Stage 5 in the garden of the re:publica
Source: Own illustration
They had to wait a long time, but now it happened:
Originally planned for 2020, our IT Centre employees Nicole Kaminski and Tanja Wittpoth-Richter were allowed to travel to Berlin in June 2022 to the “Festival for the Digital Society”, the re:publica, and enjoy a colourful programme. What the two experienced, they captured for us.
After two years, the time had finally come: after we had already bought tickets for the Festival for the Digital Society in 2020, but for well-known reasons it only took place online in 2020 and 2021, this year we finally went to Berlin.
A selection of the locations of the re:publica
Source: Own illustration
Under the motto “Any Way the Wind Blows”, re:publica Berlin kicked off on June 8, 2022 in beautiful weather at the Arena Berlin and the Festsaal Kreuzberg in times of the “still pandemic”. The motto of the event corresponds to the last line of the Queen hit Bohemian Rhapsody. This is traditionally sung together on the last day of a re:publica and symbolises chance and the unpredictability of life. As the event team understands it, it admonishes humility in the face of loss of control, but also gives courage and promotes optimism – just like the event itself.
A Colourful Programme in Unusual Surroundings
Excerpt from the diverse vegan and vegetarian menu
Source: Own illustration
From diversity to sustainability to artificial intelligence – the programme was as diverse as the speakers and visitors. The new location on the Spree was just as special and hip: whether on the sun deck of the Hoppetosse, in a deck chair in the sand, in swimming gear in the bathing ship, in the shady garden or in the large exhibition hall – there was something for every person and every type of event (workshop, lecture, meet-up, etc.)!
Speaking of sustainability and reorientation: For the first time in the history of re:publica, only vegan and vegetarian dishes were offered. For example, when buying a coffee speciality, one could even choose between four different “milk” varieties (oat, soy, cow and lactose-free milk) – and for the same price. Contrary to the initial concerns of the event team, the guests accepted the catering very well and we were also more than enthusiastic about the large selection.
Among the guests were Chancellor Scholz, Die Maus and SPD Federal Chairwoman Esken
Source: Own illustration
The guests at re:publica represented the cross-section of our (digital) society. They include representatives from science, politics, business, hacker cultures, NGOs, media and marketing as well as bloggers, activists, artists and social media experts.
In addition to the world-famous WDR mouse with his own programme, we met other high-profile public figures such as Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Federal Minister for Digital Affairs and Transport Volker Wissing, Federal Minister for Labour and Social Affairs Hubertus Heil, Federal Minister of the Interior and Home Affairs Nancy Faeser and Federal Chairwoman of the SPD Saskia Esken.
Our conclusion
Collage of Brandenburg Gate, Alex, government building, Berlin Wall
Source: Own illustration
The two years of waiting were more than worth it! Three exciting days full of new impressions, interesting discussions and insightful impulses will enrich our everyday work in the future. At the same time, the innovative and creative event management with its new orientation provided us with valuable suggestions and ideas for our own IT Center events as well.
And of course, sightseeing is part of every visit to Berlin! 😊
Responsible for the content of this article are Nicole Kaminski and Tanja Wittpoth-Richter.
