Gearing up for GRID

Meet GRID10 Veteran Nina Åkerberg, Reporter, Di Weekend (above, right):

What is your favorite memory from a past GRID conference?

I was happy to chat with so many creative people in the wonderful September warmth. I met so many new people both in the face to face-meetings but also on the boat, in the looooong toilet queue and around lunch tables. All the inspiring input also ensured that we were speaking about different things than usual among friends and colleagues.

Who has been your favorite speaker at GRID?

The American doctor from Ethiopia, Rick Hodes, saving the world one child at the time left a strong impression on us all, but I was also very fascinated to hear Paul Frommer explain how he created the Na'vi language of Avatar, and even teaching us the basic rules of the grammar.

What was the craziest or most unexpected thing you experienced at GRID?

That must have been the peculiar rally walk from the boat to the evening restaurant behind GRID-flags and brass orchestra, stopping traffic and jamming the Stockholm city center while proceeding. Maybe it would have felt more comfortable if it hadn´t been my home town...

Describe GRID in one word:

Inspirational party (that would have been one word had it been in Swedish).

Any advice for newbie GRIDsters on how they can make the most of this event?

Check out your fellow Gridsters before going and find the ones you are keen to speak to. There will be plenty of opportunities, not only in the 15-minute grid face to face-meetings.

Meet GRID11 Newbie Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Director, Digital Content, Strategy and Design, Parenting.com:

What have you heard about the GRID conference?

I've heard it's like Bonnier's own TED-inspired conference, and TED is one of the most fascinating collections of ideas in the world. It's so exciting that my employer sponsors something just about thinking - conventionally and unconventionally.

What are your expectations for GRID?

I'm not quite sure what to expect day-to-day-wise, but I expect to meet people interested in looking outwards and connecting with each other. I hope to go home with friends from other divisions I would not have met otherwise.

Which part of GRID are you most looking forward to?

There's a couple of things. I have never been to Stockholm before, or the company headquarters, so I am really looking forward to imbibing more of the company's inventive, intellectually fearless culture. At GRID itself, I am looking forward to connecting, thinking and talking. And I'm looking forward to Swedish cardamom buns.

What do you expect from the GRID speakers?

The lineups have been so amazing in years past. I'm looking forward to thought-provoking, inspiring people. I expect to see some names I do know and some I don't - a mix of the celebrated and unexpected.

What do you hope to take away from the GRID conference?

Inspiration, a deeper connection to the company, new ideas to inspire my team, great memories.