Hexagon president and CEO Ola Rollén stressed how individual users of exciting information technology innovation held the key to successfully confronting growing global challenges during his keynote speech titled ‘The Disruptive Power of Transformation’ which officially opened HxGN Live 2014.
Speaking at the conference being attended by thousands of delegates at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, US, from June 2-5, he said that the world was facing great change, with its population set to rise by one billion to eight billion by 2027, with increased urbanisation placing even greater strain on “deteriorating” infrastructure, and environmental degradation and scarce resources other major issues that urgently needed addressing.
“Technology enables us to have better information, to take good decisions, to stay ahead of the curve. That’s what it’s all about,” said Rollén.
Using the analogy of Ikea, the globally successful Swedish furniture retailers, to highlight the importance of positively harnessing technological progress, Rollén said, “The idea with Ikea is they provide [furniture] flat packs and you do the job. That’s basically what we agree between you and us: We will deliver you fantastic technologies, but you have to do the work. You are the enablers. You are the ones that can make sure this transformation we are about to see can stay positive for all of us. You have that power.”
The four-day HxGN Live 2014 event brings together and shines a spotlight on Hexagon’s global brand network. It is dedicated to helping customers harness the power of Hexagon technologies. HxGN Live 2014 is also a forum for customers and partners to access the latest trends in design, measurement and visualisation technologies, exchange ideas and explore solutions toward creating a better, smarter world.
Built around the theme of ‘Great Stories Start Here’, the annual conference combines the strengths of Hexagon’s brands to present an exciting line-up of must-see technologies, exclusive presentations by industry experts, hands-on training, inspiring keynotes from today's thought leaders and networking opportunities with peers from around the world.
Speaking ahead of the conference launch, Rollén, said, “Every year, HxGN LIVE becomes more diverse - diverse in the sessions and keynotes we offer, diverse in the technologies we present, diverse in the experiences we Plan and diverse in the attendee body. We are honoured to have conference participants from all over the world, and we are excited about this four-day opportunity to show them all corners of Hexagon’s global brand network.”
This year’s conference presents several new features, many of which engage participants digitally. Attendees can access conference information by downloading and using the HxGN LIVE Mobile app (http://hxgnlive.com/mobile-app.htm) (for iPhone/iPad or Android devices) or viewing a live stream of activities on HxGN LIVE TV (%$Linker:
This year also marks the inauguration of Hexagon’s Shaping Change Recognition Programme, which acknowledges customers and partners that have made a significant impact on the world through the use of Hexagon technologies. This year’s honourees are Bechtel, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, New Zealand Police, Shell, Vale SA and Zimmer.
These companies were recognised during Rollén’s Monday night keynote address, which was streamed live via hxgnlive.com/tv (%$Linker:
