Why attend SLUSH? To shake things up, that's why. U.S. based MCNs (really MPNs) and OTTs -- yes, you may have the November LA sunshine, but, get out of your comfort (and U.S.-centric) zone and get a much-needed global perspective (here's my full review of the overall SLUSH experience after attending last year). There's much talent (and opportunity) amidst the entrepreneurs across the Pond. And, yes, you know about Rovio and Supercell. But, Finland is not just about gaming anymore. Massive tech innovation is abounding all around in the that great white north -- where innovative minds buzz with their coffee 24/7 amidst the increasing darkness (and, well, slush) of the later months.
SLUSH's vision is to be the Davos for tech start-ups and investors. But, SLUSH's definition of tech has expanded (as it should) into digital media as well in a big way. Last year 14,000 attended (including 750 investors representing 140 venture capital funds and 100 senior M&A execs) -- the majority of whom hail from Northern Europe for sure, but are increasingly global -- with the next most significant attending delegations being from Russia, the U.K., Germany, China, Japan, and the U.S.
Why such an international flair? Just think about Helsinki, Finland's geography. The city sits at the perfect juncture where the East meets the West (or, vice-versa) -- and with inclusive, worldly sensibilities as a result.