Connecta gave us a glimpse into the future

The ongoing pandemic left the organizers of Connecta with no other choice this year: this internationally famous digitization event was once again held exclusively online. And it gave everyone involved a glimpse into the future.

Participants at Connecta 2021, held from 5 to 6 October, were sadly once again unable to meet in person in Bern. But this was the only downside. The organizers resourcefully added more components to the digital formats that had proven successful last year.

Our partners proved to be loyal supporters

The success of Connecta’s second digital edition was made possible by the participation of the same ideal partners. Once again, they took the gamble of supporting the digital format, with some of the most renowned educational and research institutions contributing with their best experts again this year. These included the Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH), the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW), the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU), the University of Applied Sciences in Business Administration Zurich (HWZ), the University of Fribourg and the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW). They in particular deserve our thanks.

Insights provided in different formats

Around 60 experts shared their specialist knowledge with the participants in various ways.

• During the Connecta Talk, Aileen Zumstein and Erik Thurnherr interviewed selected speakers not only about their specialist area, but also introduced the people behind it all: post.ch/connecta-talk. (German only)
• In the run up to the event, the Connecta Blog featured a range of specialist articles covering areas as diverse as marketing, trade, e-commerce and digitization: post.ch/connecta-blog.
• And on Connecta TV, Katrin-Cécile Ziegler and her guests discussed the latest developments from the world of banking and trade: post.ch/connecta-tv. (German only)

From sustainability, to fintech apps to artificial intelligence

Once again, Connecta covered a range of topics as wide and varied as digitization is itself. How do the Swiss prefer to shop online? And are Swiss online retailers aware of the sustainability needs of their customers, and do they respond to them? Participants were provided with the answers during the presentation of two studies. One panel was dedicated to developments in the banking sector and the influence of fintechs. Even the topic of artificial intelligence wasn’t neglected. Be it as a tool to improve the supply chain or reduce returns, or as an important component for optimizing chatbots.

But digitization isn’t just about technology, it also concerns us as people. And to this end, participants learned more about the idea of “homo economicus”, and how to build trust in chatbots.

Catch up on everything

If you didn’t manage to catch Connecta live, you’re in luck, because the organizers have made all the talks, podcasts and materials available online. Simply visit Connecta and gather key insights and inspiration for your own line of work!

Go now to Connecta 2021