Dieter van Acken

City centres are facing major challenges. As shopping areas are becoming increasingly dominated by large chains, more and more vacancies are emerging. The modern-day shopping experience takes place online. And retail isn’t the only victim – restaurants are also perishing. But digitalisation can help. City centres are being revitalised by new combinations of online and local retail, pop-up concepts are breathing new life into vacant premises, and digital networks are being created within the gastronomy sector. This networking is exemplified by the digital town of Ahaus, which has managed to enhance its appeal and start using vacant properties as showpieces.

Dieter van Acken is a marketing graduate who develops strategies and materials that can be used to target customers. In 1995, he decided to pursue a career at Tobit.Software. As an ambassador for a company that is constantly reinventing itself as an eternal start-up, Dieter van Acken conveys fresh ideas, technologies and perspectives to enable guests, customers and viewers to broaden their horizon.