite CEO Sam Squire, who encouraged the community to seize the moment and create lasting memories. The stage was set for an evening filled with insightful discussions, personal stories, and groundbreaking ideas.
DisruptHR Series
The marquee buzzed with excitement as Ignite Champion Bill Banham hosted the DisruptHR series. Eva Lindy W. captivated the audience with her self-development journey, while Sam Squire highlighted the detrimental effects of short-term policies on youth services. Sarah Stones then engaged the audience in a deep reflection on personal motivation, and Steve Bentley shared awe-inspiring leadership lessons from his ultramarathon in the Arctic.
Youth Voices
The heart of the conference was undoubtedly the panel hosted by Sam Squire, featuring the voices of young people like Kelly De Jesus, Saleem Akanbi, Josh Newman, Alex Richards, and Dean George. Their perspectives shed light on the real needs of young people today, emphasising the importance of providing support and opportunities for them to thrive.
Infrastructure and Enterprise
Founder and Chair of Inspire 2 Ignite CIC, Alex Hughes, led a compelling panel on Youth Infrastructure with Nachelle Crowther (FRSA), Marksteen Adamson, Tariq Shah OBE, and Sam Squire. This discussion underscored the necessity of creating a connected infrastructure that supports both social and enterprise projects.
Memorable Moments
One of the standout moments of the conference occurred even before the official start. A conversation between a young person not in education or employment and Michael Moriarty from Mick George led to a life-changing job offer, exemplifying the immediate impact of the event.
Another unforgettable highlight was the celebration of Bo’s journey. The event coincided with the second anniversary of Bo joining the Curious Entrepreneurs programme. Bo started with I2I as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), struggling with anxiety and rarely leaving the house. Over the past two years, Bo’s confidence has soared. From speaking at events to launching their own business, Bo has become a symbol of transformation and resilience. At the conference, Bo had their own showcase, proudly selling their products to attendees, marking a significant milestone in their entrepreneurial journey.
A recurring theme throughout the event was the sense of safety and relaxation felt by all attendees. Many commented on the positive atmosphere and the ease with which people connected and shared their experiences. This safe and welcoming environment is a core value of Inspire 2 Ignite, as it mirrors the supportive spaces we strive to create for young people. As one attendee beautifully expressed:
“I just want to thank you both for such an amazing experience yesterday. I left last night feeling more positive about life than I’ve ever felt. Your community is second to none, and to be in a place where anywhere you looked was a smiling face is really something.”
Gratitude and Acknowledgements
The evening’s success would not have been possible without the generous support of several key partners. A special thank you goes to Lee Smith and Esmé Robinson for hosting at Shortmead House, and to First Ascent Group for sponsoring the evening. We also extend our gratitude to our corporate partners SMD Ltd, Bidwells, Mick George, Hill Group UK, The M&J Group, and Moss UK for their continued support.
Attendee Reflections
The positive feedback from attendees highlighted the conference’s impact. Inge Hunter expressed feeling inspired and energised, while Lee Candler appreciated the confidence and evolution showcased by the young people supported by Inspire 2 Ignite. Nachelle Crowther (FRSA) commended the event for its focus on innovative solutions and policy advocacy.
Matt O. from SMD Ltd shared his thoughts:
“Fantastic evening last night attending the Curious Conference at Shortmead House to celebrate the amazing impact being made within the community of Inspire 2 Ignite CIC. It’s been great to see the influence they are having on young people locally, creating opportunities and experiences in different industries that would not be possible without the hard work and dedication they put in. Also had the opportunity to catch up with some familiar faces and connect with some new people too. Big thank you to Marium Ullah and Patience Mubaiwa for your efforts in championing Inspire 2 Ignite on behalf of SMD. We look forward to giving our continued support to what is a brilliant cause.”
First Ascent also provided their reflections:
“Congratulations to Inspire 2 Ignite CIC for hosting a superb and insightful Curious Conference event! First Ascent’s Director Steve Bentley attended the Curious Conference at Shortmead House yesterday, speaking in support of Inspire 2 Ignite’s incredible mission. They are redefining work experience, building youth infrastructure, and helping economically inactive young people. If you haven’t already, follow Inspire 2 Ignite CIC and be inspired to join their cause. They aim to engage over 10,000 young people this year and activate 200 into the economy. Join us in this crucial mission!”
Eva Lindy Woods. described the conference as “mind-blowing,” praising the collaboration between public, private, and voluntary sectors. Kate Clark ACA emphasised the importance of building a sustainable future.
The Curious Conference 2024 was more than just an event; it was a movement towards systemic change, driven by the passion and dedication of the Inspire 2 Ignite community. The conference showcased the incredible potential of young people and the collective effort required to support their journey.
We look forward to the continued impact and growth of Inspire 2 Ignite CIC, inspired by the memorable moments and connections made at this year’s Curious Conference. Thank you to everyone who made this event a resounding success. We can’t wait to see what we achieve together in the coming year.