NEXT Berlin, the leading event in the European Union for those working with technological advancements, especially in information-telecommunication technology, has opened in Germany’s capital.

The two-day event, the eighth of its kind, runs on 23 & 24 April and took place for the first time at the Berliner Congress Center, right at the heart of the German capital.

The conference, focusing on the digital economy, gathers international innovators and industry leaders including Chancellor candidate Peer Steinbrück, and Harper Reed, the digital chief of Barack Obama’s data-driven re-election campaign last year.

On three stages and in numerous workshops, more than 100 experts would share their knowledge. Around 2,000 participants are expected at the Berliner Congress Center.

These will include representatives of large corporations and agencies, business developers, marketing experts, technology wizards, as well as many start-ups.

As the digital revolution and the interactive consumer are shaking up the foundations of our daily life and changing the way we run our businesses, the 8th annual event aims at exploring which innovations will shape our economy the most in the forthcoming 12 to 36 months.

“Digital innovations have – now more than ever – a radical impact on each and every sector, be it commerce, finance, media or telecommunications,” said Matthias Schrader, CEO of SinnerSchrader and NEXT Chairman.

“NEXT Berlin looks at trends before they become mainstream, and offers the chance to address them and network with experts at a very early stage,” he added.

Regarding the theme for NEXT 2013 “Here be Dragons”, NEXT Program Director Peter Bihr said “The theme plays with the notion that there are no general business instructions any more.”

“It’s time to cross borders, discover unknown territories and seize new opportunities there. At NEXT 13 many visionaries will give thematic overviews and practical tips on the digital trends of tomorrow that are worth exploring today,” he added.