Annual IC Network Conference in Vilnius on 29-30th of November

Members of Innovation Circle Network in cooperation with Lithuanian initiative “Future city” gathered for the Annual conference in Vilnius, Lithuania. Conference brought together over 70 people from 7 different countries – Belarus, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russian Federation and Sweden. Specialists, municipality members and public activists joined their efforts to discuss the future of attractive cities in their countries.

Today’s focus was the exchange of ideas and good examples from various fields. Alf S. Johansen, Secretary General of IC Network, was representing IC Network, giving an overview of the IC and its’ objectives, mission and values.

Afterwards, Bjørn Frode-Moen, “Trans in Form” project manager, Nottoden municipality international adviser, was speaking about neccessity to create stories to brand places in order to make them more attractive.

Later on, Lukas Rekevičius, architect and owner of studio “Keturi architektai”, shared the ideas of Svencelė shore project. Svencelė, a small city in western Lithuania, near Curonian Spit covers the case of best possible usage of coastline, by making it a place to spend freetime, meet friends and bring children to play.

Furthermore, Rita Glazer, leader of innitiative Future City, surprised everyone by giving a joyful presentation and bringing cute little children – future leaders – with her.

The conference continued with the speach of former mayor of Vilnius – Artūras Zuokas. Expert of Future city overviewed the situation in Vilnius, shared ideas how he managed to gain interest of world-famous architects to create Guggenheim-Ermitage project in Vilnius.

Later, the word was given to Erika Stankevičiūtė, director of plays and musicals. Manager of theatre studio spoke about ways to make events more special, to create wow effect and possibilities to avoid consumerism culture in the process.

Virginijus Daukas, active citizen and board chairman of civic association “Metro movement” continued the conference presenting “Metro in Vilnius” project ideas.

Vytas Zabilius, “Ober-Haus” real estate company board member, gave a speech about “Gulbinai suburb” – a green place for living.

Eventually, the final touch of the IC Annual Conference went on with the discussion, which covered question “What is the price from a vision to reality?”. Lithuanians, Norwegians and Sweds shared their good practise, viewpoints and thoughts for future.