Since it’s inception in 2007, WPP Stream has been bringing global brands like Google, Facebook and Tencent, to name a few, together with young entrepreneurs and tech startups to speak about what the future might hold. We, at Epitome, have been documenting the African segment of this international event, called Stream Africa, through photography and video production for the past 4 years. So here’s what it was all about…
WPP Stream Africa | 2018 | Unite from Epitome on Vimeo.
About the (Un)Conference
From Emoji robots to Mind-reading apps, WPP Stream Africa is the annual gathering of tech geeks, corporate giants and creative wizards. Brands across the globe unite in the winelands of Stellenbosch through technology, media and being casual to discuss the latest in communication, creativity and business. All photography and video by Epitome at this year’s WPP Stream Africa – (Un)Conference.
Introductions
Needless to say that the Spier Wine Estate in the Cape Winelands is a eye-pleasing setting in the South African summer, but as attendees arrived they were greeted with an Instagram photo-booth where they could show off their smiles and the surroundings.
After receiving their goodie bags and being orientated around the venue guests immediately dove into conversation and the (Un)conference was off. One thing that stands out about this event is the constant willingness and strive towards positive change, for the good of humanity, it’s beautiful.
As the creative business sector was almost completely male dominated only a few years ago, the efforts of Stream to change this to a more fair demographic was evident in the attendance at the ladies drinks. The energy was vibrant and everyone seemed pretty optimistic about the future.
Conversations & Tech
Participation is everything at Stream, so whether it’s the latest in tech you want to check out or discussions on the lawn that pique your interest, you’re always sure to be engaged wherever you find yourself.
The Spier amphitheater also served as a melting pot of ideas as IGNITE talks and THE PITCH kept attendees busy with unique challenges and constant inspiration.
When the sun goes down…
Under the camouflage of night attendees were treated to some fresh local cuisine on the Spier lawns with no shortage of live entertainment throughout the event. Favourites to look forward to are usually POWERPOINT KARAOKE, the Stream Band at EXTRAVAGANZA and MIDNIGHT COOKING MADNESS all combined with some late night scheming.
Overall it truly is a great event, and some of the sponsors include Twitter, Consol, Wunderman, Smollan, Blue Robot, KFC, Group M, The Mojo Dojo, ABSA and OutThere Media, so you should definitely go, if you’re ever lucky enough to receive an invite, as attendance is by invitation only.
To see some of the previous years’ events, have a look at our posts WPP Stream Africa 2016 and WPP Stream Africa 2017.