JESS3 had the pleasure to attend Pop Tech, in Maine last week. The Pop Tech conference speaks to a clear authentic movement of people interested in solving global problems using innovative technology. There are speakers like Pieter Hoff, founder of Groasis, an agriculture product designed to help trees grow in deserts. The big idea behind Groasis is that the product will provide jobs and money to locals, while at the same time denting global warming by turning deserts into areas that process carbon dioxide. His mind-blowing presentation was only one of many that made the largest problems on the planet seem solvable.

Pieter Hoff at Pop Tech, photo courtesy of Kris Krug.

At the same time that ingenious presenters took the stage, musicians and performers reminded you on the micro level what Pop Tech stands for. Ok Go, a pop-rock band which became a sensation online through its clever music videos, poked fun at Pop Tech saying fans at the Ted Conference clapped louder.

Ok Go at Pop Tech, photo courtesy of Kris Krug.

Similarly, Reggie Watts, a vocalist performer who speaks in so many accents and voices that even after he finished his performance we had no idea what his actual voice sounded like, lubed up a quarter-inch plug before plugging it into a pre-amp while on stage. These micro moments of informality are what has helped build Pop Tech into a cutting edge authentic brand. On the last day, many people signed up to return next year.

Reggie Watts at Pop Tech, photo courtesy of Kris Krug.

It is well worth anyone’s time to head up to Maine, experience world class performers and a group of people who are serious in what they do, but not so serious as to lose that human authenticity that makes brands come alive.

Written by Nathan Maton | Project Manager, JESS3

Tags: JESS3, pop tech