Over the past few years, the re:publica conference developed into a meeting of bloggers, activists, researches and others interested in the potential of what the Internet has to offer.

Many attendees at re:publica, which runs this year from May 6-8, are not only connected by the Internet, but make their living and maintain friendships on it. For many bloggers and activists the Internet has become the chosen space to express their creativity and social engagement.

Founded by bloggers Markus Beckedahl and Johnny Haeusler, the conference kicked off in 2007 as a place for some 700 people to talk about politics, the media, culture and technology. Six years later, those issues still play a major part in the conference, as do privacy, copyright, censorship and a wide spectrum of other issues related to the Internet. The evolving focus has helped make the event an important spot for bloggers and online activists to discuss current events. Politicians and corporate brass have also taken an interest in the conference.

This year, some 5,000 visitors are expected to attend the 200 hours of re:publica events and listen to 350 speakers.