We’re All Going on a Summer Holiday - to Iceland!
Berlin (GER), December 2016 - If you’re looking for state-of-the-art technology in education, or innovative ideas about how the public sector can work in partnership with private firms to boost learning outcomes, you may want to book a trip to Iceland. Rebecca Stromeyer, Managing Director of ICWE, the Berlin-based firm that organizes OEB, the global cross-sector conference on technology-supported learning and training, has decided to do just that. In June 2017, shortly before midsummer, she will launch "OEB MidSummit", a new event that she describes as "part university, part think-tank, part party," in Reykjavik, the world’s most northern capital city and the perfect mid-point between North America with Europe.
The event will bring thinkers, analysts, and entrepreneurs from all over the world together for two days of conversation about how learning technology is shaping the future.
"Education is now one of the biggest industries in the world, and it’s continuing to grow," says Stromeyer. "Every day, technology is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for learners. OEB MidSummit is a new forum for dialogue about what is happening, what it means, and what is possible. It’s a chance for people from all sorts of different backgrounds and a variety of sectors – not just education – to let their imagination run free and share their thoughts about the future."
The mid-Atlantic event will be very different from OEB, ICWE’s main event, where the Summit was recently announced by Ambassador Martin Eyjólfsson from the Embassy of Iceland in Germany. "Iceland is proud to welcome leading experts, thinkers, and innovators from Europe and North America for OEBs MidSummit in June 2017, a unique summer event in a truly inspiring environment," he said. "Iceland definitely has a story to tell when it comes to education and technology-supported learning, but also will spoil its visitors with midnight sun and our country’s striking nature ... See you in June in Reykjavik."
OEB continues to grow from strength to strength, with over 2,000 participants and 80 exhibitors from around the world this year. The MidSummit will be "more intimate, more reflective," Stromeyer says. And it will have the advantage of taking place in one of the world’s most dramatic and inspiring locations, a country that is fast becoming a leader in technology-assisted learning. "Midway between Europe and America, it really is a great location for MidSummit. I am sure that anyone who joins us for this exciting event will come away with a new perspective on the future."
MidSummit will feature a range of exciting new formats designed to stimulate discussion and encourage free thinking in both formal and informal settings. Full details will be released when the programme is published early 2017.
"All I can say at this stage is that it will be unlike any other event. With the dynamic mix of people from all sorts of backgrounds reflecting on the issues and opportunities that technology is creating, I’m sure the environment will stimulate ideas, creativity, and growth. I believe that what we discuss in Iceland will help to set the agenda for the future of learning."
OEB MidSummit will be held at the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, 08-09 June 2017.
