Episode 275 - Building Security Industry Connections Through Global Events with Phelim Rowe

In this episode, host Mark Ledlow is joined by Phelim Rowe, an industry analyst, from the United Kingdom, diving deep into Phelim's journey in the security conference industry. The discussion covers various aspects of organizing and running conferences, the impact of COVID-19 on the industry, and the differences in conference culture between the US and Europe. Phelim also shares insights on how to handle adversity, the importance of creating valuable agendas, and his transition from public service to becoming a well-known conference producer. This episode is packed with valuable information for anyone interested in the security, business, and entertainment sectors.

Learn about all this and more in this episode of The Fearless Mindset Podcast.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Specialize in one industry rather than jumping between topics - builds credibility and deep understanding

• Ask layered questions to uncover real pain points, not surface-level answers

• Post-COVID conferences are thriving - more events, more attendance, but more selective spending

• US networking is transactional and fast; European networking emphasizes long-term professional relationships

• The US economy drives most international security work, especially from Silicon Valley clients

• Good conferences help the entire industry - when one fails, it hurts all events

QUOTES

• "I had 42 [job interviews] and I didn't get anything... If they're not asking for it, they don't want to know."
• "I call myself an analyst... you don't see me jumping between mother and baby Expo and infantry weapons."
• "What's keeping you up at night? Most people, the initial first thing they say is not correct... We need to peel back the layers."
• "If I met you for the first time at GSX... and then we continue our dialogue virtually... it's an extension."
• "People are spending money in ways that are reassuringly expensive. Oh, it cost me a hundred grand, so it must be better. No, you are paying their overheads."

Get to know more about Phelim Rowe through the links below.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/pr33jfhh/

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