re:publica is so Much More – Fun Activities on the Side
re:publica isn't just about the speakers – plenty of fun is to be had outside of the “regular” program. Here are some of the highlights from this year's supporting program ranging from a boat trip to the FIREFIT Sauna. And make sure to drop by the vrey first re:publica DOME. Let yourself get immersed in this true 360-degree experience in the re:lax area outdoors all day (check out its programme over here). In addition visit the EDFVR Lounge on 3 May and listen to the interesting talks on Virtual Reality. There is plenty more! Check out the latest updates on our Side Events page and our printed flyer for each conference day.
pre:publica
Participating in re:publica for the first time? Start you conference experience off right with a Newbie Meetup. On Sunday, May 1, newbies will be gathering at the pre:publica at 16:30 to get a quick run-down of the conference, have a chance to ask those burning questions, and to hopefully interact a bit with fellow re:publica participants. There will also be the chance to participate in a fun urban exploration game that will take you through some of the surrounding area. A second Newbie Meetup will be held on Monday at 14:00. For more information on where to meet and how to register, check out this blog post.
Monday
If you get approached by a band of young journalists called the Böse Wölfe asking for your opinion on youth engagement in the internet, don't freeze up! There's no pressure to say the right thing, just give them your honest thoughts. These intrepid young reporters span the ages of 11 to 16 and are proficient in multiple languages. They are conducting an ad-hoc study at the re:publica. You can meet them on Monday at 13:00 in the Yellow area in the Networking Area.
Doge ball at #rpTEN! Feeling a bit stiff after a long day of sessions? Meet up at the re:fill Bar at 18:30 and play.
On Monday evening from 18:30 to 20:30, fans of XKCD will have a chance to meet the artist himself at a book signing with Randall Munroe. Participants will have the chance to purchase Munroe's books on site and can also bring other XKCD-themed items for him to sign.
Tuesday
If taking public transportation to re:publica is a bit too passé for you, consider coming by boat. The group Spree:publik will be leading a trip through Berlin's waters on Tuesday morning, bringing you to re:publica promptly at 10.00, ready to start the day. If you're interested, find the Spree:publik representatives on Monday from 12.00 – 15.00 in the Blue Meet-Up Area to sign up. Space is limited!
On Tuesday, we will feature two workshops to help you get your creative juices flowing. Play Sibi will let participants practice making their own art, using an online tool that generates suggestions for what media the work of art should make use of and what themes it should address. In Block Party: Teletext Lives, participants can make their own original Teletext work and learn how to display it on a television, as well as see examples of other people's Teletext art displayed on televisions.
Back to nature – on location! Students of Humboldt University Berlin host an all-day workshop at the IGA OASE installation in our outdoor area re:lax. Use smart boards and microscopes to make microorganism visible through digital technology. Aimed at youth from ages 15 to 25 the workshop lets teens explore the installation's flora first-hand and wants to bring across environmental issues in a contemporary setup.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, the Technik Museum will lead a shortened version of their DATA RUN alternate reality game, which aims to educate participants on the subject of surveillance and data protection. The game was originally intended for students in grades 8 to 10, but during re:publica, there will be two sessions: one on Tuesday, intended for youths, and one on Wednesday, intended for educators, journalists, and others interested in the project. More information, including on how to register, is in the session texts. Please note this event is only in German.
Activities on All Three Days
Want to really get to know your fellow re:publica participants? The FIREFIT Sauna will be on hand at this year's re:publica each day of the conference starting at 17.00 to help you relax from a busy day of attending sessions. There will be towels and a shower available.
This is just a taste of everything there will be to explore and enjoy off the stages at this year's re:publica. Again, check out the daily flyer for the full side programme and our party tips.
Photo by re:publica/Jan Zappner (CC BY-SA 2.0)