The Entrepreneurs Live, Jing An Shangri-La, Shanghai, 29 April 2026
A gathering of innovators shaping brands and building businesses in China and beyond
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 to our annual Monocle: The Entrepreneurs special and our weekly radio programme, enterprise has long been central to what we do.
In Shanghai, we bring that coverage into the room. Expect lively panel discussions, sharp one-on-one interviews and candid exchanges with founders, investors and innovators. This is a conference about execution as much as ambition – about what works, what doesn’t and what comes next.
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 operators from China and beyond will join us for the day. Our speakers will stay for the duration, ensuring that the conversation continues over coffee, lunch and dinner. The best exchanges rarely happen on a schedule.
What to expect
Hosted by Monocle’s founder, Tyler Brûlé, alongside senior editors from Europe and Asia, the one-day programme brings together about 15 speakers for focused discussion and practical insight. The day includes a networking lunch and 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:
Plus:
- Colin Siyuan Chinnery, founder of Sound Art Museum
- Emma Gao, founder of Silver Heights
- Tasha Liu and Justin Peng, founder and CEO of Labelhood
- Igor Duc, founder of Native Union
- Lishi Ni, founder of Melt Season
- Bao Yifeng, co-founder of Art021 Shanghai Contemporary Art Fair
A complete list of speakers appearing at the 2026 edition of The Entrepreneurs Live will be announced in the coming weeks.
Accommodation & other details
Monocle has arranged special rates at a selection of our favourite hotels. Please reach out to events@monocle.com to find out more.
Event partner:
