In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and artificial intelligence, there are moments of genuine inspiration that transcend the boundaries of business objectives and event metrics. VOICE Summit, now known as VOICE & AI, is celebrating our five-year anniversary, and as a community builder who has been privileged to be part of this remarkable journey, I am humbled to witness the transformative power this event has had on countless lives. While reminiscing about the past five years, one particular memory stands out—the heartwarming encounter with students from the Bruce Street School for the Deaf in Newark, NJ. This encounter reaffirmed that our efforts were making a positive impact beyond the conventional measures of success.
The Bruce Street School holds a special place in the hearts of many, as it has been running day programs for deaf students aged 3 to 15, providing them with the support they need to integrate into society and pursue their dreams. Our team seized the opportunity to partner with the school, extending an invitation for a group of their students to attend the VOICE & AI event. Witnessing these young minds, seated at a reserved table near the main stage, eagerly engaging with each talk, including a heartfelt address by Mayor Ras Baraka, was a profoundly moving experience.
As the talks concluded, Mayor Baraka made his way to the students' table, where he engaged them in conversation through an interpreter. He asked them about their interests, passions, and aspirations for the future. The room was filled with emotion as the students responded using sign language, and I couldn't help but hold back tears while witnessing the genuine connection between the Mayor and these remarkable young individuals. Their faces lit up with joy and determination, leaving an indelible impression on all of us present.
The Unquantifiable Impact
There are moments in life that defy measurement—the intangible outcomes that touch our souls and remind us of the true essence of our endeavors. The encounter with the Bruce Street School students was one such instance. It was in that poignant moment that I realized the true significance of what we were doing through VOICE & AI—an event that goes beyond profit margins and attendee counts. It is about making a real difference in the lives of others, inspiring and empowering them to pursue their dreams, regardless of their circumstances.
The Gratitude and Growth
As we celebrate five years of VOICE & AI, we cannot help but be grateful for the myriad of individuals who contributed to the event's growth and success. Over the years, more than a thousand speakers, hundreds of sponsors, and tens of thousands of attendees from over 50 countries have participated, creating an atmosphere of knowledge sharing and innovation. Businesses have flourished, and AI advancements have been showcased, but amidst all the achievements, it is the immeasurable impact on people's lives that resonates most profoundly.
Looking Ahead
As we embark on the next five years of VOICE & AI, we are filled with excitement and optimism. The journey has been awe-inspiring, reminding us of the immense potential to drive positive change in our communities and beyond. The focus remains on advancing conversational and generative AI, but the greater purpose extends to touching lives, fostering inclusivity, and empowering individuals from all walks of life to reach for the stars.
In Conclusion
The five-year anniversary of VOICE & AI marks not just a milestone in technological progress but also a testament to the power of compassion, connection, and community building. The encounter with the Bruce Street School students reminded us that sometimes the most meaningful impact is immeasurable, existing beyond the confines of metrics and spreadsheets. It is in the smiles of those we touch, the dreams we inspire, and the lives we positively influence that our true success lies.
As we move forward, let us carry this spirit of compassion and purpose, continually seeking ways to make a difference, and reminding ourselves that every step we take can lead to a brighter and more inclusive future for all.
Here's to the next five years of VOICE & AI, where the journey continues, and the impact remains boundless.
About Modev
Modev believes that markets are made and thus focuses on bringing together the right ingredients to accelerate market growth. Modev has been instrumental in the growth of mobile applications, cloud, and generative AI, and is exploring new markets such as climate tech. Founded in 2008 on the simple belief that human connection is vital in the era of digital transformation, Modev makes markets by bringing together high-profile key decision-makers, partners, and influencers. Today, Modev produces market-leading events such as VOICE & AI, ESG Tech Summit and the soon to be released Developers.AI series of hands-on training events. Modev staff, better known as "Modevators," include community building and transformation experts worldwide.
To learn more about Modev, and the breadth of events offered live and virtually, visit Modev's website and join Modev on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
