About
What We do
KEYNOTE is an experienced, well established consultancy and production firm that deploys unique conference design capabilities and organizational acumen. We can develop each event from an initial concept, through a thorough planning and preparation period, to a successful execution. We are aware of the importance of event follow-up, sharing outcomes, and developing long-term sustainable knowledge-based networks.
The KEYNOTE team and our pool of highly qualified and experienced collaborators focus principally on politics, international relations, security, civil society, new social trends, and business. We regularly cooperate with highly respected speakers in these areas.
We have implemented or are currently implementing projects in cooperation with notable partners that include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, European Commission, European Parliament, Aspen Institute, Brookings Institution, Prague Civil Society Centre, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, B’nai B’rith, Bata Shoe Foundation, Deloitte, and the University of Pittsburgh. We permanently operate in close cooperation with the Forum 2000 Foundation.
Mission
In our work, we support efforts leading to cutting edge international encounters, bringing new ideas to life and facilitating unique networking experience. We emphasize conceptual creativity in developing ideas, empathy, readiness to work with new concepts, flexibility in planning and precision in execution.
History
KEYNOTE was established at the beginning of 2007, following the long and successful cooperation of its three founding partners – Oldřich Černý, Jiří Schneider, and Jakub Klepal – in organizing high-level gatherings, like the Forum 2000 Conference series, Prague Security Studies Institute annual conferences, and other events. The decision to found KEYNOTE came in response to growing demand for assistance in promoting informed debate and organizing events that reached beyond the scope of Forum 2000 and the Prague Security Studies Institute.
KEYNOTE and Forum 2000
KEYNOTE supports the work of the Forum 2000 Foundation. Forum 2000 pursues the legacy of Václav Havel by promoting the values of democracy and respect for human rights, assisting the development of civil society, and encouraging religious, cultural and ethnic tolerance. It provides a platform for global leaders, as well as thinkers and courageous individuals from every field of endeavor, to openly debate and share these critical issues.
Founders
Oldřich Černý
Co-Founder of KEYNOTE, Oldřich was also Executive Director of the Forum 2000 Foundation, and Director of the Prague Security Studies Institute. Previously, he served as Director General of the Czech Foreign Intelligence Service (1993–1998) and National Security Advisor to President Václav Havel (1990–1993). Prior to the revolution, he worked as a freelance translator (1980–1989); theater producer (1978–1980); and editor (1971–1978).
Jiří Schneider
Co-Founder of KEYNOTE, Jiří left the company in July 2010 as he accepted the offer to join the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic as First Deputy Minister. Previously, Jiří worked as Program Director of the Prague Security Studies Institute, served as Political Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2004–2005), as Ambassador to Israel (1995–1998), and as spokesman for the Civic Democratic Party (1992).
Jakub Klepal
Co-Founder and Director of KEYNOTE, Jakub is also Executive Director of the Forum 2000 Foundation and Member of the Board of Directors of the Association for Democracy Assistance and Human Rights (DEMAS). Previously, Jakub worked as an analyst at the Association for International Affairs where he later served as Member of the Supervisory Board. He also worked as a journalist, was a research scholar at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), and a Fulbright Scholar at the Monterey Institute of International Studies.