The Entrepreneurs Live, Shanghai, 29 April 2026
A one-day conference on building brands and businesses across China and Asia
The Entrepreneurs Live is a new Monocle conference built on nearly two decades of reporting on how businesses are built, branded and run. From our monthly magazine and our annual Monocle: The Entrepreneurs special to our weekly radio programme, enterprise has long been central to what we cover.
In Shanghai, we bring that reporting into the room. Across a full day of conversations, founders and business leaders will share practical insight on building brands, navigating China’s changing consumer market and expanding across Asia.
Expect lively panel discussions, sharp interviews and candid conversation about what it takes to build a business today.
Our host city
The inaugural edition takes place in Shanghai – a city central to China’s economy and one of the most compelling places to understand where business is heading.
We will gather at Jing An Shangri-La in the heart of the city to explore opportunities, ideas and success stories shaping China and the Asia-Pacific region – on stage and beyond.
Who will attend
More than 100 founders, investors, designers and business leaders from China and beyond will join us in Shanghai.
Our speakers remain for the duration, ensuring that conversations continue over coffee, lunch and dinner. The most valuable exchanges rarely happen on a schedule.
What to expect
Hosted by Monocle’s founder, Tyler Brûlé, alongside senior editors from Europe and Asia, the programme brings together more than 15 speakers from across fashion, beauty, hospitality, retail, design, technology and the arts.
Throughout the day you can expect focused discussion, practical insight and plenty of opportunity to continue the conversation. The programme includes a networking lunch and concludes with an evening dinner.
Featured speakers
A line-up of founders from China, Singapore, Thailand and Hong Kong, shaping brands across fashion, food, design, art and technology:
Co-founder of Linehouse
Founder of ZZER
Founder of Dib Bangkok
Founder of The Lo & Behold Group
Co-founder of Sound Art Museum
Founder of Native Union
Founder of Herbeast
Founder, Silver Heights
CEO of Songtsam
Co-founder of Art021
Co-founder of Shushu/Tong
Vice president of global design, Geely Auto Group
Brand leader at An Ko Rau
Co-founder of Labelhood
Co-founder of Labelhood
Founder of Melt Season
Tap here to read more about our speaker line up.
Programme and timings
9.30 – 17.00: The conference
Location: Jing An Shangri-La, 1218 Middle Yan’an Road, Jing An Kerry Centre, West Nanjing Road, Shanghai 200040 China
19.30 – 22:30: Dinner & drinks
23:00 until late: Night cap & dancing
See the full programme details here.
Accommodation
Jing An Shangri-La is our official venue and hospitality partner for the event. Please contact Hannah at events@monocle.com to enquire about special room rates or if you have any questions about the event.
Event partner:
