Future Digital Trends: what opportunities lie ahead for charities?

The Metaverse, NFTs, bitcoin, gaming...Web3 promises a world of opportunity, but what does this mean for charities?

If you are intrigued to find out more about these new technologies, join us on 29th September for an afternoon of digital inspiration! We've lined up some great speakers, from charities to digital experts, to tell you everything you need to know about the latest digital trends and what they mean for charities and non-profit organisations.

We'll be covering:

  • What is Web3 and what does it mean for the charity sector
  • The opportunities for charities in Web3
  • How can Gaming for Good help engage new audiences
  • Building Sustainable Foundations: What the charities of tomorrow should be considering today

We will be joined by experts in the sector including:

  • Nick Hodder, Assistant Director of Digital Transformation, Imperial War Museum, Web3 expert and our host for the afternoon
  • Helen Olzowska, MD of Seashell Collective and Future Tech Journalist for Charity Digital
  • Kelly-Anne Perera, International Vice President of ApeSquared Creative, and Founder of Women Leading Web3 
  • Maria Marenco, CEO of Mentfort Digital Health Consultancy and Blockchain Strategist

Our event will be held at the stunning Cromwell Place Art Gallery (near South Kensington tube station) from 3.00-6.30pm. There will also be refreshments and plenty of networking opportunities before and after the event.

Meet the speakers

Nick Hodder, Assistant Director of Digital Transformation, Imperial War Museum

Nick Hodder

Assistant Director of Digital Transformation, Imperial War Museum

Nick has worked for over two decades across technology and digital transformation, developing strategy and working with brands such as EY, Sun Microsystems, BA, Microsoft and Google. Passionate about technology disruption especially in the non-profit sector Nick works with and studies key transformational technologies such as Blockchain, NFTs, AI, Machine Learning and VR/AR, but dedicates most of his time to trying to better understand people and leadership within a fast-moving digital landscape.  Now working with IWM on an ambitious digital transformation, Nick’ focus is on innovation, people and culture.

Helen Olszowska, MD of Seashell Collective

Helen Olszowska

Managing Director, Seashell Collective

Helen had a 15 year career in the charity sector. Her last in-house role was UK Associate Director for Development at Human Rights Watch. For the past three years she has worked as a digital marketing consultant for charities and purpose-led businesses as Managing Director of Seashell Collective and as a freelance writer for Charity Digital.  Since working on projects to help initiate the technology and rights work at Human Rights Watch, Helen has had an interest in digital inclusion and the role of non-profits in developing and sustaining a healthy infosphere. She has written several articles on these topics for Charity Digital, explaining new developments and how charities are responding to them. 

Kelly-Anne Perera, International Vice President, Ape Squared Creative

Kelly-Anne Perera

International Vice President, Ape Squared Creative

Kelly-Anne Perera is an experienced executive level consultant specialising in launching and growing brands in new and emerging markets.  She is currently International Vice President of Ape Squared Creative - a global web3.0 agency in production on a high value Metaverse project backed by investors from both web2.0 and web3.0. The role includes development of the overarching Go To Market strategy, as well as integration of brand partnerships, celebrity collaborations, audience capture and community building.

Previous to her career in web 3.0, Kelly-Anne oversaw the distribution for high budget feature films, including the Netflix global release of movie ‘Next Gen’ starring John Krasinksi. Prior to this she worked for Comic Relief, specialising in the global expansion of ‘Red Nose Day’ to key territories such as USA and China. 

In her spare time, Kelly-Anne is an advocate for women and girls and is a Founder of the Women Leading Web3 initiative – an organisation helping educate women about the web3.0 world, as well as providing networking and career opportunities for people looking to move into the space

Maria Marenco, CEO & Founder of Mentfort

Maria Marenco

CEO & Founder, Mentfort

Maria (Mia) is a dynamic and creative Innovation specialist and entrepreneur, with extensive experience working in the intersection between humans and technology. She is a self-starting entrepreneur, a healthcare informatician, mental health and digital specialist and blockchain strategist and advisor. Mia participates in specialist groups that explore and educate around the potentials and implications of decentralized technologies, with a special focus on the cultural and ethical considerations of technology adaptions and the importance of stakeholders’ value of social and socio-economic impacts. She works with NGOs, SMEs, the public sector, private sector, and academia to strengthen the collaborative work between entities, Eco-system build-up, strategy, and facilitating cross-pollination to reach the targets and objectives, with a strong focus on sustainability

Agenda

3pm – arrival and networking – teas and coffees will be served

3.25pm – Welcome address – Vimal Patel, Founder, Giant Digital

3.30pm – Introduction to the world of Web3  - Nick Hodder, Imperial War Museum (Event Host)

4.00-4.30pm – The opportunities for charities in Web3 – Helen Olszowska, Seashell Collective.

4.30-4.45pm – short break

4.45 – 5.15pm – Embracing Gaming for good to reach new audiences – Kerry-Anne Perera –  ApeSquared Creative

5.15-5.45pm – What the charities of tomorrow should be considering today – Maria Menco, Blockchain Strategist

5.45 – 6.30pm – event close, wine reception and networking

Finding the venue

Address: 4 Cromwell Place, London, SW7 2JE

Tel: 020 8057 1800

Get there via CityMapper

On the Underground:

Cromwell Place is moments from South Kensington tube - served by the District and Circle Lines. Leave the station via the Thurloe Street exit. If taking the Piccadilly Line, the Glouster Road station is nearest with an eight minute walk away.

On the Bus:

Get off at any of the South Kensington Station bus stops (stops D, E, S and T) or find us a stone's throw from the Natural History Museum stop H.

On a Bicycle:

Santander Cycles can be docked at South Kensington Station or the Victoria and Albert Museum. If you're bringing your own bike you can find cycle racks on Exhibition Road. 20 bike racks are available in our courtyard for Members only.

By Car:

Car parking is not available at Cromwell Place but there are local car parks located close by. Union Car Parks on Harrington Road is recommended by the venue. See options via Google Maps