OEB promises sparkling treat for futurists

2015-10-08

OEB, Europe’s leading conference on technology and learning, is promising a “sparkling intellectual treat for futurists, planners, strategists and thinkers” in Berlin from December 2 – 4, 2015.

The conference, which draws over 2,300 people from more than 100 countries to the German capital every year, has built a reputation for identifying new trends in learning and technology.

Rebecca Stromeyer, Chief Executive of conference organisers ICWE GmbH says that plans for the opening session of the conference, which will feature a discussion between some of the world's leading futurists and experts on technology, are “very exciting and significant.”

Ms Stromeyer today (Thursday) announced that the keynote speakers in OEB’s opening session, which will chaired by veteran TV presenter Nik Gowing, will be Professor Ian Goldin, the Director of Oxford University’s Martin Centre and a leading authority on globalisation and the impact of technology; Cory Doctorow, blogger, activist and science fiction writer; and David Price, the author of ‘Open: How We’ll Work, Live and Learn in the Future.’

“This discussion really should not be missed by anyone with a serious interest in the future and in the implications of recent developments in media, computing and communications technology. It is going to be one of the most exciting and important opening sessions we have ever had at OEB,” says Ms Stromeyer. “It is taking place at a time when the world is waking up to the enormity of the change which the convergence of computing, media and communications technology is bringing to our lives. Nothing will be the same again. All sorts of things are becoming possible and the way we live, work and learn is going to be completely different. OEB’s opening session will be the fascinating prelude to two days of discussions, involving the world’s leading experts, about some of the implications.”

OEB will also focus on the implications of developments in technology for the world of work and for the new skills likely to be most in demand. A plenary session on the second day of the conference will focus on 'Future Work', the Business EDUCA track will feature a series of sessions on workplace learning and this year's OEB debate will consider 'twenty-first century skills' and whether traditional institutions are the best places to teach them.

OEB's 'Spotlight Stage' will also play host to creative thinkers and innovators, including Professor Dr Luc Steels of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. As one of the pioneers of artificial intelligence, he is likely to attract a large audience to listen to his thoughts about what comes next.

OEB 2015 will take place in the Hotel InterContinental Berlin, December 2 – 4, 2015.

For more information about the OEB conference, including the list of speakers and how to register, please visit: www.online-educa.com

Notes for editors