David Sax

Everyone wants to get their hands on that shiny new idea, the one that solves a unique problem, moves a million units, and inspires a miniseries. The problem, says David Sax, is that if you’re chasing the last bright shiny thing, you’re likely going to miss the solution you really need. In this vibrant and creativity-sparking talk, Sax threads together his knowledge of analog technology, food trends, and the myths of entrepreneurship to deliver an intrepid survey of innovation—and how it can really be pursued. He will share stories (sans rules, tips, and tricks) of agile innovators who looked to the moment and the medium, developing new ideas based on those calculations. As Sax colorfully explains, there’s lots to learn from the past: from analog to food trends to the myths and mistakes of entrepreneurship, we can create a truly innovative new future. Your audience will experience an incredibly entertaining synthesis of Sax’s areas of expertise—all of which come together to illuminate a brilliant and original approach to innovation that only Sax, with his lightning-quick wit, can deliver. 

It’s now a cliché to announce that business and culture have moved to the digital realm. But while times have changed, the value of analog goods, ideas, and experiences has actually increased. With journalist David Sax, author of the critically acclaimed book The Revenge of Analog, you’ll discover why a return to analog might be a welcome shift—and best for business.

Vinyl records, notebooks, Polaroids, board games, and other seemingly obsolete products have seen robust growth in the last five years. Less efficient, more expensive goods are now coveted consumer items, largely sought out by millennials who want more than phones and apps, and are willing to pay for it. Analog goods offer tactility, authenticity, and emotional experiences that digital programs cannot; their inherent disadvantages are now their chief allure. But the revenge of analog also means we’re rediscovering the relationship between analog ideas and how we learn. Print publishing means better connections for readers, and a higher value for advertisers. Brick and Mortar retailers can deliver better profits than even the best ecommerce operations. Some of the most forward-thinking organizations embracing analog are actually based in digital technology—think Facebook, Google, Evernote, Yelp, and Pinterest, who’ve switched to paper, pen, whiteboards, and tech-free meetings to help employees retain information.

For students of culture, this talk explores the anthropological importance of analog experiences—how we’re also heading back for soulful, deeply human reasons beyond talk of sales. For analog-based companies, Sax’s message is a rallying call to rediscover their worth and potential. And for companies with a strong digital focus, this is a great opportunity to imagine new (and very old!) ways of embracing analog culture for hybridized success.