Lift Conference 2012: Sessions

Technology vs. People: has technology made our lives easier?

Wednesday, February 22, 2012 - 14:00

This session will ask a simple question: has technology made our lives easier, or do we now have to deal with an overwhelming flow of interruptions hampering our productivity? We will discuss overload, screens invading our homes, and try to find the solution to a growing problem: technology fatigue.

Development, Redevelopment: how the Internet enables development and crisis response

Wednesday, February 22, 2012 - 17:00

Vint Cerf, considered the "father of the internet", wrote in a recent column that Internet is not a human right, but an enabler of rights. The capacities it gives us - to communicate, organize and publicize everywhere - have been used for business and fun, but also for development and crisis response. This session will explore these last two aspects, and show the possibilities and the limitations too.

Mobile World: Social mediascape in China

Thursday, February 23, 2012 - 09:00

We will explore what possible ways to interact with tomorrow's phones are being researched in the labs, and hear how Google is launching new products and bringing innovations to developing countries using mobile terminals.

Technology and Luxury: entrepreneurs creating unique experiences with the latest innovations

Thursday, February 23, 2012 - 11:00

Despite the tough economical environment, the luxury industry is boasting strong results. In a field where innovation is not always a marketing argument, brands are trying to see how technologies can fit into their mix. We will explore some of these efforts, and discuss with entrepreneurs who are creating unique experiences with the latest innovations.

Beyond Finance: from peer to peer currencies to simpler and more transparent banks

Thursday, February 23, 2012 - 14:00

Beyond the much debated crisis, new ideas are proposed to reinvent the system. From peer to peer currencies to simpler and more transparent banks, we will explore what is possible when you mix innovation with finance.

The New Face of Gaming: how to design games, make money, and create experiences across screens

Thursday, February 23, 2012 - 16:00

Gaming is evolving rapidly, and is now part of everybody's life thanks to smartphones and tablets. What are the new trends in this area? How to design games, make money, and create experiences across screens?

Stories: meet people with amazing lives and projects

Friday, February 24, 2012 - 11:30

Stories from people with amazing lives and projects, to inspire and surprise you.

Near Futures: innovations that will change the way we live

Friday, February 24, 2012 - 14:00

This session explores near future technologies, those innovations that will happen in the next 5 years and change the way we live, do business, love, learn, play, interact, etc.

Extreme Hackers: building satellites or nuclear reactors in your garage

Friday, February 24, 2012 - 16:00

The internet favored the rise of the hacker in areas such as journalism and music. Now, some are taking that concept to a whole new level, from rocket-building to nuclear physics experiments... Meet the extreme hackers.