# Influencer Summer Camps Spark Camp is a Casual Conference for World's Brightest Minds By Meghan Young | Published 2014-07-10 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spark-camp References: [fastcompany](http://www.fastcompany.com/3032550/most-creative-people/what-happens-at-the-ultimate-summer-camp-for-influencers) & [sparkcamp](http://sparkcamp.com/) Conferences and events held by and for the brightest minds from around the world can be exceptionally dull and stuffy; yet that is not the case for [Spark Camp](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spark-financial). Created as an alternative to such boring symposiums, Spark Camp allows guests to connect on a more personal level while still exchanging high level ideas and thoughts in a stimulating environment. Founded by tech and media veterans Amy Webb, CEO of Webbmedia Group, Amanda Michel of Guardian U.S., Matt Thompson of NPR, Andrew Pergam of the Washington Post, and Jennifer 8. Lee, formerly of the [New York Times](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wordle-game-show), Spark Camp is funded by generous donations from the Knight Foundation, [Google](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-think-party) and the Nieman Foundation and more. The annual event focuses on a carefully curated guest list that helps keep a lookout for new people. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.6/10 - Popularity: 67% | Activity: 94% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Leaders](https://www.trendhunter.com/leaders) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Alternative Conferences:** Creating casual and stimulating conferences that offer a personal connection for attendees. - **Exchanging High Level Ideas:** Facilitating the exchange of cutting-edge ideas and thoughts in a non-traditional conference setting. - **Carefully Curated Guest Lists:** Designing events with a guest list that promotes the discovery of new talent. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Event Planning:** Innovating the conference industry by creating alternative, more engaging and personal event experiences. - **Media and Technology:** Leveraging technology and media to enhance the exchange of ideas at conferences. - **Philanthropy:** Supporting the funding of non-traditional conferences and events through generous donations from foundations and corporations. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Virtual Summer Camps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/camp-little-bites.md) - [High-End Health-Focused Conferences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-assembly.md) - [Luxe Camp-Style Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wasa-camp-crunch.md) - [Dog Enrichment Camps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/summer-camp-for-dogs.md) - [Authentic Connection Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spark-dating.md) - [Outdoorsy Summer Sweepstakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/summer-sweepstakes.md) - [Family-Friendly Summer Camps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/family-summer-camp.md) - [Emotional Recovery-Focused Escapes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/camp-heartbreak.md) - [Immersive Book Club Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/camp-unwritten.md)