Cross-industry conference brings global experts to Exeter

Ever wondered why some conversations change lives while others fizzle into awkward silence? Or how a single decision can turn the tide in medicine, law, or business? INTERACTIONS, a two-day conference at Sandy Park on 27–28 March, aims to unravel the mysteries of human connection - bringing global experts to Exeter for a deep dive into how we talk, listen, and decide.

The event, run by a non-profit organisation originally focused on improving outcomes in high-risk industries like medicine, isn’t your average PowerPoint marathon. It promises an interactive, cross-industry experience featuring top names from the military, healthcare, law, media, psychology, and strategy.

Speakers include a High Court Judge and Senator of the College of Justice, a director at The London School of Economics, a former company commander in Iraq, an emergency department consultant, a BBC producer and bestselling author, and a five-time CEO across the UK and US.

If that’s not enough to impress, there's also an engagement expert who’s worked with the UN, Microsoft, and UNICEF, alongside researchers tackling topics like narcissism, truth, high-risk safety, and the art of listening.

Co-founder Dr Alistair Hellewell, consultant anaesthetist at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, is thrilled to bring the event to the city:

“I’m proud to bring this unique event to Exeter – and particularly pleased to maintain our commitment to interactive and interdisciplinary learning. Participants don’t just hear life-changing stories and cutting-edge ideas: they actively experience and contribute to them.”

The event will be hosted and curated by Jason Clarke, flying in from Australia, who believes that the smallest interactions can have the biggest consequences:

“At the core of institutional failure, there's almost always an exchange between two or more human beings that – had it gone a slightly different way – could have produced a radically different outcome. Seemingly insignificant interactions between people are the difference between success and failure. INTERACTIONS will challenge all of us to really get to know the humans in the machine: our psychology and behaviour, our dynamics and interplay.”

Attendees can expect more than just food for thought—there’ll be plenty of opportunities to engage, question, and rethink how we navigate workplace dynamics, leadership, and collaboration.

Tickets are available via Eventbrite or by request at info@thephilosophicalbreakfastclub.org.uk. Block bookings are available for groups of 10 or more.