We recently interviewed Daniel Karpantschof of the Nexus: Global Youth Summit. 

The Nexus: Global Youth Summit on Innovative Philanthropy and Social Entrepreneurship is the largest gathering of young wealth-holders ever to meet. The first summit was held in collaboration with the United Nations summer of 2011, in New York City, with more than 450 participants representing more than 100 billion USD - according to an article in Forbes Magazine.

DIIP: When and why did you start this group/organization?

DK:  We started Nexus: Global Youth Summit in February 2011 in order to expose young wealth-holders to ideas, issues and work to develop systemic solutions to global problems that they can help implement.

DIIP: What type of events do you have and how often are they held

DK:  We recently held our first of what will be an annual summit in collaboration with the UN as well as regional happy hours. We may, later in the game, venture in to regional events, online collaboration suits etc.

DIIP: What is your value proposition to those that attend?

DK:  Get exposed to issues and proposed solution. By meeting and having access to various wealth-holders and those that already are working to help make the world a better place, you will learn how you can play even a small role in creating a better future for the human species.

DIIP: What makes your group unique or different from other groups?

DK:  It's global. It's young. It's resourceful. While other groups focus on entrepreneurs or are for specific genders, our event is inclusive and aims to bring everyone from politicians to actors to entrepreneurs to millionaires to aspiring entrepreneurs together so that the next generation can work together. No one person can fix the world’s issues but we believe that collectively, by working together, we can make a difference through action.

DIIP: Why do you think it is so important for people to go out to your events and “do it in person?”

DK:  Human interaction is the primary driver for pretty much everything. Meeting others who share common causes allows ideas to develop and be implemented at a much quicker pace. Also, often you meet someone virtually and seemingly have nothing in common. When you come together, many of those barriers don’t exist and people can move beyond that.

DIIP: Describe the ideal attendee to your events.

DK:  Millennial. Either social entrepreneur or wealth-holder (being self-made, heirs, member of royal family etc.)

DIIP: How has your organization evolved since you started it?

DK:  There was no group until I got involved :) And now, it is growing leaps and bounds and making a lot of headway.

DIIP: What tip or tips would you give to an attendee of your event on how to make it successful for them?

DK:  Come with an open mind. Don’t be a republican or democrat because politics get us nowhere. Be someone who embraces making the world a better place for everyone.

DIIP: What do you look for when choosing a venue?

DK:  Flexibility. Price.  Capacity. Feel & design. Flexibility above all else.

DIIP: How do you judge the success of an event?

DK:  If more people showed than anticipated and you get great feedback from the community. But we received amazing feedback from peers and attendees. People would come up to me and thank me for changing their lives and giving them purpose. What a divine thing to say! I’m truly honored by that.

DIIP: If you could pick one person that you would want to speak at/attend your event, who would it be?

DK:  Gandhi, but I’ll settle for the President of the United States. We had the Secretary General of the United Nations, though.

DIIP: What was the best event you have ever been to?

DK:  The Blouin Creative Leadership Summit, probably. Roskilde Festival is also a hit, but slightly different ;)

DIIP: Can you share any success stories from your events?

DK:  More than 10 million dollars changed hands within three hours, from young wealth-holder to young social entrepreneur. That we know of. That’s pretty amazing.

To learn more about Nexus: Global Youth Summit, please email Daniel Karpantschof at DanielK@NexusYouthSummit.com. You can also follow Nexus: Global Youth Summit on twitter: @thenexussummit or via facebook at facebook.com/nexusyouthsummit.

If you would like to have your group featured on the Do It In Person blog, please email aron@doitinperson.com.