Journal

A chronicle of people, places, happenings, and creations we admire.

Monocle Quality of Life Conference 2023: Munich

Still buzzing after returning from last weekend’s Monocle Quality of Life Conference in Munich. This truly unique experience with nearly 200 delegates from around the globe in an intimate setting listening in on some of the world’s top experts, execs, creatives, public servants and professionals at Allianz HQ bordering the venerable Englischer Garten.

Speakers ranging from entrepreneurs manufacturing innovative micro e-cars, such as Merlin Ouboter (son of the inventor of the modern kick scooter) of Microlino, to heads of offices of public realm like Ya-Ting Lei of NYC, to young, dynamic mayors (for contrast and commonality) like Matúš Vallo of Bratislava and Eric Johnson of Dallas respectively, to Carsten Spohr, the CEO of Lufthansa, discussing air travel now and in the future.

There was an overwhelming consensus amongst the speakers and delegates alike that the event lent a convivial energy throughout the proceedings, whether sharing Negroni Sbagliato at the famous Schumann’s Bar on the formal Hofgarten, at the main HQ auditorium, over a four-course dinner at Gallerie Thomas, or at Club Bayerischer Hof, where many of us celebrated into the early hours. You were an absolute legend if you made the 8:30am 5k run the following day. I, for one, did not. -HD. Photos ©Manuel Nieberle, 2023

The Monocle Quality of Life Conference 2017 | Berlin

Images © Courtesy Monocle

Another year has passed and MONOCLE is once again rolling out their Quality of Life Conference, a rarified symposium to gather, share ideas, discuss cities and what's next in societies and urban centers around the world.  From branding, hospitality, retail, and entrepreneurship to development, sustainability, high-speed transport, and design, MQOLC gathers the best and brightest minds to share and inform attendees along with entertainment, good food, drink, and conversation.  The Monocle Quality of Life Conference runs from Thursday June 29 until Saturday July 1, 2017.

List of Speakers, Panelists and Special Guests:

HIGH-SPEED NATION

A quick-fire chronicle of Germany's past

James Hawes is the author of ‘The Shortest History of Germany’ and we’ve set him an even more challenging task – explaining the nation in 15 minutes. It’s a fast-paced primer on our host nation.

Speakers

JAMES HAWES

BRAND BERLIN

Is this Europe’s most important city?

The German capital has become home to numerous start-ups and people from around the globe. And despite its complex past, it is an outpost of liberalism, possibility, and ambition. How can other cities learn from its successes – and the challenges it’s faced? Panelists will include celebrated architect Daniel Libeskind, who created the Jewish Museum Berlin, outspoken typographer Erik Spiekermann and forthright mayor Franziska Giffey.

Speakers

DANIEL LIBESKIND

ERIK SPIEKERMANN

FRANZISKA GIFFEY

STAY WITH ME, EAT WITH ME

What hospitality should do next

The world of hospitality has been shaken up by our changing lives, tastes and expectations like never before – and then there's Airbnb snapping at the heels of hotels around the globe. But hoteliers and restaurateurs are fighting back and doing rather well, thank you. We meet three star players who know about making communities, delivering experiences and taking care of a new generation of diners and travellers.

Speakers

NICK JONES

DIETMAR MÜLLER-ELMAU

OLAF KROHNE

THE FUTURE OF RETAIL

From clicks to department stores, how to thrive

Be it online or on the high street, retail is changing fast. We convene the players, including mall developers and pop-up suppliers, who know what happens next – and how to keep your business vital. Speakers: Mohamed Haouache, CEO of Paris-based Storefront; Lyn Harris, founder of Perfumer H; and Sarah McNally, founder of McNally Jackson.

Speakers

MOHAMED HAOUACHE

LYN HARRIS

SARAH MCNALLY

SPEED DATING FOR ENTREPRENEURS

How it's done

Entrepreneurs take us on a journey through their business experiences: from elevator pitches to running a successful company.

Speakers

PIP JAMIESON

BEN LEWIN

VALENTIN VODEV

LORENZ ASCHOFF

PROPERTY’S NEXT MOVE

What developers should do

The firms with winning formulas, new ideas and the ambition to change how you live convene to reveal how the sector is growing and why it’s no longer business as usual. Speakers will include Ryan Prince, co-founder of the Realstar Group, on how Uncle will reinvent rentals; Stefan Höglmaier, founder of Euoboden, on upping the quality of housing; and Monica von Schmalensee, CEO of White Arkitekter.

Speakers

RYAN PRINCE

MONICA VON SCHMALENSEE

STEFAN HÖGLMAIER

HEALTHY INCOME

Making money while keeping cities fit

The fitness business is pulling in new and inventive players. Who are the workout and healthy-eating fixers of the future? Hear from fitness leaders such as Paco Savio, co-founder of gym brand Balboa Move; Erez Galonska, the CEO of Infarm who knows how to turn our cities into farms; and Özden Akyildiz, founder of the world’s first virtual farming platform, Komşuköy.

Speakers

PACO SAVIO

EREZ GALONSKA

ÖZDEN AKYILDIZ

THINGS WE LIKE

Intelligence shared

Tyler Brûlé, our editor in chief, primes you on the things you need to see from around the globe that will inspire your life and travels in the months ahead.

THE SECRET CITY

Spies, art and strange stories

The mysteries and intrigues of Berlin revealed by leading film players, writers and art dealers. Head into the city’s shadows to understand the lure of Berlin with Anna Winger, creator of hit TV drama Deutschland 83, and Carl Woebcken, CEO of the city’s Babelsberg film studios.

Speakers

ANNA WINGER

CARL “CHARLIE” WOEBCKEN

SEAMLESS MOVES

Future of transport

The biggest mobility-thinkers on the future of transport – and the cities getting it right. And how do we make cities where mobility works for young and old? Speakers: Magnus Schmidt, the scooter maverick, Deutsche Bahn’s big thinker Meike Niedbal, and Dan Stubbergaard of Danish architecture firm Cobe.

Speakers

MAGNUS SCHMIDT

MEIKE NIEDBAL

DAN STUBBERGAARD

MEDIA MAKERS

Print bites back

How Germany is creating a media model that mixes print and digital in better ways – and what leading editors think it says about the future of news, leisure and advertising. We will be joined by Christoph Amend, editor in chief of Zeitmagazin, and Penny Martin, editor in chief of The Gentlewoman.

Speakers

CHRISTOPH AMEND

PENNY MARTIN

THIS IS MY BERLIN: AFTER DARK

When the lights go out

Berlin is a city that thrives after sunset. We give you a high-speed tour to a side of the city you need to know.

Speakers

MARKUS KÜHN

THIS IS MY BERLIN: ARTISTIC LICENCE

Creative City

What is it like to live in the German capital as an artist? We paint a picture of the inspiration and intrigue it provides for its creative residents.

Speakers

ARI BENJAMIN MEYERS

THIS IS MY BERLIN: BUILDING SOCIETY

Framework of a city

Explore the city's structures with our perfect guide: the Berlin architect and professor of design theory at Hamburg University of Fine Art.

Speakers

FRIEDRICH VON BORRIES

LAND OF ICE AND FIRE

The small city with big ambitions

He runs a city that has been shaken by everything from a collapsing economy to volcano ash clouds but which today is having to plan for almost too much success as tourist numbers boom in Reykjavík. What does the city’s mayor see happening in the future, what can everyone learn from the plucky player who’s come out on top and what are the secrets of good leadership?

Speakers

DAGUR B EGGERTSSON

How to Make a Nation: A Monocle Guide

Media powerhouse Monocle have teamed up with German publisher Gestalten to continue their Guide Series focusing on how to properly build a nation.  This latest guide touches on all key aspects of what a strong, civil and forward looking country should look like.  It curates the best parts from countries all over the world; from housing, to natural resources, healthcare policy and military might, to education, commerce, and societal welfare. These crucial aspirational elements are combined to create a country that anyone would dream of gaining citizenship or leading as Head of State.  Head over to Gestalten and order your copy.

Also, do take a look at their previous Guides to Better Living and Good Business.

Price: $60.00

Monocle 24: The Big Interview

Photos ©Monocle / TAG Heuer

Photos ©Monocle / TAG Heuer

Monocle’s editor in chief Tyler Brûlé sits down with Tag Heuer CEO Jean-Claude Biver to discuss adapting to an ever-changing market, collaborating (and competing) and how the “connected watch” will foster the next generation of luxury-watch buyers.  Jean-Claude Biver is in our opinion (shadowing Tyler's) one of the most intuitive characters in the luxury watch sector, and for that matter, the luxury brand sector as a whole.  Head over to Monocle and take a listen.

Originally Aired on December 20, 2015

Duration: 30 Minutes


Monocle Quality of Life Conference 2016

©Monocle

©Monocle

Friday 15 April to Sunday 17 April 2016, Vienna, Austria

After the success of their 2015 Lisbon symposium, Monocle has announced their 2016 conference, more details will be forthcoming.  Here is the rundown on what to expect in April. 

"Our intimate gathering returns in 2016 and this time it will take place in the Austrian capital, a city that provides the perfect backdrop with its humming ateliers, fresh new hotels and mixture of modernity and tradition.

Monocle invites you to a weekend of great debates, good conversations, peerless hospitality and some fun nights too. It’s a weekend where contacts can be made, ideas nurtured and horizons expanded. Join our editors, correspondents and key thinkers in discussing topics ranging from architecture to independent retail, transport to healthy living." - Monocle

  1. You’ll be hosted by the Monocle team (and there will be no lanyards).
  2. We’ll bring powerful voices shaping our cities, from Australia to Brazil.
  3. Our editor in chief Tyler Brûlé will help reveal the future direction for hotels, retail, travel, design and more.
  4. There will be a series of receptions and dinners where you’ll get to meet with people who could change your career, your business or your outlook forever.
  5. We’ll organise access to the studios and ateliers of architects, designers and makers who are delivering a contemporary take on luxury.
  6. There will be morning runs for those who want to stretch limbs as well as minds.
  7. Enjoy live music interludes with a pop vibe.
  8. See special Monocle films that set the tone and dive into the key themes.
  9. Be part of the Monocle 24 radio experience.
  10. Take to the dance floor at least once.

 

Tickets: €1,850. 
Subscribers and founders receive a 10% discount.


The Monocle Guide to Cozy Homes

A handbook for making a home that will stand the text of time, take knocks and scuffs in its stride—and where lives can unfold, children grow up, and dogs run wild. --Monocle

About This Book

This Monocle book tells us how to turn a house into a home. Both a practical guide and a great source of inspiration, The Monocle Guide to Cosy Homes presents the interiors, furniture, and locations you need to know about along with portraits of the people who can make it happen. 

The Monocle Guide to Cosy Homes celebrates the durable and the meaningful through a collection of homes that tell a story. Most architecture and interior books show houses polished to perfection, manicured to the extent that it is hard to imagine anybody actually lives there: they seem to miss the point that homes are meant to be inhabited. They should be able to take scuffs and knocks and to be part of a community, whether in a Chicago skyscraper or on Australia’s sunshine coast.

Available Soon in the USA

Photos:©Monocle


Monocle Quality of Life Conference, Lisbon 2015

Monocle has created an event that is not to be missed.  The MONOCLE Quality of Life Conference gathers in Lisbon, Portugal from 17-19 April, 2015.  The MQLC covers everything from architecture, retail and entrepreneurship to city planning and national branding.  Attendees will be able to mix and mingle with the many great leaders, thinkers, influencers and entrepreneurs scheduled to participate. Various discussions include innovative home building, typography in urban planning, urban transport, workplace making, retail design, a special panel moderated by MONOCLE founder Tyler Brûlé, live music, art and film, and other exciting activities.