In this second XPOD episode we are addressing the new kid on the block: the METAVERSE. To find out if this will really change society and what the consequences might be, Kathleen talked to some real experts: Frank Steinicke, professor for Human-Computer Interaction at the Department of Informatics at the Universität Hamburg Ida Kymmer, Director of Global Affairs, Journee, an advanced solution to rethink the way we connect humans in virtual space. Simone Puorto, Founder of Travel Singularity, a consulting firm for entrepreneurs whose vision is to solve the growing need to connect the dots between Web3 digital disruption and existing technology. About Kathleen Schröter: Kathleen focused 13 years in Marketing & Business Development for applied sciences working at the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. As a public speaker her insights into Deep and High Tech allow audiences to contextualize tech trends, deepen their understanding of R&D processes, and explore sci-fi scenarios that could soon become a reality. She is Co-Founder & CEO, ootiboo, Vice Chairwoman at VRBB & Advisory Board Member at Gobal Female Leaders. Executive Producer: XPRO Berlin Production: Snice Sounds

In our first XPOD episode, Kathleen asked herself what emotional role scent plays in human communication and whether it can take immersive experiences to the next level. To find answers, she talked to some true scent experts.

Prof. Dr. med. Thomas Hummel, Interdisciplinary Institute for Smell and Taste, University Hospital Dresden. Prof. Hummel heads the Department of Smell and Taste at the ENT Clinic and the Interdisciplinary Center "Smell and Taste". His research focuses on the physiology and pharmacology of the chemical senses of smell and taste and their irritation, for example, by diseases such as Alzheimer's or epilepsy. Robert Mueller-Gruenow, Entrepreneur, Author & Founder of SCENTCOMMUNICATION. Robert is an entrepreneur and author and is one of the pioneers in the field of scent and scent technologies. With SCENTCOMMUNICATION, he has developed a range of innovative systems for the storage and delivery of fragrances and flavors, opening up new areas of application for fragrances as a design tool and communication medium, as well as creating branded fragrances for well-known brands and new areas of application for fragrances. Marie Urban - Le Febvre, Parfumeur Créateur & Founder of Urban Scents. Marie bridges her classical French perfumery know-how and the unique spirit of the vibrant, inspiring, multi-cultural, creative German capital into her creations and perfumes. In addition, she supports other brands with her creative potential and knowledge and works on other fragrance development for museum exhibitions as well as science and research related projects. About Kathleen Schröter: Kathleen focused 13 years in Marketing & Business Development for applied sciences working at the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. In 2018, Kathleen was named as one of 13 impactful women in tech honored by the Advanced Imaging Society with their Distinguished Leadership Awards. As a public speaker her insights into Deep and High Tech allow audiences to contextualize tech trends, deepen their understanding of R&D processes, and explore sci-fi scenarios that could soon become a reality. Her research starts with the question what humans are capable of and what AI and automation can’t replace, which fits perfectly into J2Cs claim “The future is human” where she became their Technologist & Alchemist in spring 2020 until she Co-Founded with other J2C colleagues ootiboo GmbH in November 2021. Kathleen acts as honorary chairwoman to the board of VRBB – Virtual Reality e.V. Berlin-Brandenburg. Executive Producer: XPRO Berlin Production: Snice Sounds

XPOD - The XPRO Berlin Experience Podcast EXPERIENCE DIGEST was XPRO Berlin’s daily lunchtime talk during IFA Berlin. A 45-minute audio talk show featuring creators of exceptional experiences within culture, entertainment, and brand spaces. Co-curated and hosted by Fernanda Parente, a curator, entrepreneur and lecturer in the fields of art, culture & technology and co-founder of Rosy DX. In the fifth episode of our Experience Digest at IFA 2022, our guests shared how to anticipate needs and spark imaginations in experiences that should be behind closed doors Our guests were: Adela Roth, Creative Director, Cybrothel, the first immersive doll brothel in Berlin. As the creative director of the Cybrothel, Adela has restructured and created a vision which now truly brings their brand strategy to life. Sarah M., Portfolio & Innovation, Lovehoney Group. Sarah and her staff manage trends, concepts, and the product roadmap for LoveHoney’s legacy WowTech brands. Daniel Shor, R&D Engineer, Lovehoney Group. At Love Honey Group, Daniel works as a product research and development engineer, creating sexual happiness by developing and integrating wideband haptic actuators into the Womanizer brand. All talks could be followed via Twitter Spaces and also on site at our booth via headphones that we provided. Executive Producer: XPRO Berlin Production: Snice Sounds