Bas Verhart and Marleen Stikker Co-Founded the Amsterdam Cross Media Week in 2006. Following the great success of PICNIC'06, they are now busy preparing for the second Cross Media Week, PICNIC'07, held in the creative capital of Amsterdam at Westergasfabriek.
In a run up to PICNIC'07, Bas and Marleen have taken a moment to reflect upon PICNIC'06, and to share what aspirations they have for PICNIC'07.
What are your reflections on PICNIC'06?
Bas: PICNIC'06 had a great atmosphere! It was interesting to see how in a short space of time, we could bring a network of inspiring people together. It was a great start to something that will grow immensely.
Marleen: It was an exciting event, with an interesting mixture of people from different backgrounds, cultures, businesses, and the science and Do It Yourself communities. There is a lot they have in common.
What projects are you working on outside of PICNIC?
Marleen: I am the Director of the Waag Society; a media lab that develops technologies for social innovation. We are specialised in locative media, serious gaming, interface design and real-time collaboration. I am also founder of Media Gilde, an incubator for technological starter, people with creative ideas.
Bas: PICNIC is more like my hobby project. Professionally, I am CEO of Media Republic, a cross media company, specialised in creating formats, content and campaigns for international brands. Media Republic has 65 working professionals, and we look forward to expanding our forthcoming projects within the Eco sector. This would provide a nice link for the creative professionals at PICNIC.
What are your objectives for PICNIC'07?
Marleen: I am eagerly anticipating the Come Out and Play Festival, a collaboration with the festival in New York. The public aspect is very important to PICNIC. It will be the meeting of professionals and the DIY community to create new user experiences.
Bas: For me it's also to use the creative brainpower that will be present at PICNIC'07, and to 'MAKE' something with the delegates, rather than just listen to them.
Marleen: This year PICNIC Junior will be an integrated part of the event. Youths have a familiarity with technology, and their expectations can be best exchanged with the professionals at the creative and innovative platform that is PICNIC.
Bas: It's hopefully going to be the most inspiring week of the year, for myself and for delegates. Attendees will have a great experience, and will be in for a surprise with the new ideas, projects and new partnership formations that await them.
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