Digital Conference Eastern Switzerland 2024: focus on artificial intelligence
This year’s Digital Conference Ostschweiz was entirely dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI). Through keynotes, panel discussions, and breakout sessions, participants gained in-depth insights into current and future developments. Christian Brenner was named «Digital Shaper of Eastern Switzerland» for 2024.
On September 19, 2024, experts from the digital and innovation scene met at the Einstein Congress St.Gallen for the Digital Conference Eastern Switzerland (#DCONO24). The conference offered an extensive program on the topic of artificial intelligence, moderated by SRF presenter Bigna Silberschmidt. Keynotes, panels and breakout sessions shed light on how AI is changing the world of work, the economy and society. Participants had the opportunity to enter into dialog with experts from business, science and politics.
Government Councillor Marc Mächler kicked off the event with a welcome address, followed by a keynote speech from communications scientist and entrepreneur Miriam Meckel. She addressed the potential impact of AI, in particular the automation of simple tasks, which should create space for more complex activities. Meckel emphasized the opportunities for business and administration through the strategic use of AI.
Practical breakout sessions and exciting discussions
In the breakout sessions, around 200 participants were able to delve deeper into specific topics. Roger Moser from the University of St.Gallen explained why innovative decision-making models are particularly important for technology leaders. Other sessions were dedicated to the role of AI in the media or the importance of emotional intelligence in a digitalized world. The use of ChatGPT in the local economy and AI in the fashion industry were also topics that were discussed in a practical way.
A particular highlight of the conference was the panel on "Metaverse/Web3". Experts discussed the potential and risks of these new technologies, while the focus was on the security aspects of the virtual world.
Honoring and sustainable accents
A highlight of the conference was the award ceremony for Christian Brenner, CEO of Philoro Schweiz AG, who was named "Digital Shaper Eastern Switzerland" 2024 for his "Crypto-Vreneli" project. The innovative project combines tradition with digital innovation and attracted a great deal of attention from both experts and the general public.
At the end, Florian Stemplinger, decarbonization expert at SAK, presented the conference's carbon footprint. Thanks to targeted measures, the ecological footprint of the event was significantly reduced, an important step towards a sustainable future.
