Massive monetary stimulus may have prevented a worst case economic scenario, but it also unleashed a tsunami of liquidity, showing up in premium prices for stocks, property, energy and other commodities. Inflation is at a 40-year high, prompting central banks to move up rates and taper down. Global recovery remains volatile, with recession fears replacing Covid concerns. Global tensions escalate between major economic powers, with ripples felt worldwide. A panel of thought leaders helps to decipher the new abnormal.

What goes up must come down. As rates and inflation go up, the rest are recessing. Pools of liquidity are drying up, and in a post-Covid world is it all just fundamentals and value? Does one still follow tips or just invest in TIPS? Crypto, commodities and currencies, which direction will they go? Will the 2020s roar as the 1920s a century before—or are we skipping ahead to 1929? How and where to invest in a world gripped by economic gravity and empty punch bowls?

As the pandemic eases, and home offices become home and offices again, whither property markets? Many if not most sectors are making up lost ground, be it commercial, residential or hospitality. The e-commerce boom is building growth in cloud facilities, logistics and data centers, while the metaverse’s virtual assets offer the prospects of real-world profits. But can the edifice of a rebound withstand the winds of rising rates and possible slowing economic growth? A panel of property leaders will construct well-grounded insights on the new realities in real estate.

Being in control of the room takes on new meaning when you’re the only one in it, and everyone else is a small square on a screen. Yet your team needs leadership more than ever—stressed by the pandemic, disrupted supply chains, volatile markets and political uncertainty. Adapt, transform and digitalize. What leadership style maximizes the opportunities of an emerging post-Covid era? A brave new world requires brave new leaders.

The pandemic has turbocharged massive innovation, accelerating the digitalization trend worldwide. Tech is embedding itself even more deeply into the global economy. A fresh wave of disruption may be just around the corner, powered by entrepreneurs, billions in venture funds, and spurred on by pandemic disruptions. Established businesses need to get ready—or get out of the way. This panel will find ways to do the former and avoid the latter.

The pandemic tested the entrepreneurial skills of many established business leaders. The best did their best: adapt, pivot and transform. All the classic questions for entrepreneurs remain: How to build big and stay big. How to keep innovating and disrupting your own company—and block emerging threats from rivals or startups. On this panel, established entrepreneurs will discuss strategies on getting it done.

Venture capitalists are a driving force of creative destruction, and for their risk can come rewards of 5X, 10X, or more. In a volatile world looking for a way forward, where is the smart money going? Which regions or industries can sire the next unicorns? How does Asia figure in VCs’ plans? And is ESG entering into the investment thesis? What are the big trends—and possible black swans—set to drive investments in coming months? This panel of leading VCs will venture their opinions.

Forget hockey sticks, how about rocket launches? When disruption happens, it can go at light speed—tiny startups turn into unicorns then decacorns. Get a boost if your sector ends in tech: medtech and fintech. Or starts with e, such as edtech or electric. And apps are apt, and crypto cool. Digital assets can have just as much value—or more—than physical ones. Whatever the idea, once it hits escape velocity, the sky is no limit. Strap in, and hear from these emerging entrepreneurs as they boldly go where none have before.

Top business families are facing many challenges. Their core businesses need to be protected from possible disruption, viral and otherwise. At the same time, they must explore the latest opportunities, sometimes outside their comfort zones. Yet family businesses retain strengths scarce elsewhere, such as deep connections, access to capital, flexibility and the ability to have a leadership meeting over a family dinner. This panel will delve into how family businesses are adapting to move onto the next frontier. 

Two of the world’s oldest industries—agriculture and food production—are being uprooted by the agtech and food tech revolutions. From the latest startups to the oldest agribusiness giants, all seek to harvest greenbacks and growth from innovations such as plant-based foods and indoor farming. Coupled with technologies such as AI, smart sensors and robotics, a new global era is emerging to feed the world in a more efficient and sustainable manner. This panel will be a fruitful discussion by agtech leaders shaping the future of food.

Businesses need to do good, not just do well. Phrases such as ESG, net zero and sustainability have moved from buzzwords to mainstream concepts. Companies are in a lively debate about their role in protecting the environment, closing the income gap or tackling climate change. Ideas abound, including carbon credits and financial inclusion. This panel will discuss the ways CEOs are rebalancing their ESG, sustainability, stakeholder and shareholder goals in one of the most challenging business environments in a century.

With full seasons, live events and fans in seats, the business of sports is firing on all cylinders. Valuations for some of the world’s top sports teams have gone into overdrive. Franchises are using digital and social tools to connect directly with fans, accelerating growth and creating revenue streams. Esports is officially mainstream and its popularity is growing. High profile sponsorship deals are making headlines. Stakeholders across the industry will talk about what’s driving the boom and who will win the race.