From 16 to 19 August 2009, the Game Developers Conference Europe—GDC Europe—will take place under Frank Sliwka’s direction as Europe’s largest game-developer conference ahead of gamescom in Cologne. Cooperation between internationally recognized GDC organizer Think Services and gamescom organizer Koelnmesse is intended to make optimum use of synergies between the two events. Think Services organizes developer conferences in the key US and Asian markets, including San Francisco. GDC Europe in Cologne is their European counterpart. In addition to serving as event director for GDC Europe, Sliwka is Think Services’ vice president of European business development.
“We are delighted to present GDC Europe in Cologne during the gamescom period,” said Kathy Schoback, vice president of Global Events at Think Services. “Europe’s leading developer conference is, after all, an indispensable part of the video-game industry’s leading event.”
Sliwka added: “Cologne as a trade-show venue and gamescom offer the international developer community optimum business and networking opportunities. Think Services recognized this potential and will offer GDC Europe as a conference platform by Europeans for Europeans. In my new position at Think Services, one of my most important tasks will be to give European game developers’ interests a stronger position, particularly in the North American market.”
Koelnmesse managing director Oliver P. Kuhrt welcomed the cooperation with Think Services and Sliwka’s team: “We are very pleased to welcome the European developer community to GDC Europe as part of gamescom. Think Services and Frank Sliwka’s team bring recognized experts in organizing outstanding international developer events, with extensive experience, networks and expertise.”
