How we built the world’s biggest tech event
Imagine scaling a global tech event to over 215,000 attendees in just four editions. That’s exactly what Mike Champion, CEO of Tahaluf and co-founder of LEAP, has done — and in Riyadh, no less. In this episode of Visionary, he speaks with Georgina Godwin about how Saudi Arabia turned top-down reform into bottom-up momentum.
Mike breaks down how government coordination, global investor access, and festival-style programming have made LEAP the most attended tech event in the world — outpacing CES and Web Summit in record time. The lesson? With the right mix of infrastructure, incentives, and intentional networking, even the most ambitious goals are within reach.
It’s not just about conferences, though. This episode offers insight into the rise of Saudi Arabia as a serious innovation hub, the strategic role of AI adoption, and how events can drive real economic impact — to the tune of $11 billion in Riyadh alone last year.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Why AI adoption is now a baseline expectation for any company that wants to hold its value.
How concierge-style networking is redefining the events industry — and driving serious investment.
Where global entrepreneurs and investors are heading next for scale, speed, and purpose-driven growth.
Watch the episode on YouTube below, or listen via your preferred podcast app.
