The Business Day, event director, Stephen Parnaby OBE, has announced that the 2024 event to be held at The Bridlington Spa is now sold out and a waiting list for tickets is in place.
David Parkin on ABBA, a unicorn and a big organ
David Parkin
14 de junio de 2024
I TOLD you I would.
Last week I tantalised with the story that I was off to the Far East to see ABBA.
Well I’m back with all the news from Bridlington where I was working at The Business Day conference.
The annual event at Bridlington Spa attracts a high level audience of business leaders from Hull and East Yorkshire to hear from an eclectic group of speakers.
The headliner last Friday was Björn Ulvaeus, co-founder of Swedish pop supergroup ABBA.
Looking slim, fit and trendily dressed in T-shirt, jacket and trainers without socks, the musician looked 20 years younger than a man pushing 80.
Host Giles Brandreth pointed out that Björn was a similar age to US president Joe Biden which provided something of a contrast given the Swede’s wit and easy conversation compared to Biden’s recent rather stilted appearances.
Brandreth, a highly accomplished public speaker, was an interviewer who asked rather eclectic questions.
If it was me in the chair, I’d have asked more questions about ABBA’s heyday and what they have been doing since stepping back from super stardom.
Giles chose to ask Björn about his earliest memory.
It was two lobsters racing across the kitchen floor of his childhood home in Sweden (his father ran a shipyard and the fishermen used to give him lobsters from their catch).
He also asked about his happiest and saddest memories from growing up.
When we got onto the ABBA story Giles pointed out that Sir Mick Jagger is still bopping about on stage at the age of 80 to bring home the bacon whereas Björn and his colleagues have recreated themselves as digital avatars in their pomp for the sold out hit show ABBA Voyage in London.
Having co-written Chess with Sir Tim Rice, the Swede also created the stage show Mamma Mia!, which later was made into two popular films.
He lives a relatively quiet life in Sweden with his girlfriend and admitted to Giles, that even at the height of ABBA’s fame, was able to live normally in Sweden, walking his children to school and going shopping, something he never could have done if he lived in the UK or US.
It was a fascinating conversation with a man, who as Brandreth pointed out, is perhaps the most successful person in popular music in the world.
What he was doing in Bridlington on a Friday afternoon in June is anyone’s guess, but a coup all the same.
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Karen Philipson (@kphilipson99) / X
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Björn in Bridlington
Björn Ulvaeus, Songwriter, Producer, Entertainment Entrepreneur and founding member of ABBA has been announced as the keynote speaker for The Business Day at Bridlington Spa on Friday 7 June 2024.
Björn Ulvaeus is set to captivate and inspire delegates as the keynote speaker at The Business Day at Bridlington Spa as he talks about the creation of ABBA Voyage, leadership, entrepreneurship, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Technology, Innovation, Meta Data and the complexity of business in the music industry. This eagerly anticipated event will bring together more than 650 regional and national business leaders, for an unforgettable day of insights, creativity, and knowledge sharing.
Björn Ulvaeus, a true luminary in the world of music and entertainment, has delighted and touched the hearts of millions across the globe with his extraordinary talents. As a founding member of ABBA, he played an instrumental role in shaping the sound of a generation and leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. His creative genius and ability to connect with audiences have earned him accolades and a place in the pantheon of music legends.
Stephen Parnaby OBE, The Business Day Event Director said “We are honoured and ecstatic to welcome Björn Ulvaeus to The Business Day as our keynote speaker. His contributions to music and culture are unparalleled, and his presence will undoubtedly elevate The Business Day to new heights. Delegates will have the opportunity to gain first-hand insights from a true visionary; his keynote address will be the highlight of the day.”
Mark Lonsdale, General Manager, Bridlington Spa and Producer of The Business Day said “Bridlington Spa is renowned for attracting major names to the region and I am delighted that Björn will be gracing the stage of our Edwardian Theatre as our keynote speaker.
“Delegates can look forward to a thought-provoking and inspiring address that will delve into Mr. Ulvaeus’ experiences, insights, and observations from his remarkable journey in the entertainment industry. With a career spanning decades, Björn will share valuable perspectives on creativity, collaboration, innovation, and the power of music to transcend boundaries.”
The Business Day is aimed at business leaders as an inspirational day with guest speakers, breakout sessions and networking opportunities. Delegates will have the opportunity to engage in dynamic discussions, networking, breakout sessions and more, all aimed at fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth within business. The inclusion of Björn Ulvaeus as the keynote speaker adds an extra layer of prestige and excitement to the event.
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ABBA star Bjorn Ulvaeus makes AI warning during Bridlington visit
Richard Madden
ABBA star's AI tech warning to music industry
By Richard Madden, BBC News
Björn Ulvaeus has warned the use of artificial intelligence must not come at a cost to human influence
ABBA superstar Björn Ulvaeus believes artificial intelligence (AI) could lead to "spectacular things" for the music industry but has warned it must not come at a cost to the "human hand".
The 79-year-old made the comments to the BBC ahead of his appearance at a business conference being held at the Bridlington Spa in East Yorkshire on Friday.
The singer-songwriter also gave the thumbs up to the seaside town's fish and chips and revealed his disappointment at not being able to spend more time in the area.
"I planned to rent a car and drive around the north of England, but sadly, I have to go back home," he explained.
In a wide-ranging interview with BBC Look North, the musician said AI will be used to shape the future of his industry.
He said: "It's going to make song-writing different. Whether it's going to be better, I don't know but it's it's going to affect society as a whole.
"It could lead to spectacular things. On the other hand, we have to be very cautious so that it doesn't exclude the human songwriter or producer or artist.
"To be heard through the noise you really have to be very, very good. I think that it takes a human hand to add that extra little percentage needed to achieve a really good song."
'Still amazed'
Opening up on his ABBA career, Mr Ulvaeus described his band as "meticulous" and said he still finds it difficult to understand why they continue to be so popular.
"You can look at numbers and intellectually you understand and you acknowledge it. But emotionally it is very difficult to explain," he added.
"Over the years I've given it so much thought, but I just cannot explain it. I'm reminded of it almost every day and I'm still amazed."
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