Thinking Digital 2010 attracts Merseyside sector leaders
All roads led to the north of England for anyone working in the creative or technology industries as Thinking Digital 2010 got under way.
The conference has a reputation for being one of the “must-go” events for anyone working in, or interested in, these emerging fields.
This year, more than 800 delegates from 17 countries – a 25% growth on 2009 – converged on The Sage, Gateshead.
The event is run by Codeworks, a not-for-profit organisation established to support and grow digital industries based in the North East.
Codeworks chief executive and conference director Herb Kim – whose home is in Liverpool and who organised the first TEDx Liverpool event in June 2009 – said: “We are extremely happy with how well Thinking Digital went this year.
“This was our third one, and probably the first that actually exceeded our expectations.
“My biggest conference highlight is that we didn't have a single boring talk.
“I’m sure I just jinxed the conference for 2011, but I'm glad the conference content was so evenly strong this year.”
Among delegates were leading figures in the Merseyside tech and creative communities.
Apple expert Don McAllister, of Screencasts Online, said: “It was very good – I was quite impressed by the two days.
“I work in the digital space so it was important for me to meet others working in the same space and to exchange ideas, but I also enjoyed the presentations that were more about cultural issues than pure business.”
Dave Coveney, director of InterconnectIT, based at Liverpool Science Park Innovation Centre 2, said: “In this kind of business, it's important to get out of the office and connect with people in the real world – find out what they are doing and thinking and where things could be heading, and this was a good opportunity to do that.”
Stuart Robarts, online marketing co-ordinator for FACT, added: “It's unlike a lot of conferences because it deals in concepts, ideas and inspirations, rather than being very practical, and you come away with new ways of viewing things. It’s all about what captures your imagination.”
THINKING Digital 2011 runs May 24-26; register at www.thinkingdigital.co.uk/2011
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