< Speaker / Facilitator >
Axel Hecklau

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Axel Hecklau is one of Germany's most renowned magicians. As a World Vice-Champion in Parlour Magic, he has shared the stage with Las Vegas stars Penn & Teller, performed at the legendary Magic Castle in Hollywood, and captivates audiences on international tours. Based in Berlin, he combines grand stage performance with an intimate connection with his audience, for example in his weekly show 'Salon der Wunder' at the Kulturbrauerei. His performances thrive on a moment he masters like no other: surprise, that split second between expectation and reality, when wonder begins.
< About >
A satisfactory product meets the customer's expectations. A great one breaks those expectations at just the right moment.
Axel Hecklau is the World Vice-Champion of Magic and appeared as a guest on the TV series Penn & Teller: Fool Us. He thrives on precisely that half-second between expectation and event, the moment we call 'surprise'. He talks about and demonstrates how surprise works, and why surprises are the key to products that people remember and stay loyal to.
In his talk he reveals the theoretical side of his art only; the show that follows brings his theory of surprise to life in a practical, astonishing, and very entertaining way.
< Key learnings >
Why surprise, not mere satisfaction, is what makes a product memorable and builds loyalty
How the half-second between expectation and reality creates emotional impact you can design for
What a World-Champion magician's craft teaches product leaders about breaking expectations on purpose
< Tickets >