Just before I went on holiday, I received an invitation that made me feel really good about myself, and also very stressed out. The Connected Urban Development program has asked me to make one of the Keynote Speeches at their bi-yearly conference next month in Amsterdam.
This is a great honor for me, because I'm very admirative of what this organisation is trying to do, which is effectively to explore how technology can change urban organisation and promote a more sustainable urban model while promoting both economic development and social inclusion. Plus it's an opportunity to meet with the eminent Bill St Arnaud at last! Check the full program here for details.
The thing I love about this stuff is that it goes beyond my industry in terms of impacts, it's one of the crucial conundrums of our modern society, but also it's not theoretical. These conferences are held so that participating municipalities can share experiences, hurdles, look at best practices etc. In other words, down to earth.
Why am I stressed? Because I'll be talking outside of my comfort zone, which is both challenging and exciting. Because I'll be speaking before (or just after) Ben Verwaayen, which is way out of my league.
I should be able to podcast extensively about this, so expected some CUD podcasting from me in early October.
Boy, am I excited!
