The Supernova Conference

Redefining Technology Conferences

When was the last time an event made you think?

For eight years, the Supernova conference has anticipated critical developments on the path to the Network Age. At Supernova, CEOs and bloggers, entrepreneurs and academics, practitioners and visionaries, policy experts and industry thought leaders share insights and build relationships. Only Supernova connects Wharton, one of the world뭩 foremost business schools, with deep understanding of technology.

Supernova 2009: Change Networks

Change is in the air. The past year demonstrated the promise and the peril of our densely connected world. Old policies and practices break down when individuals self-organize into movements, data flows openly across boundaries, consumers become creators, and shocks cascade through the system. In business as in politics, new strategies are needed. Every crisis is also an opportunity for some.

For several years, Supernova has examined what we call the New Network: universal interconnectedness at the physical, software, and social level. Networks are central instruments of the changes sweeping our world.

At the same time, networks themselves must change. Device innovations such as the iPhone and netbooks, the growing power of open source and open standards, social networking in all its forms, the rise of location awareness, the tidal wave of online video, and the entrepreneurial potential to create new kinds of businesses all require network infrastructure� but not necessarily today뭩 infrastructure. Moreover, connected information technology will be the platform supporting innovation in health care, the environment, transportation, education, economic development, and other fields, not just computing and communications. And newly-active governments will play major roles as both policy-makers and participants in markets.

On December 1-3, in San Francisco, CA, Supernova 2009 will explore topics such as:

Taking Open Data Seriously � Cloud Computing: Perfect Storm or Silver Lining? � Government's New Deal for the Tech Sector � Clash of the Platforms � Broaderband: What Comes After Universal Connectivity? � The Open Enterprise � Media: The Worst Of Times, the Best Of Times � Managing Amid Abundance: Strategies for a Connected World � Thinking Locally, Acting Globally � Infrastructure: Back to the Future? � Technology Meets Sustainability � There Must be a Business Model in Here Somewhere

In today's environment, standing still is a recipe for failure. Come to Supernova to become an agent of change, rather than a victim of it.

Ten Challenges for the Network Age
(Kevin Werbach outlines the key themes for Supernova 2008.)
Supernova Interview: Beth Noveck, Deputy CTO, USA
Supernova Interview with Chris Sacca, Lowercase Capital
Changing Leaders for Changing Networks

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Speaker Submission

If you are interested in speaker submission, we accept proposals at any time. There is no formal deadline or call for proposals. Send email to speaking@supernovagroup.net with details on why the speaker would be compelling for our participants. Please be aware that the vast majority of Supernova speakers are selected by invitation, rather than from outside submissions. We strive to create the best mix of people and topics each year, so we typically keep speakers under consideration until we complete the agenda. We will contact you if a speaker looks like a good fit.

Supernova 2008: Challenges for the Network Age

At Supernova 2008 last year, we challenged ourselves to re-invent the conference yet again, with more interactive sessions at Wharton West, more “out of the box” speakers, more open forums, and more social media to complement the physical event.

Session topics included:

The Theory and Practice of Networks • Does Telecom Have a Future? • Networked Business Models • Whose Social Graph? • The Internet is People: What We Know, and What it Means • Cyberspace Constitutional Moments • The Meaning of Openness • All the World’s a Game: What the Web can Learn from Virtual Worlds • Liquid Conversations and Distributed Content • Going Green: Toward a More Sustainable Technology Industry • Who is Driving Marketing Innovation? • Monetization for Today’s Internet… and Tomorrow’s • Wireless Disruption • Privacy and Security in the Network Age • Does the Media Get the Message?

Follow the buzz!

Supernova is a hub for press, analysts, and bloggers who follow developments in connected technologies.

"As we continue to sift through the rapid changes in the tools and techniques for managing in a decentralized world, Supernova will remain one of our prized filters." -- Conferenza

"Great stuff. Great meeting." -- Richard O'Neill, President, The Highlands Group

"I LOVED the conference. I've been raving about it to people here." -- Lili Cheng, Director, Windows User Experience, Microsoft

"I found Supernova, and the Wharton Day to be an invaluable experience...." -- Robert Massoudi, Managing Director, New Media Practice, Cisco

"Bottom line: I thought it was great." -- Raph Koster, former Chief Creative Officer, Sony Online Entertainment

"A delightful conference with a list of participants that rivaled the quality of the presenters." -- Pierre Wolff, VP, Business Development, Tribe Networks