Get under the skin of the platform used by a third of the USA population. Understand how parent company ByteDance scaled and monetises it, and what’s next in global content and engagement.
The Companies You'll Meet
You don’t rise above disruption by reading about it. You have to see it, feel it, and experience it.
This trip is:
• A recalibration of how you think about innovation and speed
• A benchmark against what’s actually happening now, not what’s in the deck
• A wake-up call to step beyond the assumptions inside your organisation
This is business as unusual.
The world’s largest financial services group. Their AI systems process and pay car insurance claims in just four minutes. You’ll see automation and customer-centricity working at national scale.
Now the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer, BYD has surpassed Tesla. Meet the people behind the strategy, and see how vertical integration gives them speed and cost advantage.
EHang is now fully licensed to operate autonomous passenger drones. Ride in one, and reflect on how air mobility might change the way cities and businesses function.
They dominate China’s tech landscape, excelling in social media (WeChat), payments, gaming, cloud services, and strategic global investments.
A Chinese e-commerce giant that has revolutionised global retail, connecting billions worldwide through platforms like Taobao and Tmall, with a valuation surpassing $500 billion.
“The experience really got below the surface of what makes China’s tech industry tick. It opened up ideas and opportunities regarding innovations that can be transferred to UK industries.”
Chris Meir, Director of IT and Innovation, DPD
What's in Store for 2026?
This three minute video brings to life what you can expect from Inside Digital China 2026….when you will step seven years into the future!
The Big Themes
Across the week you’ll gain insight into today’s most pressing business issues:
Structures for Step Change Innovation
Speed at Unprecedented Scale
The latest frontier technologies: Al, Robotics, Avatars
The future of consumer engagement and brand animation
Digital and agile transformation
Relentless focus on consumers
“A superbly organised, content-rich week amongst senior peers, which both challenged and informed my views on technology-led transformation.”
Haslam Preeston, Head of Digital Business, Jardine Matheson
Who You'll Be Learning From
Christina Boutrup
Leading China analyst, experienced business journalist and author. Her work explores China’s tech revolution and its impact on global markets. A regular keynote speaker and trusted voice on Chinese innovation.
Dr Wanli Min
Former Chief AI Scientist at Alibaba and member of China’s National Strategic Advisory Committee on Next Generation AI. Now CEO of North Summit Capital. A pioneer in AI application across finance, healthcare and smart cities.
Dr Xiao Jing
Group Chief Scientist at Ping An. Leads R&D in AI technologies and applications in financial services, with 90+ US patents and a PhD from Carnegie Mellon University.
Tina Hu
A specialist in social media insights and consumer behaviour in China. Tina decodes how digital communities and eCommerce trends are shaping the next wave of global consumer habits.
Peter Lisbygd
Investor, futurist and China expert with deep experience in green mobility and emerging technology. Advises global companies on innovation strategy in Asia.
Professor David Gosset
Global affairs and international relations expert. Frequently published by The Economist Intelligence Unit, he offers essential geopolitical context to China’s rise and global influence.
“An incredible trip that gave me real insight into the macro and micro drivers of a rising superpower – and a great opportunity to forge connections with leaders from outside my sector.”
Ross Dalzell, MD – Head of Property, Aldermore Bank
Why Take Five Days Out?
We know what it’s like. Your diary is full. The boardroom needs you. You’re making decisions that matter.
But the biggest risk for a senior leader today isn’t being out of the office for five days.
It’s being out of touch with what’s coming.
The leaders who thrive tomorrow are the ones who make time to learn differently today.
Leaders we've inspired
This is not a tour. It’s a turning point. Will you be on it?
More lessons on innovation and the importance of an innovative culture in one week than I’d had in the last ten years!
An invaluable opportunity to broaden your horizons, learn, build new global networks and to understand and challenge established perspectives.
It was a fascinating trip. The pace and passion with which the Chinese consumers and companies are embracing digital transformation has to be seen to be believed. I came away convinced that China will be at the forefront of the AI revolution!
This was a fantastic opportunity to see what a developed digital economy looks like and really helped shape my own business’s future – six days that have changed my thinking!
A superbly organised, content-rich week amongst senior peers, which both challenged and informed my views on technology-led transformation.
Why Now?
Taking time out of the business might feel like a luxury – but Inside Digital China is your opportunity to make the smartest move of the year.
As Elon Musk put it: “Without trade barriers, Chinese companies will demolish most other companies in the world.”
Our Global Eco-System
