Event to convene industry pioneers and thought leaders to address major issues and game-changers that are shaping the future of the Internet
[Washington, D.C., USA and Geneva, Switzerland, 12 January 2012] – The Internet Society today announced that registration is open for the Global INET 2012, to be held 22-24 April at the Centre International de Conférences Genève in Geneva, Switzerland. The Global INET, the keystone event in the Internet Society’s year-long celebration of its 20th anniversary, will focus attention on the evolution of the Internet and the opportunities and challenges that will have a profound impact on its future.
The three-day conference will be a dynamic sequence of visionary keynotes, panel discussions, and networking with Internet pioneers, industry luminaries, and next generation leaders who are defining the future of the Internet. The Global INET will also include executive business roundtables, Internet Society Chapter workshops, a breakfast for women leaders and professionals, and many other programs that will develop a vision for the explosive growth of the Internet over the next 20 years.
During the Global INET, stakeholders from across the Internet community will collaborate on topics critical to the global Internet’s future, including:
• How will billions of new users transform the Internet?
• What structures and policies will catalyse economic growth and wealth creation?
• What are the opportunities and challenges for exercising human rights online?
• What intellectual property concepts are most appropriate for the 21st century?
• What impacts will we see on society given an Internet where “nothing ever goes away?”
• When does IPv6 become a reality, and how?
• In what ways is social media changing the very essence of human interaction?
• What are the game-changers that will affect how we see and use the Internet?
• Who will be our next Internet leaders?
“This compelling 3-day forum will feature the biggest names in the industry challenging anyone who has a passion for the Internet to engage in building and protecting its future, and ensuring that its benefits are available to all,” said Walda Roseman, Chief Operating Officer of the Internet Society. “We have augmented the Global INET with several engaging pre-conference workshops and special interest events to provide a unique venue for shared learning and collaboration, and an early opportunity for networking.”
The Internet Society is deeply committed to the continued evolution of an open Internet, and this forum provides the ideal venue to discuss some of the greatest challenges that the Internet faces today and tomorrow. Other highlights of the Global INET include the 20th Anniversary Awards Gala to launch the Internet Hall of Fame, which will honor the inaugural class of inductees. The conference and the Gala will be a rare meeting of the past, present, and future leaders of the Internet, and will offer unparalleled networking opportunities with policy makers, technologists, government representatives, business executives, and individuals from around the globe.
“This is a landmark year for the Internet Society, and the Global INET is a unique opportunity to join together to ensure that the world’s greatest platform for economic growth, innovation, and collaboration continues to thrive,” said Scott Hoyt, Vice President of Strategic Communications for the Internet Society. “We encourage you to attend this unprecedented gathering of industry pioneers, entrepreneurs, and technical and policy experts who will share their insights and bold predictions for the future of the Internet.”
For more details on the Global INET 2012 and to register for the event, visit: www.internetsociety.org/globalinet