CeBIT's best bits

8839798566_78fa86baed_b — Sydney’s Darling Harbour was swimming in a sea of red flags to celebrate CeBIT. Image: CeBIT Australia.

This week we headed down to CeBIT, one of the world’s biggest IT trade shows. Here are some highlights from the titanic tech-fest:

Cyber (in)security

With the recent spout of online hacks, cyber security was a hot topic of discussion. The experts gave us a friendly reminder to be careful what we share online.

The force was strong with 3D printing this year.

DIY 3D printing

We got a glimpse of the latest range of DIY 3D printers – the ultimate birthday present for any tech lover.

Take a load off

Need to relax? There were plenty of super sturdy cardboard chairs to sit on, and you could even grab a free massage.

It’s getting cloudy

It was all about cloud computing this year, with Minister Stephen Conroy launching the National Cloud Computing Strategy. The popular slogan going around was ‘say no to software’.

Harping on about Harper

Digital campaign guru Harper Reed made a special appearance, giving a captivating talk on his role as Chief Technology Officer for President Obama in 2012.

Harper Reed getting a lesson in Aussie fashion. Image: CeBIT Australia.

Fab fashion

With so many stylish tech-heads roaming around, it almost felt like we were at Sydney Fashion Week. The top trends in tech fashion this season included kilts, wet-suits, German beer maid outfits and kangaroo costumes.

Food, glorious food

What good would a trade show be without free food! But forget lollies in bowls, we were spoiled with a popcorn machine and frozen slushies.

Hugs with bots

And finally, robot love was definitely in the air. Everyone was lining up to give our newly named museum robot a cuddle – including our own members of parliament. The University of Western Sydney also bought along their cute bots, who busted some killer moves.