Connect and engage
We make time for...
...dialogue, connection and networking.
At AU, networking is not just an add-on to the conference programme. We view networking as a way to increase learning, insight and understanding – while also making valuable new contacts. So at MatchPoints, you’ll have a chance to engage in activities that boost social and intellectual engagement throughout the conference. We offer dedicated spaces and activities to help keynotes, speakers and participants connect and engage with the conference programme and each other.
Below, you can read about a few of the ways we will be facilitating and encouraging connection and networking during MatchPoints.
Discuss, chat, exchange, express
Throughout the conference programme you will be asked to actively participate in a number of interactive, engaging activities on topics, facts, challenges and solutions within the field of cybersecurity. You’ll be given lots of opportunities to actively engage in and reflect on the conference programme together with your fellow participants and peers. We have prepared a document you can use to get yourself ready for networking at the conference. Download it here.
For example, you can join in a variety of different inspiring conversation formats and use the Q&A app slido during the plenum programme to make your views, opinions and questions heard. You’ll encounter a number of creative, well-tested ways of structuring and facilitating engagement and dialogue that will stimulate you to think in new and creative ways.
Visit and engage with our exhibition stands
During the coffee breaks feel free to visit and engage with a selected number of interest groups, spin outs, knowledge and cyber representatives in our foyer. Amongst others you can meet
TDC, Partisia,Alexandra Institute, IT-vest - networking universities and Department of Computer Science. All stands are placed in the foyer area and can be visited during all coffee breaks Thursday and Friday.
‘Meet the Expert’ lunches
At MatchPoints 2024, participants will have the opportunity to attend an informal lunch with a selected number of keynotes and experts at the conference. Our Meet the Expert lunches are always a very popular activity: the intimate setting of up to twelve participants encourages a lively exchange of ideas and provides space for making new valuable contacts.
Further information on these lunches will be sent out prior to the conference. Seats will be booked on a first-come, first-served basis. Read more on who to meet at the lunches
Business lunch: How Cybermature is your Company?
Discuss your organisation’s cybermaturity over lunch! You’r invited to a cyber-lunch: after a short, inspirational presentation by the Alexandra Institute, you’ll be invited to discuss your organisation’s cyber-maturity in small groups with participants from other organisations. We’ll facilitate the session, and we guarantee that you’ll leave with lots of useful input on how to improve cybersecurity in your organisation. Target group: (Cyber) security officers, product managers, system architects, product managers and other professionals with responsibility for implementing cybersecurity, both technically and organisationally. Further information on these lunches will be sent out prior to the conference. Seats will be booked on a first-come, first-served basis. Read more
“I thoroughly enjoyed the “Meet the Professor” event. It provided an opportunity to talk with students and trainees directly, which is invaluable for all concerned. We discussed scientific, philosophical and career related issues in a relaxed setting. I would definitely participate in this lunch format again.“
Lisa Barrett, University Distinguished Professor, Northeastern University, USA (Keynote speaker at MatchPoints 2022)
Prepare yourself
7-10 days prior to the conference we will send you tips on how to prepare yourself for networking during the conference. Thorough preparation on your own part can easily result in a much bigger personal outcome of the entire conference - knowledge-wise and network-wise. Consider what you would like to get out of networking during MatchPoints 2024. What new knowledge do you want to explore, and which experts would you like to meet? Prepare yourself to connect. Along with the preparation sheet we will also send you the full list of participants. Why not make the most of it?
Arrange chats before coming
Haven’t talked for a long time – or haven’t really “really” talked at all or ever? Why not set up a coffee chat during MatchPoints 2024 with this person? Use e-mail or LinkedIn. Approximately 7-10 days prior to the conference, we will send you the full list of participants.
“I was very positive about the strategic seating at the evening events. It gave me a good opportunity to meet new people, have interesting conversations and open doors I wouldn’t have discovered myself otherwise.“
Anne-Mette Hvas, Dean at the Faculty of Health, Aarhus University (host and participant at the MatchPoints 2022 conference)
Semi-facilitated evening events
At MatchPoints’ two evening social events, you will have the chance to engage and continue the conversation with your fellow participants in different surroundings that will open your mind to new perspectives on the conference programme.
On Thursday evening we will change the setting and present you with a "digitally inspired" programme for the senses and a concept of strategic dinnerseating that will hopefully add more nuances and perspectives to the Cybersecurity conversation. Read more about the Thursday evening event.
Friday evening at the Aarhus Town Hall will feature a Danish "Fyraftensdebat" around the theme "Er Danmark klar til Cyberkrig?". Moderator and journalist Clement Kjersgaard will fire up the debate with a panel of 9 selected participant. After the debate light refreshments will be served. Read more about the Friday evening event.
