D:Pulse Zurich: Successful kick-off event of the business conference network

Under the motto "It's about context," topics relating to digitization were placed in an overarching context. Technologies and their sustainability as well as their impact on digital communication were discussed across industries and from the consumer's point of view, and the resulting consequences were evaluated. Business leaders and visionaries from diverse industries, creative minds, researchers, high-tech experts, philosophers, talents and representatives of GenZ and celebrities were featured on the stages. Top international speakers, celebrities and political and business leaders as well as Swiss experts were present.

"It has been an exciting few months of preparation and we have worked hard to ensure that D:Pulse is in line with the current zeitgeist. The program mix of inspiration, knowledge from international markets as well as from the Swiss economy, new business models as well as their influences such as technologies and the consumer perspective was very successful," comment Frank Schneider and Christian Muche. "The entire team is very happy about the great reception for the new event concept and is highly motivated to roll out the event series internationally and to further expand the network."

Sir Martin Sorrell, executive chairman at S4 Capital and founder of media and advertising holding company WPP, talked about his goal to turn the agency world upside down and how advertisers and brands need to regain control in a world of walled gardens and data platforms.

Sven Hannawald, Olympic and World Champion; winner of the Four Hills Tournament, entrepreneur and TV expert at Eurosport, spoke about "Digital Balance", the influence of media and followership.

Philipp Rösler, former German Federal Minister of Economics and Vice Chancellor, discussed international startups, technologies and political frameworks in the Fin:Tech session together with Sebastian Matthes, Deputy Editor-in-Chief and Head of Digital at Handelsblatt Group.

Lilian Bours, Brand and Partnership Director Huawei, Western Europe, showed how a company under fire solves problems with a great story.

Johan Jervoe, Chief Marketing Officer of UBS, explained what "The New Now!" really means for UBS and its clients.

Marisa Tschopp, AI researcher at Zurich-based cybersecurity company Scip and Ambassador "Women in AI" Switzerland, spoke about ethics and trust in AI as well as digital assistants and what increasing automation has to do with our personal responsibility.

Charles Bahr, founder of Project Z, discussed how he assists in all matters related to Generation Z with marketing communications issues as well as personnel (recruiting) and processes.

Tim Alexander, CMO of Deutsche Bank, shared his views on how banks need to reposition themselves and change the way they communicate with customers.

Martin Count, VP Product Management Digital Products at Swisscom, spoke about transformation and new customer experiences.

Susanne Aigner-Drews, Managing Director of Discovery, shared her assessments of the future of linear television.

Alexander Schlaubitz, vice president of marketing at Lufthansa, spoke about empathy and understanding customers.

The Sustainability Influencers Anna, Maja, Emma and Mikkel explained why sustainability is the key to a positive future and therefore for the next generations.

Luca Boller, the first Swiss FIFA eSports full professional, FC Basel 1893, offered insights into why e-sports is more than just pushing buttons for him.

Timothy Hughes, Co-Founder and CEO of Digital Leadership Associates, tackled how to use social networks to build trust and a value-added community.

Michael art, Senior Vice President Commercial Transformation Philip Morris International, explained how one of the world's largest tobacco manufacturers is transforming itself into a science-and-technology provider of smoke-free products.