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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/GeeksPH) |
Geeks On A Beach (GOAB), the premier international tech startup conference in the Philippines where innovation and inspiration converge in one event, will be in Cebu in its 7th year on November 13-15, 2024. Since its launch in 2012, GOAB has become a critical pillar in the Philippine startup ecosystem and aims to boost tech startup and investment opportunities in the country and the Southeast Asian region.
A critical pillar in the PH startup system
Cebu was the venue of GOAB's second installment in 2014 following its inaugural launch in Boracay. Its 7th edition is set to take place at the JPark Island Resort & Waterpark in the province's Mactan Island. “Cebu is known for its economic growth and world-class beaches and is hence the perfect place to hold GOAB, an event that has taken the position as a critical pillar of the tech startup ecosystem in the Philippines and beyond,” said GOAB co-founding organizer and Symph Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dave Overton. Cebu earned the moniker “Ceboom” in the 1990s for becoming the site of a massive expansion of businesses, shopping complexes, and exports. Since the 2000s, it has also become a leading investment destination in the high-tech service sector. GeeksPH organizes GOAB in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to highlight the development and potential of the country’s startup ecosystem. “GOAB is essentially a non-profit organization committed to growing the tech and startup landscape by bringing together a diverse set of stakeholders, from founders and government agencies to creatives and venture capitalists,” said Overton. The much-anticipated international conference promises an unparalleled convergence of startup ecosystem stakeholders while offering a unique blend of serious conversation and relaxed networking.
Tangible benefits for attendees
“GOAB delivers tangible benefits to attendees in terms of catalyzing inspiration and a venue for networking and collaboration that can lead to success in the long term. We foster a supportive community for startups and entrepreneurs. Last year’s GOAB in Panglao brought new openings to some of the big names of the startup community in the Philippines. GOAB was also instrumental to the long-term success stories of tech upstarts who found their footing in the startup world by participating in past GOAB conferences,” said GOAB founding organizer Tina Amper. This year’s GOAB focuses on the latest trends and challenges in the tech industry and the positive impact of the government’s Innovative Startup Act (ISA). It also highlights DICT’s years-long work in unlocking market potential for local tech startups and positioning the Philippines as the next frontier for innovation in Southeast Asia. The event starts on November 13 with in-depth masterclasses from international industry experts. These two-hour workshops will explore essential topics related to tech, startups, and design. The main conference, which will be held November 14-15, will feature a dynamic agenda including keynote presentations and breakout sessions covering various sectors such as Fintech, EduTech, HealthTech, AgriTech, and ClimateTech. There will also be investor and founder roundtable discussions, exhibits, business matching, networking opportunities, open-area sessions, and happy hour mixers.
Call for participation
Leading the rich lineup of speakers are some of the most influential voices in the tech and startup space including Plug & Play Co-Founder Jojo Flores, 1Export Co-Founder and CEO Mel Nava, Noneaway Co-Founder and CEO Crystal Lee Gonzalez, STAC-Silicon Valley Strategic Advisor Christina Laskowksi, e27 Co-Founder and CEO Mohan Belani, Coins.ph Country Manager Jen Bilango, Global Startup Awards Co-Founder Peter Kovacz, Penbrothers Co-Founder Gui Faria, Humble Sustainability Co-Founder and Buko Ventures Partner Josef Werker, Foxmont Capital Partners Founder Franco Varona, The People Decoder CEO Ksther Lim, Ideaspace Ventures and QBO Innovation Executive Director Jay Fajardo, PINVEST Director Diane Eustaquio, Great Deals E-Commerce Corporation Chief Operating Officer (COO) Mia Bulatao, Global Investor & Strategic Advisor Erika Aquino and Lucent COO and Brave Southeast Asia Tech Podcast host Jeremy Au. With over 500 entrepreneurs, investors, and global leaders expected to attend, GOAB 2024 is poised to be another milestone event in the tech and startup calendar. “We encourage participation from all sectors in GOAB. Let’s support each other in navigating startup entrepreneurship’s challenging yet rewarding journey. By building connections and fostering a community of driven individuals, we help uplift the entire ecosystem and grow the economy collectively,” said Amper. To join Geeks On A Beach, purchase tickets at https://geeksonabeach.com or email hello@geeksonabeach.com. Discounted tickets are available for a limited period.
