Get Real at thinkAbout

“Fake. Contrived. Disingenuous. Phony. Inauthentic. . . . People increasingly see the world in terms of real or fake, and want to buy something real from someone genuine, not a fake from some phony.”

This year, we’re dedicating our entire thinkAbout to the topic of Authenticity in business. For two days in Nashville this September 26 + 27, we’re bringing together a host of creative minds, unique provocations, and challenging interactions to jumpstart the dialogue about what Authenticity means to business and how to best deal with its implications.

Of course we have our own Pine & Gilmore ideas and frameworks on this topic, which we’ve put into a much anticipated book on the topic, Authenticity: What Consumers Really Want, being published by Harvard Business School Press this fall. Our book is the natural progression of ideas we explored in our previous work, The Experience Economy, and its release comes at a time when the subject of Authenticity has never been more topical, more controversial, or more important. As such, here’s what you’ll encounter at this year’s gathering:

Models – key frameworks for navigating in the competitive landscape where people increasingly allocate purchasing dollars based on their perception of realness. You’ll uncover and stress-test a rich set of models that will challenge your current views and inspire creative ideas on how to leverage this new consumer sensibility.

Mavens – bright, imaginative, and opinionated participants who come together for two days of intense learning. As a fellow participant, you will rub elbows, exchange ideas, break bread, laugh, share, and connect with dynamic thinkers as you shape your own personal perspective on Authenticity in business.

Music – we couldn’t come to Nashville without mixing in the Music City’s iconic cultural and musical heritage. Home of the Grand Ole Opry, wellspring of country music, and center of the songwriting universe, Nashville itself offers many lessons about Authenticity and originality.

If this subject of Authenticity resonates with you, we trust you will choose to join us for what will surely be a rich and rewarding experience. We hope to see all y’all in Nashville!

 Joe Pine                                       Jim Gilmore

Co-Authors of The Experience Economy and now of Authenticity: What Consumers Really Want.

P.S. This year’s thinkAbout is capped at 120 participants. We encourage you to register today – and consider bringing a colleague or key client as well – to ensure you are part of this insightful two-day event.