CREATIVE MINDS CROSS-POLLINATE AT PICNIC'07 IN AMSTERDAM

Conference, Parties and More, Lure Creative Minds to Amsterdam: September 25-29

AMSTERDAM, August 6, 2007 - The PICNIC'07 conference schedule has been confirmed, and a tasty spread it is! From Tuesday 25 to Saturday 29 September, we’ll welcome some of the world’s most forward-thinking people to Amsterdam’s Westergasfabriek. The annual PICNIC event brings together diverse professionals to exchange ideas and information on creative cross media content and technology.

FROM THE LINE-UP
Around 60 scientists, businesspeople, authors and artists from all over the world will give talks and presentations on groundbreaking new technologies, trends, ideas and cross media. For instance, MIT’s Neil Gershenfeld (US) will lift the curtain on the coming revolution in computer-assisted home product fabrication. Susan Kish (CH), Head of Network & Community Practice of Xing talks about success factors of social networking. Dr. David Weinberger (US), co-author of The Cluetrain Manifesto and author of Small Pieces Loosely Joined, will give insight on how the Web is transforming business and the world. Saatchi&Saatchi’s Kevin Roberts and Richard Hytner (UK) will reveal the keys to winning consumers’ hearts: mystery, sensuality and intimacy. David Silverman, director of “The Simpsons” (US) will provide a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most creative an technically-driven areas of filmmaking.

Meanwhile, delegates can delve deeper into five hot topics at the PICNIC Specials: Creative China, Virtual Worlds, Pitch, CineGrid, and Day of the Media Labs.

And non-profit and industry associations will stage more than 50 free Partner Events, ranging from a cross-media-themed boat tour to a session on tools to help bridge the language barrier with China.

Read the full menu at www.picnicnetwork.org <www.picnicnetwork.org/> .

THE PICNIC GREEN CHALLENGE
For the first time this year, we’re proud to announce a special highlight: the PICNIC Green Challenge, a joined initiative with the Dutch Postcode Lottery. The PICNIC Green Challenge calls on creative, innovative minds to come up with concrete solutions to fight climate change. Anyone with a good idea for a product or service that reduces greenhouse gas emissions in a consumer-friendly way and contributes to a sustainable lifestyle is welcome to take part. Each entry must be supported by a concrete plan to bring the idea to market within two years. The Dutch Postcode Lottery will provide €500,000 for the execution of the winning plan. The winner will also receive coaching from business leaders and a list of potential customers. Entries are welcome until August 30, 2007.

The jury, under the chairmanship of Sir Richard Branson, has been composed of people who have been involved in green initiatives and/or are accomplished players in the business world.

Finalists will present themselves and their ideas on September 29, followed by an award celebration. Proposals will be happily accepted until August 30, 2007. You can find more information about the competition, including the application form, at: greenchallenge.net <greenchallenge.net/>

PICNIC AT NIGHT AND THE COME OUT AND PLAY FESTIVAL
A generous helping of fun is always an important PICNIC ingredient. And two of this year’s coolest events are open to the public.

When the sun starts to set on September 26, 27 and 28, the party will get going with three unique PICNIC at Night events. Each will be packed with an exciting mix of food, drink, art, media and technology. Members of the public are welcome and the entrance fee is €12.50 (free admission to delegates).

And on September 28 and 29, a fun-packed street-games event will turn the city into a playground and bring together creativity, people and technology in new ways. We’re pleased to announce the Amsterdam debut of the Come Out and Play Festival. Local residents as well as PICNIC-goers are invited.

Of course, this is just a taste of all PICNIC’07 has to offer. For the whole enchilada, go to www.picnicnetwork.org <www.picnicnetwork.org/> .

PARTNERS
A big thank-you goes out to all our partners, who help to make this possible. Supported by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and the City of Amsterdam, PICNIC’07 has attracted a range of corporate partners with among others the Dutch Postcode Lottery, Ilse Media, & Sanoma Uitgevers, KPN, UPC, Rabobank, DivX, Heineken, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lost Boys, and PricewaterhouseCoopers,

Service partners NOB, Artmiks, the Westergasfabriek , Media Republic and Waag Society, KPMG, Cendris and TNT, and Media Partners MTV Networks, Salto Benelux, VPRO, DAG and Het Parool are providing vital help with planning, marketing, technology and communication.

PICNIC
The annual PICNIC event in Amsterdam brings together innovative professionals from the worlds of media, entertainment, science and the arts. They come to network, discover new cross media content and technology, discuss the Internet’s impact—and have a blast.

PICNIC’07 is a production of the Cross Media Week Foundation. Founded by Bas Verhart and Marleen Stikker, the Foundation is mandated to bring together top creative professionals from around the world to create new partnerships and opportunities, as well as to establish international networks.

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PR Contacts:

For more information concerning PICNIC ’07 and this press release:

Whizpr
Winnie Silvertand / Kyonne Leyser / Chantal Schepers
Tel: +31 (0)317 410 483
Email: picnic(at)whizpr.nl

We will keep you regularly informed of programme, speaker and event changes throughout the summer.