BONN – Digital X, Europe’s paramount cross-industry digitization initiative, is set to ignite Cologne on September 7 and 8, 2021, with over 300 speakers and a myriad of participants converging for a transformative experience. Transforming more than 100 vibrant Cologne locales into digitization hubs for 48 hours, Digital X promises an unparalleled showcase of digital innovation and thought leadership.
Leading the charge in revitalizing Cologne’s city center, Digital X aims to breathe life back into the metropolis and invigorate sectors deeply impacted by the pandemic, notably the gastronomy and hotel industry. The event, orchestrated by Deutsche Telekom and its partners, will infuse restaurants, pubs, cafés, and bars across four distinct Cologne neighborhoods with a dynamic array of info events. Compliant with prevailing pandemic regulations, Digital X is primed to adapt swiftly to changing circumstances, ensuring a safe and immersive experience for all attendees.
Hagen Rickmann, Managing Director Business Customers at Telekom Deutschland GmbH, underscores the event’s significance, stating, “With Digital X, we are bringing a bit of normality back to the city of Cologne after a difficult one and a half years of having the pandemic. We want to look to the future, create positive momentum and get people excited about digitization.”
Showcasing digital luminaries on five stages, Digital X promises a captivating lineup of keynotes, expert talks, and interactive presentations. From Hollywood icon Arnold Schwarzenegger advocating digital innovations for climate change mitigation to cyborg activist Moon Ribas demonstrating seismic anticipation through implanted sensors, the event is poised to inspire and educate.
Timotheus Höttges, CEO of Deutsche Telekom, will navigate the challenges of digitization in small and medium-sized enterprises, while blockchain luminary Shermin Voshmgir will explore the future of the Internet. Dr. Frederik G. Pferdt from Google will champion a culture of innovation, and Dr. Julia Shaw will leverage artificial intelligence to combat discrimination in business.
Unfolding across four vibrant Cologne districts, Digital X promises an immersive exploration of digitization’s multifaceted impact. From the technological marvels around Colonius to the disruption-centric Belgian Quarter, and from the visionary experiences at Cologne Stadtgarten to the interactive encounters in the Friesian Quarter, attendees will embark on a transformative journey through the digital landscape.
As part of its dynamic format, Digital X will offer both in-person engagement and virtual access via its online platform, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all enthusiasts of digital progress.
Background: Digital X stands as Europe’s premier cross-industry digitization initiative, uniting over 300 national and international partners in a shared quest for digital advancement. Set to unfold in Cologne on September 7 and 8, Digital X 2021 is poised to redefine the digital frontier through networking, exchange, and learning. The event will also crown exemplary companies with the prestigious “Digital Champions Award,” celebrating their commitment to digital excellence. For further details on this groundbreaking initiative, visit Digital X.
