Atea Focus 2023: A Digital Village for a Brighter, More Responsible Future
Atea Focus 2023 marked a significant leap toward a more digital, responsible, and brighter future. The event showcased new and more efficient solutions for developing operations, along with impressive innovations aimed at achieving even more sustainable IT infrastructure.
The main theme of this year’s event was hope for a better future, emphasizing the crucial role of IT in shaping industries. From the impactful opening program to thought-provoking speeches and panel discussions, the theme resonated throughout the event. Keynote speakers included Pekka Hyysalo and Paleface, while Mikko Kuustonen served as the host.
Student Focus and Engagement
A new addition to the event was Opiskelija-Focus, a segment within the main event designed specifically for final-year students. This aimed to present IT as a potential employer and break any existing stereotypes about the industry. Over 100 students participated in this segment, making it a great success.
Interactive Experiences and Good Deeds
This year, the event introduced even more experiential elements, aligning with its theme of responsibility. Participants had the opportunity to contribute to good causes through CommuAp, last year’s VDT award winner, and engage with Toivon Puu in the event’s central square. Over 300 good deeds were completed during the event.
Additionally, a wellness-focused area provided participants with opportunities to relax and rejuvenate, using Neurosonic lounge chairs and Firstbeat’s sensors for personalized insights into their health.
Recognizing Responsibility in Digital Innovation
The event culminated in the Vuoden Vastuullisin Digiteko (Most Responsible Digital Action of the Year) competition, where Helsinki City and Finntraffic/Siili Solutions emerged as the winners.
The event wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible Atea team, always ready to collaborate and continuously improve the concept. Special thanks to all the partners who helped bring the event to life: Luxid, Era Content, Creative Technology Finland, Visual 45, Taikalyhty Oy, Pågå, Printix, Dream Factory, Prospectum, and many others.
Event by the Numbers:
- 2400 registered guests
- 50+ speakers
- 50+ demos and partner booths
ME Studio’s Role
ME Studio was responsible for the event’s overall production and project management, including conceptualizing and executing the visual and technical design. We also coordinated the partner areas, designing everything from the structural elements to the functionality of each booth. The project team included two senior producers, a producer, and a production assistant, working collaboratively to further refine the Kylä concept from previous years.
The event was a standout success and was even honored at the Evento Awards, winning Best Free Corporate Event of the Year. The judges praised the event for its “excellent combination of multidisciplinary collaboration, responsibility, and diverse programming. The use of visual effects and technology to create a better world made the event stand out in the IT industry.”
A big congratulations to the entire team and our partners for making Atea Focus 2023 an unforgettable experience!
