ICANN78 Hamburg Recap: connection, celebration and commemoration

Hailed as another signature event of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the ICANN78 Annual General Meeting in Hamburg offered us an avenue to connect with industry partners, foster learning, and celebrate milestones. This year’s event brought together DNS and tech enthusiasts from all around the world for the shared purpose of bettering internet governance.

NIS2 Directive workshop with DENIC & eco (Friday)

Kicking off the event on Friday was the much-anticipated NIS2 Directive workshop, executed in partnership with DENIC and eco – the Association of the Internet industry. The workshop encouraged proactive engagement and served as a platform for sharing information and viewpoints about the Directive, which aims to implement substantial improvements in the EU’s cybersecurity.

Throughout the sessions, participants had the chance to gain a deeper understanding of the implications of the NIS2 Directive and its impact on the DNS industry. Vibrant discussions created an enlightening environment, prompting meaningful exchange around strengthening collaboration among DNS stakeholders.

Celebrating ICANN78 in German Style (Sunday)

Sunday night brought a vibrant interlude to the working atmosphere with the “German night.” This was an exclusive opportunity for participants to let their hair down and sip a glass of wine during a boat tour of Hamburg, passing by the impressive cityscape and Elbphilharmonie. The community gathered to appreciate not only the enticing local culture but also the unique fellowship that binds us together in this industry.

Plenary session and greetings from ICANN staff (Monday)

ICANN78 officially started with a plenary session and welcome greetings by ICANN staff. The session embodied the spirit of collaboration that ICANN meetings always encourage. Participants examined pressing subjects revolving around internet governance, enjoying the wide range of presentations included on the agenda.

Significantly, this year marked the 25th anniversary of ICANN. These 25 years have been marked by remarkable strides made in internet governance. And this jubilee served as a fitting moment to look back on the gains we’ve collectively made in the stake.

Melting pot of views – The InterNetX event and business (Monday night)

Following a productive day of sessions, Monday night was the time for InterNetX to welcome guests to its special event. Together with Sedo and it.com, this event set the perfect framework for business networking in a festive atmosphere with local flair.

Taking place on the 22nd floor, the dinner venue offered stunning views of Hamburg’s cityscape, providing an ideal backdrop for the attendees. The evening began with a fascinating tour of the red light district, led by the vibrant Gina Tequila! An immersive experience, this tour offered a glimpse into Hamburg’s nightlife, before guests headed to dinner locale.

Over a yummy three-course meal, and perhaps the odd shot or two, the community immersed itself in good-spirited conversation. As the night proceeded, collaborations were strengthened and business perspectives were shared, resulting in an enriching exchange of ideas.

A heartfelt thanks

ICANN 78 Community Meetings have consistently emerged as prime gathering platforms for internet industry experts, and this year was no different. ‘Connection, learn and greet’—the mantra for our ICANN78 experience held true.

As the curtain falls on ICANN78 in Hamburg, we extend our heartfelt thanks to every participant who joined us on this journey. These collaborations and mutual respect strengthened our bonds and reinforced our commitment to a more secure and robust digital world.

We look forward to many more such remarkable gatherings—ICANN events have, once again, proved to be a goldmine for innovation, learning, and partnerships. Thank you, ICANN, and thank you to all who made this event a remarkable one. See you at the next one!