In this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast, recorded live at Web Summit Vancouver 2025, host Edwin Frondozo is joined by Casey Lau, co-host of Web Summit. Casey shares his journey from co-hosting in Hong Kong to expanding Web Summit's reach to various global locations including Portugal, Qatar, Brazil, and now Vancouver.
He discusses the challenges and opportunities of bringing Web Summit to new cities, the potential for economic and ecosystem development, and the importance of startups looking globally. Highlighting Vancouver's vibrant tech and startup scene, Casey emphasizes the city's rise on the global stage and its potential impact on fostering innovation and growth.
00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast
00:36 Meet Casey Lau: The Connector of Global Tech
01:33 Casey's Journey with Web Summit
03:09 Vancouver's Growing Tech Ecosystem
04:48 The Global Impact of Vancouver's Tech Scene
07:01 Challenges and Opportunities for Canadian Tech
09:27 The Unique Appeal of Vancouver
11:39 Reflecting on the Impact of Major Tech Conferences
12:08 The Unique Role of Web Summit in the Tech Ecosystem
12:40 The Importance of Promoting Tech Events
12:52 Supporting Young Entrepreneurs and Startups
13:16 The Global Influence of Tech Conferences
13:32 Economic Impact of Tech Events on Cities
15:30 The Growth of Tech Ecosystems in Canada
19:57 Final Thoughts and Advice for Entrepreneurs
