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Gimme, gimme, gimme… a global pop icon for The Business Day 2024!

Mamma Mia! Organisers of The Business Day have secured a music superstar as headline speaker for 2024.

The Humber region’s annual gathering will welcome ABBA’s Bjorn Ulvaeus to Bridlington Spa next year. A musician, singer, songwriter and producer, he shot to global fame with the Seventies Swedish quartet, recording hits that have transcended decades.

He is now set to captivate and inspire delegates as he talks about the creation of ABBA Voyage, leadership, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, technology, innovation, meta data and the complexity of business in the music industry. Organisers have described the 78-year-old as “a true entrepreneur and thought leader”. Stephen Parnaby OBE, who heads up what is the climax to Humber Business Week, said his appearance will take The Business Day to a new level.

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“Björn Ulvaeus will enthral delegates at Bridlington Spa with his knowledge, hands-on experience of artificial intelligence and The Metaverse as well as his journey through life,” Mr Parnaby, event director, said. “We are honoured and ecstatic to welcome Björn to The Business Day. 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.”

The event takes place on Friday, June 7, and he will not be the first global musician to grace the stage, with Bob Geldof KBE and Dave Stewart of The Eurythmics, both having entertained in previous years. It is understood Bjorn will come to the UK specifically for the booking. Giving a brief flavour in a message to organisers, he said: “I look forward to being a part of The Business Day at Bridlington Spa where I’ll be talking about ideas, innovation, and collaboration.”



10th April 1974: Swedish pop stars (from left), Benny Andersson, Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Agnetha Faltskog and Bjorn Ulvaeus of the Swedish pop group ABBA posing at Waterloo railway station.
10th April 1974: Swedish pop stars (from left), Benny Andersson, Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Agnetha Faltskog and Bjorn Ulvaeus of the Swedish pop group ABBA posing at Waterloo railway station.



Bjorn Ulvaeus, Agnetha Faltskog, Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Benny Andersson attending the Abba Voyage digital concert launch at the ABBA Arena, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, east London.
Bjorn Ulvaeus, Agnetha Faltskog, Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Benny Andersson attending the Abba Voyage digital concert launch at the ABBA Arena, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, east London.

Prior to pop superstardom, he had studied business and law after national service, before joining a Swedish folk band, Hootenanny Singers. While touring he met keyboard player Benny Andersson of Hep Stars, and in the late Sixties met his future wife, singer-songwriter Agnetha Faltskog. The band, including Benny’s partner Anni-Frid Synni Lyngstad, broke up shortly after they divorced more than a decade later, with Bjorn and Benny going on to create the musical Mamma Mia!.

Most recently, the band has been behind virtual concert residency Abba Voyage, with Bjorn having business interests in music-related software.

Mark Lonsdale, general manager at 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.”

Bjorn will be one of several speakers to take part in the event, this year headlined by Clare Balding, with Gyles Brandreth hosting. It attracts more than 700 people from the regional business community, with insight, inspiration and networking the aims.

Original artice – https://business-live.co.uk/all-about/yorkshire-humber

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