Are social impact conferences a waste of time and money?

Bonnie Chiu and Peter Ptashko 16th March 2026

OPINION: Bonnie Chiu and Peter Ptashko have been to hundreds of conferences, yet still struggle to identify their value. Too often these events exclude the people working at the grassroots, distort agendas and reproduce existing inequalities. In the first of a new 'beyond the conference circuit' mini-series, Bonnie and Peter explore whether there is a more effective way to get capital moving for positive impact.

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Are social impact conferences a waste of time and money?

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Are social impact conferences a waste of time and money?

You need to be a Pioneers Post member to access this story.

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