The first day of the Impact Makers Forum “ImpaQ,” held under the patronage of Minister of Media Salman bin Yousef Al-Dossary, concluded in Riyadh on December 19, 2024, drawing over 1,500 influencers, experts, and content creators from Saudi Arabia and around the world. The opening ceremony featured a contemporary performance titled “The Butterfly Effect,” which celebrated the forum’s message of fostering positive influence across various fields. Minister Al-Dossary emphasized in his keynote speech the growing role of influencers and the importance of leveraging such influence to foster creativity, innovation, and inspire individuals toward social and economic development, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s broader strategic goals under Vision 2030.
Context and Background
The ImpaQ Forum, recognized as the largest event of its kind in the Kingdom, spans over 23,000 square meters and is organized under the official patronage of the Saudi Ministry of Media. The event brings together a diverse array of participants, including digital content creators, thought leaders, and industry pioneers, to explore the evolving landscape of influence in media, technology, and culture. This first edition builds on the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering a vibrant media ecosystem that supports innovation, creativity, and global engagement.
Key Details
The forum’s first day featured a wide range of activities across three primary zones. At the Innovation Zone, panel discussions covered topics such as “Striking a Balance: Life and Social Media Influence” and “Saudi Arabia: A Portal to Space,” the latter highlighting the Kingdom’s growing role in the global space sector. At the Influence Zone, sessions like “How Creators on Snapchat Craft Their Content” and “From the Green Pitch to Social Media: The Reach and Impact of Sports” offered practical insights for content creators. The Creativity Zone hosted interactive workshops with over 500 participants, featuring global experts such as Philip Kotler, who discussed the evolution of marketing over the past 50 years.
Implications and Impact
The forum, which attracted over 30,000 visitors and was streamed online to more than 1 million viewers worldwide, underscores Saudi Arabia’s emerging role as a global hub for digital content and influence. By bringing together international experts and local creators, the event facilitates knowledge exchange and showcases the Kingdom’s investment in human capital and innovation. The discussions on female role models in sports and Saudi companies impacting various sectors also highlight the progress of social and economic diversification under Vision 2030.
Vision 2030 Alignment
The ImpaQ Forum directly supports Vision 2030 objectives by promoting a culture of creativity, innovation, and digital empowerment. As the Kingdom continues to diversify its economy and enhance its global soft power, forums like ImpaQ provide a platform for Saudi talents to connect with international audiences, fostering a knowledge-based society. The event’s focus on media, AI, sports, tourism, and entertainment aligns with the national strategy to build a thriving, innovative, and globally connected Saudi Arabia.
20 Questions
Q1. What is the ImpaQ Forum?
A1. The ImpaQ Forum, also known as the Impact Makers Forum, is a major event in Riyadh organized under the patronage of the Saudi Minister of Media, focusing on influence, creativity, and digital content.
Q2. Who opened the forum?
A2. The forum opened with a contemporary performance titled “The Butterfly Effect,” which celebrated the message of the forum and its significance in various fields of influence.
Q3. How many participants attended the first day?
A3. The first day of the forum saw over 1,500 influencers, experts, and content creators from Saudi Arabia and around the world in attendance.
Q4. What did Minister Al-Dossary emphasize in his speech?
A4. Minister Salman bin Yousef Al-Dossary emphasized the growing role of influencers and the importance of leveraging influence to foster creativity, innovation, and social and economic development.
Q5. What is the size of the ImpaQ Forum venue?
A5. The forum spans over 23,000 square meters, making it the largest event of its kind in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Q6. What are the three main zones of the forum?
A6. The forum features the Innovation Zone for panel discussions, the Influence Zone for influencer experiences, and the Creativity Zone for workshops and presentations.
Q7. What topics were discussed at the Innovation Stage?
A7. Topics included “Striking a Balance: Life and Social Media Influence” and “Saudi Arabia: A Portal to Space,” among others.
Q8. Who is Philip Kotler, and what did he discuss?
A8. Philip Kotler is a global expert in marketing. At the forum, he discussed how marketing has evolved over the last 50 years and the impact of relations and communications.
Q9. How many interactive workshops were held?
A9. Interactive workshops were held with over 500 participants at the Lab area of the forum.
Q10. What fields of influence does the forum cover?
A10. The forum covers 14 fields of influence, including media, artificial intelligence (AI), sports, tourism, and entertainment.
Q11. How many total visitors attended the forum?
A11. The event attracted over 30,000 visitors in total.
Q12. How many viewers watched the opening ceremony online?
A12. The opening ceremony was streamed online to over 1 million viewers worldwide.
Q13. What is the duration of the ImpaQ Forum?
A13. The forum includes more than 40 diverse activities over two days.
Q14. Does the forum highlight female role models?
A14. Yes, the forum highlighted female role models in sports and the impact of Saudi companies on various sectors.
Q15. What is the official website for the forum?
A15. The official website for the forum is https://impaq.media.gov.sa/.
Q16. How does the forum support Vision 2030?
A16. The forum supports Vision 2030 by promoting creativity, innovation, digital empowerment, and a knowledge-based society, aligning with national diversification goals.
Q17. What is the purpose of the Influence Zone?
A17. The Influence Zone is designed for influencers to share their inspiring experiences and engage with attendees on content creation strategies.
Q18. What was the topic of the session with Snapchat creators?
A18. The session was titled “How Creators on Snapchat Craft Their Content,” focusing on practical content creation techniques.
Q19. Is the forum open to international participants?
A19. Yes, the forum attracted influencers, experts, and content creators from around the world, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s global engagement.
Q20. What happens on the second day of the forum?
A20. The second day continues with a rich agenda of discussions and workshops featuring leading experts and influencers, further exploring impact and inspiration.
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