Beyond Conference 2024 for individuals and companies tackling social issues will be held on May 31 and June 1.

The co-creation consortium "and Beyond Company," formed by an NPO and 16 companies, will hold the "Beyond Conference 2024" on Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1. Participants are currently being recruited.

Event Overview

The "Beyond Conference" is an event for learning and networking aimed at individuals and companies tackling social issues. Now in its third year, this edition will be held under the theme "Let's start with a handshake." It is structured into four main components: "Plenary Sessions," "Input Sessions," "Participatory Discussion Sessions," and "Workshops/Experiences." Over the two days, a total of 30 programs will be held, featuring presentations from over 20 companies and organizations.

The opening session will feature Professor Shosuke Iriyama of Waseda University and Eiji Harada, President of Eiji Publishing. Under the theme "The Great Shift to Co-Creation! ~Unlocking Innovation by 'Relaxing' and 'Finding Joy'~," they will explore the mindset and mechanisms that foster co-creation from the perspectives of a management scholar and a practitioner.

The "Beyond Conference" serves as a networking opportunity where passionate individuals—including those from large corporations, startups, government, NPOs, and even independent members of local communities—gather to learn from each other, discuss ideas, and realize their visions, transcending organizational boundaries. Past conferences have sparked concrete co-creation initiatives, and its "Collective Impact"-style activities have garnered recognition across sectors as a noteworthy framework. Past participants have shared enthusiastic feedback, noting "an energy and chaotic vibe impossible to replicate online" and "a series of serendipitous encounters that made in-person attendance truly worthwhile."

*Related article here
■Who Drives "Collective Impact" to Change Society? ~The Gap Between Large Corporations with Superior Budgets and Know-How, and Grassroots Movements United by Purpose and Vision~
 

This session also features discussions and shared experiences from actual recovery sites about what NPOs and corporations can and should do as stakeholders to solve social issues, such as recovery from the Noto Peninsula Earthquake and creating a "related population" that can be leveraged during disasters. Speakers including Hiroyuki Takahashi of Amefuta Taiyo Co., Ltd., Nami Moriyama (Secretary General of the Noto Recovery Network / Representative Director of Mifurikawa Co., Ltd.), and Keita Kamiiri of Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. will present, incorporating real-world insights.

*Related article here
■When cities and rural areas connect, Japan becomes more interesting. JAL's internal venture creates connections. A challenge transcending corporate boundaries, deepening in meaning through Noto Peninsula earthquake support.
 

■Is forest maintenance the same as community maintenance? Innovating for regional sustainability with Yamaha Motor's Shoji Shiraishi
 

■Bringing well-being to both the workplace and the community. What is the "Mizu Academy" concept pursued by a 114-year-old pharmacy with diversified operations in Saga?
 

The venue is Haneda Innovation City (HICity), which fully opened last November. Located near Haneda Airport, it focuses on cutting-edge technology and culture as core industries. Developed through a public-private partnership between Ota City and Haneda Mirai Development Corporation, it is gaining attention as a hub for creating and disseminating new industries. It also serves as a base where diverse entities, including companies within the ward, interact to generate new business opportunities. It is hoped that further encounters will occur here, leading to the blossoming of innovation.

＜Event Overview＞
■Dates: May 31 (Fri), June 1 (Sat)
■Location: Haneda Innovation City (PiO Park Zone C)
■Participants: Individuals and teams (including corporations) who want to positively shape the future
■Capacity: First 1,000 participants
■Application Deadline: By the end of Thursday, May 30
■Organizer: and Beyond Company
■Partners & Sponsors: Rohto Pharmaceutical, Yamaha Motor, Seino Holdings, Monex Group, ABeam Consulting, Ezaki Glico, Takenaka Corporation, Felissimo, YUIDEA, Japan Post, Hitachi, Ltd., Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd., PR Consulting Dentsu Inc., Japan Airlines, Mizu, ENEOS Renewable Energy, ELECOM, NIKKEI OFFICE PASS, KILTA, Tanseisha, Dentsu Inc., NPO ETIC. (in no particular order)

※See timetable for event times
※Participants include corporations, social/community entrepreneurs, NPOs/NGOs, students, scientists/researchers, educators, government officials/local authorities, media, etc. – no restrictions on position or affiliation
※For participation fees, see the details page below (some sessions are free)

For conference details, click here
Apply here