Business leaders from around the world came to Salt Lake City this week to learn at the Qualtrics Insight Summit held at the Grand America Hotel.
The four-day conference brought in world-renowned figures such as Olympian Michael Phelps, authors Michael Lewis and Clayton Christensen and Beats by Dre Chief Marketing Officer Omar Johnson. Sir Elton John even played a private concert for attendees at the Vivint Smart Home arena Thursday night.
Michael Lewis is most known for writing the New York Times best-selling books “The Big Short” and “Moneyball,” which were all later adapted into movies.
Qualtrics CEO Ryan Smith referenced “Moneyball,” which talks about statistics in baseball and also about the way markets value people, during the opening session Thursday morning.
“We want everyone to be able to play ‘Moneyball,'” Smith said in reference to Qualtrics’ analytical software and Lewis’ book.
Throughout the conference, speakers shared business knowledge in various keynote presentations and breakout sessions.
Best-selling author Joe Pine said many brands have found success through creating an unforgettable experience for their customers and employees. Pine, who received a college degree from MIT and currently advises multiple Fortune 500 Companies, said these positive experiences can be incredibly profitable.
“When you combine a great product with a great experience, that’s when magic can happen,” Pine said.
Harvard Business School professor, business consultant and best-selling author Clayton Christensen said creative solutions or “innovations” are what transform the economy.
“Most potentially successful innovations focus on a job that people need to do,” said Christensen.
The conference was an opportunity for Qualtrics to connect with clients on a personal level, but also provided a unique and intimate opportunity for business people to learn from the best.
“It’s been amazing and I’ve been really impressed,” said UVU MBA student Derek Ence. “Getting more personal with big business leaders and networking opportunities from all different types of industries has been very rewarding.”
