Patrik Melander, Chairman of the Board in Dallas, tells us about 2021

What kind of upcoming events would you like to highlight in DFW during 2021?
You can expect at least two events per month. We will continue the CEO spotlights with many interesting and intriguing speakers – Nobel Price, Startup Worldcup. Another exciting initiative is the young chamber focus and you will see that gaining traction throughout the year. Our Social events will remain online until the pandemic gets more under control and we can move events outside – but as you saw from the success with the Lobster feast and Christmas dinner it is really possible to have fun together – remotely… From late Q2 we hope to be able to mix in hybrid events – with both in-person and online events.
You seem to have a lot going on. Anything else?
We will also build on the business survey that we started here in Dallas, and this time had success nationally which will be used to put the spotlight on DFW and how Swedish business punch well over its weight in contribution to the USA.
How would you like to summarize the pandemic year 2020 for SACC in Dallas?
Despite 2020 being a challenging year for everyone I must say we have made the most out of it. We focused on collaborations with other chambers in DFW and in the USA to create really first-class online events with CEO spotlight’s of Glocal entrepreneurs and leading companies such as IKEA and Ericsson. We also managed to have fun with Quarantinis and virtual festivities.
What has been the biggest challenge for SACC Dallas during a year like this?
Not to meet our members and having in person events. SACC Dallas strives to be the best networking platform for professionals, and it is truly challenge not to be able to do that in person. It is something special with meeting in person.
Is there any event arranged in 2020 that you are particularly pleased with or would like to highlight?
The CEO spotlight with Rashid Skaf (Co-Chairman & CEO of BiAmp) on leadership insights, Kristien Verbeke on IKEA core values and pivot forced by Covid-19, the CMO of Node Pole Christoffer Svanberg and Hans Amell (CEO of DragonWave-X) on Agility and bringing his group of companies to Dallas were really interesting. The virtual Lobster Party and just recently the virtual Christmas Dinner were delicious and fun – even though held remotely. I also would like to mention SACC USA Business Survey – an initiative that came from us here in Dallas – that we did in collaboration with all other SACC’s and became a big success. The year ended on a high note with the virtual ​tour and introduction of the Ericsson 5G Smart Factory giving us all a fascinating glimpse into the future which is already here.

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