500 participants from over 40 countries gathered in Marseille to address innovations that are changing society, business and culture. The theme of LIFT / FING 2009 is: "a hands-on future". "The best way to predict the future is to invent it" said Alan Kay (and Bucky Fuller). True! As long as the inventors - and those for whom we "innovate"— get a chance to discuss, build, and reflect upon their and our presents and futures. Lift's forte is — and has been—to filter promises that deliver from catchy buzzwords, and lasting and engaging cultural and technological contributions (innovations that stick) from dull "one nighters" (innovations that suck you in, use you up, and let you down). LIFT / FING offers a valuable forum for reflection, inspiration and contacts. Some of the questions participants will address: Could we build sustainable growth on desire as well as reason, on creativity as well as regulation? How can we become part of environmental measurement, evaluate and compare the impact of our own activities, become parts of our collective environmental consciousness? Join in to keep up with a fast changing world!—or learn to slow down when we're a on a road to nowhere :). For more information, check out the website