Four More Days to Go till Gadgets, Games and Geeks

Media Release
For Immediate Release

Four More Days to Go till Gadgets, Games and Geeks. . .

Local It Community Gears Up For Wellington ’S Leading Techfest

Wellington, August 20, 2009 - Some of Wellington’s most innovative technology companies along with a line-up of local industry luminaries are gearing up to take part in next Monday’s Gadgets, Games and Geeks techfest.

The event offers an exciting opportunity for the public to see both the latest innovations and catch-up on industry trends, developments and expertise. Organised by Wellington’s leading networking organisation for IT professionals, Unlimited Potential (UP), Gadgets, Games and Geeks has established itself as the premier showcase and networking event for Wellington’s IT sector.

Local speakers confirmed for the event - to be held on Monday, August 24 at the St James Theatre - include Andy Satterthwaite, Executive Producer of Sidhe Interactive, New Zealand's only games maker with a high international profile. Sidhe’s latest release, Shatter, is one of the highest rated downloadable games for PlayStation.

For gadget fans, Weta General Manager, Tim Launder, will talk about Dr Grordbort's ray guns and other high-tech gadgetry as well as creativity and just the all-round coolness surrounding the creative wizards at world-famous Weta Workshop, based in Miramar.

Launder and Satterthwaite will be joined by Silicon Valley-based IT entrepreneur, Bill Reichert who is this year’s keynote speaker. Reichert, Managing Director of seed and early-stage venture fund, Garage Technology Ventures, will share insider knowledge and tips on starting and growing a successful technology business during an address titled, The Future of Innovation: Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital, and Emerging Technologies .

Gadgets, Games and Geeks will be showcasing the latest gaming technology, software and other technologies and services. Wellington companies featured include:

• Instinct Entertainment (www.instinct.co.nz), which has developed the world’s first ‘point and click’ mobile game creator.
• YouDo (www.youdo.co.nz), creators of software that helps businesses perform more efficiently.
• Amberdms (www.amberdms.com), developers of an open-source billing system with accounting, invoicing, service management and time-keeping functions.
• The Choice(www.thechoice.co.nz), a different type of Wellingtondating agency - half its male members work in the IT industry
• Virtual Expos (www.virtualexpos.co.nz), the first mass market virtual event software to offer the ‘real-world’ feel of a live expo.
• Crackerjacks (www.crackerjacks.co.nz), an online recruitment business that simplifies and enhances the recruitment process for both contractors and business.
• Wizbiz (www.wizbiz.co.nz), the Wairarapa's only locally owned and operated wireless internet company that provides broadband internet to all rural areas.
• WetaCave(www.wetanz.com/cave/), Weta’s mini-museum displays characters, props and displays from its movies.

Event Details:
When:Monday 24 August 2009, time: from 4.30pm
Where: St James Theatre, Courtenay Place
Entry:Free
Twitter feeds: #ggg09; Flickr tag: GGG09
To RSVP and for more information: http://up.org.nz/ggg-09/

About Unlimited Potential
Unlimited Potential was set up in 2000 as a non-profit organisation to facilitate the growth and development of professionals at the forefront of ICT in Wellington. It does this primarily by providing opportunities for people working in Wellington’s ICT industry to meet and share ideas in a relaxed and friendly environment through events and forums. The network has more than 2000 members working in every type of ICT role across the industry, including start-ups, corporates, education, and government departments. www.up.org.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media