Theme: Play

Looking back to your childhood, what is your first memory of playing and what does this memory trigger in you? Happiness? Enjoying yourself? The power of creation?

Science says PLAY is an imaginative, self-directed activity that fosters creativity and joy without specific goals. It reconnects us with our inner child, countering self-criticism and encouraging emotional expression. Ultimately, PLAY taps into our intrinsic motivation and emotional experiences, allowing us to create meaning and joy in our lives, reconnecting us with a childlike excitement.

Tabakfabrik Linz Lösehalle
Peter-Behrens-Platz 8
Linz, Oberösterreich, 4020
Austria

Antonia Bartning

Game Designer, Trainer for Sustainable Entrepreneurship

Antonia Bartning is a game designer and trainer for sustainable entrepreneurship and management. She has studied Sustainable Business Management in Eberswalde and Business Communication Management in Berlin. Before, while and after her studies she has worked in different companies, startups, NGOs, and self employed.

Ayapana Music

Violinist, Multi-Instrumentalist

Melanie Asboeck, also known as 'Ayapana,' is a Vienna-based violinist and multi-instrumentalist with a passion for sound exploration and modern innovation. Classically educated at Anton Bruckner University from a young age, she has always pursued an experimental approach to the violin. Educated at Anton Bruckner University from a young age, she has always pursued an experimental approach to the violin. Her diverse collaborations with bands and musicians across different countries and cultures have enriched her musical perspective. In 2024, she launched her solo project "Ayapana," where she combines classical precision with contemporary sounds using an electric violin and loop station. In addition to her music, Melanie works as a freelance art director, where she seamlessly integrates visual and auditory creativity.

Bernhard Bürger

Risk, Crisis, and Emergency Management Specialist

As a scientist at the Austrian Institute of Technology, Bernhard researches digital innovation for crisis and disaster management, aiming to enhance response strategies through cutting-edge technology. He also serves as the head of the strategic command cell for the Red Cross in Lower Austria, where he plays a pivotal role in strategic planning and execution. As a European Union Civil Protection Coordination Expert, he brings his expertise to an international platform. In addition to his on-the-ground work, Bernhard advises and prepares organizations to increase their resilience as a trainer and consultant. His comprehensive approach to crisis management reflects his dedication to creating safer and more resilient communities.

Carolina Avellaneda

Performing Artist

Carolina Avellaneda, a Colombian performing artist, is making her mark in the European dance scene. With a background in contemporary dance and interpretation from Bogotá, Colombia, and a Bachelor of Arts from Anton Bruckner University in Linz, she has honed her skills through extensive training in floor work, improvisation, partnering, physical theater, ballet, Pilates, and conditioning. Carolina's experience includes working with professional dance companies in Colombia, Austria, and Germany, leading to performances in theaters across Colombia, the USA, and Europe. Over the past three years, she has delved into choreography and direction, creating more than five independent solo performances that blend ideas and real-life stories into therapeutic expressions. Passionate about teaching, Carolina finds joy in helping others embrace their bodies and celebrate their unique movements. For her, a sunrise or sunset is the most brilliant and captivating performance of all.

Chris Noelle

Multimedia Visual Artist

Christopher Noelle, known under the moniker TOFA, is a visionary multimedia visual artist with over two decades of experience. His prolific career, following a successful stint as a professional bike-trials athlete, has firmly established him in the fields of projection mapping, installation art, light art, light painting photography, visual content creation, AI conceptual work, and motion graphics. Christophers work explores the dynamic interactions between humans, machines and space, creating pieces that harmoniously blend the analog and digital worlds. His art can be described as contemporary cross-media, incorporating cutting-edge technology to produce innovative audiovisual installations and conceptual AI art. Through his diverse and dynamic body of work, Christopher continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression and technological integration.

Costantino Roselli

Author, Entrepreneur, Futurist

Costantino Roselli is a bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, and futurist, recognized globally as one of the top 50 thought leaders in the Metaverse and Avatar Economy. His book, Million Dollar Chest, became a bestseller within two weeks and was nominated as the fastest new entry in fiction stories on personal growth. With a strong foundation in technology and marketing, Costantino was consistently ranked among the top 1% of marketing professionals on LinkedIn from 2019 to 2021. He is the Founder and CEO of NTZNS (NeTiZeNS), a global immersive experience studio recognized among the 100 most technologically innovative companies worldwide. Raised in Greece with Greek-Italian roots and educated in the UK, Costantino has lived and worked in Switzerland, Italy, and Belgium. He is a prominent advocate for the Avatar Economy and the Metaverse, promoting them as the next step in human evolution, driven by sustainability, diversity, and inclusivity. He is co-chairing multiple organizations.

Dario Solina

Humanitarian and Social Change Activist

Dario's career is a testament to his dedication to humanitarian causes, most notably as the coordinator of humanitarian programs for the “Gesundheit! Institute”, founded by Nobel Peace Prize nominee Patch Adams. His innovative approach, blending creativity and compassion, is exemplified by his work as a humanitarian clown activist, bringing care and joy to those in need through colorful performances and heartfelt interactions. Additionally, Dario has contributed significantly to education and social projects. He has been an organizer and teacher at the School for Designing a Society and founded "Say It to a Clown," a project providing online care. His efforts also extend to community empowerment initiatives and policy development, aimed at improving the wellbeing of marginalized populations. With a rich background in performing arts, storytelling, and a previous career in advertising, Dario Solina brings a unique blend of skills and experiences to every endeavor he undertakes.

Eva Kirchhofer

Technology Enthusiast, Project Manager, Entrepreneur

Eva Kirchhofer is a technology enthusiast with hands-on experience in project management and has a passion for education and entrepreneurship. Holding degrees in Economics and Business Education from Johannes Kepler University, she has also furthered her expertise in finance at Virginia Tech. Her career is marked by her contributions to several prestigious companies, including Lufthansa Technik AG and VOSS Automotive. Beyond her professional work, Eva is an active member and alumna of Austrian Startups, reflecting her commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Austria. She also serves on the Executive Committee for “Relay of Life”. Eva derives immense joy from the smell of a new book, the freedom that comes with reaching the summit of a mountain and being with friends.

Irmi Schäffl

Biotechnologist, Team Developer

Irmi Schäffl is a dynamic professional with a strong background in biotechnology and an innovative approach to team development. With a Master’s degree in Biotechnology from the Technical University of Berlin, Irmi has made significant contributions to both scientific research and organizational growth. Currently, Irmi is at the forefront of a novel initiative at Twelve or Higher, where she co-developed a unique method for team development that utilizes tabletop role-playing games. Through this creative approach, she has successfully conceptualized, planned, and executed workshops tailored to teams of various sizes and industries, showcasing her work at conferences and barcamps. With a blend of scientific expertise and a passion for creative team dynamics, Irmi is a trailblazer in both her technical field and in organizational development.

Jasmin Justen

Team Developer, Physicist

Jasmin Justen is a dynamic individual who has made TTRPGs a constant and comforting part of her life for over 15 years. With a background in both metalworking and physics, she embodies the principle that "if it really needs to work, I can always find a way to make it work"—a lesson learned from her time on construction sites during her metalworker training. After earning her B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Physics from TU Berlin, Jasmin's innovative mindset led her to win the Femtec Award for Social Impact in 2019. She later worked as a Process Manager at EnBW before fully dedicating herself to co-founding "Twelve or Higher" in 2021. Combining her technical expertise with her passion for TTRPGs, Jasmin has created a unique space where strategy, creativity, and community thrive.

Jessica Dreyer

PhD in Child Studies & Teacher-Researcher

Having worked at schools in Brazil, China, and Denmark, Jessica is an internationally-minded professional who views children as individuals, striving to make their perspectives visible. Holding a Ph.D in Child Studies and a Masters in Education, Jessica currently works as a teacher-researcher in Denmark, at a school that places play at the heart of education.

Leo Dörsch

Creative & Curious Mind

Leo is our youngest speaker at the PLAY conference, and he impresses us all with his remarkable dedication and professionalism. For his talk, he interviewed 18 individuals ranging in age from 5 to 80, each bringing a diverse and insightful perspective on the concept of "Play." What truly sets Leo apart is his boundless creativity and curiosity. His favorite costume is that of a chef, and in the sandbox, he turns small mounds of sand into the foundations of future megacities with his diggers. Through his work, Leo reminds us that play is not only about having fun but also about exploring big ideas and nurturing dreams.

Lucas Fernandez

Researcher in Astrobiology, Teacher

Lucas Fernandez is a, researcher and teacher with a diverse and impressive academic and technological background. He worked as a researcher at the Johannes Kepler University in Linz, the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice and has been teaching at the Buenos Aires Technical School. His research primarily focuses on the origins of life on Earth, specifically studying meteorites to understand how essential molecules for life could form before the existence of the first cells. Lucas has also participated in Arctic expeditions through the Polar Ecology Institute, contributing valuable insights into extreme-loving microorganisms and their mechanisms to survive in extreme environments, as well as their implications in astrobiology. He is multilingual, speaking four languages, which enhances his collaboration with international research teams.

Marcus Orlovsky

Conference Host, Speaker, Chartered Accountant

Marcus has the annoying habit of annoying people and just doesn't know why but don't let that put you off. He's also one of those people who knows a lot of stuff from a wide range of businesses. From borrowing crazy amounts of money to create Broadgate in London (£7Bn) or getting stuck in to changing school buildings (500 schools in UK using £5Bn) or having a severe stroke, and then delivering the opening keynote for the National Association of Head Teachers just 13 days after being released from two weeks in hospital he just does not let things hold him back.

Michael Artner

Quantum Computer Scientist

Michael Artner is an enthusiastic computer scientist with a passion for explaining hard to grasp topics comprehensibly. Hence, in his master studies at JKU, he developed QRogue – an educational puzzle game aiming to teach the basics of Quantum Computing playfully. The freely available game was already well received during user studies and at the FDG conference 2023 and is now waiting for you to try it out!

Mischa Blanos

Neo-Classical pianist, progressive electronic & acoustic composer

Attuning between two music worlds, clubbing and concert halls, Mischa Blanos is set to instill his own view on the well sought-after alliance between classical and electronic music. With Romanian and Russian roots, Mischa Blanos took a sinuous way to art. Trained in classical piano from the age of seven with a long list of classical music awards, he was meant to have a good future career in classical music, when he put a heavy brake and left it all for his love to electronic music. The piano never left his mind and fingers though, using it in pure acoustic mixed with morphed live sampling or shifting to the electronic family of keyboards and synths. With a composer’s mind and a performer’s soul, Mischa Blanos reveals a tremendous power that emanates in those artists acting in one-person performances.

Romanovstra (Band)

Band

Romanovstra is a musical success story that has been captivating audiences since its inception in 2010 in Ottensheim, a village near Linz, Austria. Founded by Romanian singer Nicu Stoica alongside local musicians, the band has forged cultural and musical connections between Romania, Bosnia, Hungary, Bulgaria, and the Mühlviertel region of Upper Austria. The result is a unique and powerful fusion of sounds—a band that unleashes vibrant storms of song, music, and dance, captivating audiences with their energetic performances.

Stephan Klinger

Strategic Thinker, Change Maker, Consultant

Stephan has a unique blend of expertise, having worked across various sectors including central banking, regulation, and law, making him a versatile leader in the financial domain. His strategic thinking and ability to drive change have been instrumental in his roles at prestigious institutions such as the Austrian National Bank and the Vienna Insurance Group. Stephan’s academic journey is equally impressive, with advanced degrees in management, philosophy, law, and social anthropology. He has been an influential figure in academia for over two decades, teaching at universities worldwide. His dedication to education is highlighted by numerous awards. As a regulatory consultant and senior expert counsel, Stephan continues to shape the future of financial regulation while fostering innovation in complex environments. His commitment to solving intricate problems with a multidisciplinary approach makes him a respected voice in both the financial and academic communities.