Does the talk suit an audience with different backgrounds?

Yes. The briefing establishes who will attend and what experience they bring. Examples and terminology are adapted accordingly; not everyone needs to hold a leadership role.

Does the subject have to be artificial intelligence?

No. The focus can be on shared decisions, responsibility or dealing with change. AI is explored in depth when it is relevant to your event.

Which format suits an annual general meeting?

That depends on the programme and the available time. The short talk lasts 15–20 minutes and the signature keynote 35–60 minutes. A moderated discussion is a different way of working and is agreed separately.

Does this include chairing our assembly or advice on our statutes?

No. This page describes talks and the existing entrepreneur dialogue. Chairing an assembly, legal advice and interpretation of your statutes are not included.

Is a large stage required?

No. A standard stage is suitable. The technical setup is agreed in advance to fit the venue and the chosen format.

Talks for associations and cooperatives

Making decisions together when conditions change

Members bring different experiences and expectations. At an annual general meeting, delegates' assembly or association conference, the question is not only what is changing, but what it means for the people involved.

Andy Fitze draws on experience in business leadership and expeditions to explore these questions. The talk is adapted to the people in the room and the responsibilities they hold.

Enquire about a talk for your event Explore all formats

For associations: different interests, shared decisions

Members can face very different concerns in their daily work. An association's board or executive team needs to understand those concerns while explaining which shared priorities require attention.

For an association conference or delegates' assembly, Andy Fitze explores how decisions can be explained when people do not share the same assessment. The briefing establishes whether the focus is on members, association leaders or a mixed audience.

For cooperatives: shared ownership, clear responsibility

How can long-term aims be considered alongside members' current concerns? What needs to be explained when an investment is proposed, services change or new technologies are introduced?

Andy Fitze examines how assumptions can be tested and the reasoning behind decisions made clear. The discussion distinguishes the actual responsibilities of members, management and oversight bodies. An annual general meeting calls for a different approach from an internal leadership event.

Questions that open a discussion

What needs to be decided now?: Not every uncertainty can be resolved before a decision. Which information is essential, and what can wait?
How can a change of course be explained?: A change may be well founded and still meet disagreement. How can people understand what has changed and which alternatives were considered?
Who needs to be heard?: Important observations are not confined to meetings. How does knowledge from everyday work reach the people preparing or making decisions?
What does AI mean for your organisation?: Not every new tool is useful, and not every development can be ignored. Where is a trial worthwhile, where are clear responsibilities needed, and where should the starting point be an honest question?

Which format fits your event?

These are existing offerings. The choice depends on the audience and the role of the session in your programme, not simply the size of your organisation.

The signature keynoteWhere the Map Ends. Leading When Forecasts Fail.

For association conferences, congresses and larger member events. Andy Fitze connects original expedition footage with questions of leadership and responsibility. The emphasis is adapted to the audience.

Format: 35–60 minutes. An opening, closing or standalone keynote. A standard stage is suitable.

Explore the signature keynote and its format

The short talkLocked in the Pack Ice

For a short contribution to an annual general meeting, members' evening or celebration. Using original images from on board, Andy Fitze introduces a specific leadership question. This is a shorter contribution, not the full signature keynote.

Format: 15–20 minutes.

Enquire about a short talk for your event

The entrepreneur dialogueThe Wind Doesn't Negotiate

For members whose main concerns relate to running their own businesses. A short talk opens a moderated conversation about business decisions based on incomplete information. The audience's questions shape the discussion that follows.

Format: 20–30-minute talk followed by 20–30 minutes of moderated discussion. Moderation is agreed in advance.

Explore the entrepreneur dialogue

If artificial intelligence is the central subject of your event, the existing AI keynote may be suitable. Explore the AI keynote

Andy Fitze also brings experience of association leadership

Andy Fitze is president of the Swiss IT Leadership Forum and a board member of swissICT. He combines that experience with his former role as a Group CIO and his current work as an AI strategist.

Expeditions and organisations are not the same. Experience on board does, however, provide concrete situations through which to discuss preparation and responsibility. The focus for your event is on the audience's own circumstances, not adventure for its own sake.

The conversation starts before the talk

Who will attend, and what matters to them? Andy Fitze discusses which question the session should address and which subjects should not form part of a public talk.

The programme role is also agreed: a short contribution after formal proceedings, a conference keynote or a discussion with members. Duration and technical requirements follow the existing format selected. Talks are available in English or German; no prior knowledge of AI or sailing is required.

Frequently asked questions

Ice and open water in the mist, seen from above

Enquiry

What are you planning for your members?

Describe your event and audience. Include the date, location and available time if these are already known. You do not need to choose a format before making an enquiry.

Direct contact keynote@andyfitze.com · Forch near Zurich, Switzerland · LinkedIn