As the event organizer, the IT Klub Mainz & Rheinhessen held the Mainzer Digital-Kongress (MADKON) for the fifth time on November 4, 2022. Mainz University of Applied Sciences served as host. The content focus this year was Digital Reality, that is, Augmented and Virtual Reality. After two years of exclusively digital events, the event was once again held in person. In addition, the participants were able to follow the lectures and inspiring ideas online by livestream. In total, about 350 people participated in MADKON22.
In addition to eleven lectures (Learn), attendees were also able to participate in four interactive workshops (Make) and immerse themselves in the various possibilities of digital reality. On top of that, sixteen exhibitors from the fields of architecture, media, and IT presented their activities and made it possible to experience them (Meet).
Digital reality means redefining technological boundaries and creating new opportunities for companies and individuals - both the speakers and the attendees agreed on this point. After a welcome by State Secretary Heike Raab as patron and the Board of the IT Club, the agenda was expertly moderated by Daniela Bublitz.
The participants were treated to exciting presentations on digital reality in the fields of industry, the future of work, and the media world. Kai Herzberger from Meta, Professor Christian Zabel from TH Köln University of Applied Sciences, and many others addressed the topic of the metaverse, for example, which also generated discussion with the audience. The keynote statements by Minister of State Daniela Schmitt, Minister of State Alexander Schweitzer, and Head of Economic Affairs for Mainz, Manuela Matz, showed that digital reality is also perceived by politicians as an opportunity and a responsibility.
Alongside presentations on current developments, interactive workshops were offered for the first time at MADKON22 by Cityscraper, Zreality, acameo and Consensive. In these workshops, participants were able to take on realistic design tasks, for example in urban planning, by placing virtual objects in the room. Together with the workshop leaders, the participants also considered how the world of work can be changed through the use of virtual worlds and how different industries can benefit from this. There was also an opportunity to experience exhibitions from the cultural sector and projects from the research sector in a new way using VR goggles.
A total of sixteen exhibitors presented the latest technologies from the fields of new work, education, industry, and architecture and were available to answer questions and provide suggestions.
The interest of the attendees throughout the event was very high. At peak times, more than 200 participants were on site in the auditorium of Mainz University of Applied Sciences and more than 150 online listeners attended MADKON22. After two years where MADKON took place almost entirely online due to the pandemic, digital reality has returned in person once again.
