Annual GeekFest tackles media's future

T4G's "Leading Thinkers" series continues amongst geeks with leading news columnist Margaret Wente and others on panel debating where media is headed

TORONTO, March 8 /CNW/ - In the era of exploding social and mobile networking, the future of traditional media is just too big an issue for a bunch of geeks to tackle on their own.

So, at our third annual GeekFest Wednesday March 10, we've called in social and technology commentators to debate the future of the media. Is print dead? Will we recognize journalism 10 years from now? Is there a viable business model for professional journalism in the digital world? Is new media filled with too much clutter and not enough substance?

On the panel will be one of the country's leading columnists, award-winning Globe and Mail writer Margaret Wente; CBC.ca technology reporter Peter Nowak who recently published his first book about the origins of technology called Sex, Bombs and Burgers; and Mike Dover, a pop culture critic and co-author of Wikibrands: How to Build a Brand in a Customer-Controlled Marketplace. The panel will be moderated by techno thinker Krista Napier, a senior analyst with IDC Canada, a global leader in IT market intelligence.

"The Vancouver Olympics is the latest example of the changing role of media," says T4G President Geoff Flood. "Millions of people in Canada were watching events live, getting scores, video clips and commentary on their wireless smart phones. It makes you wonder about the future role of newspapers, broadcasters, even cable TV delivery in the wireless world. This GeekFest panel is sure to give us lots to think about."

GeekFest is sponsored by T4G Limited, a national project-based technology company. GeekFest is the annual showcase of creativity, innovation and entrepreneurialism. It is held at the Hot Zone of the Ontario Science Centre, 770 Don Mills Road in Toronto, on March 10, 2010 beginning at 6 p.m.

Open to media, GeekFest begins with individual T4G employees and teams exhibiting some of their most creative ideas for using technology to make life and business better. After friends, customers and invited guests have informally met participants and seen their geeky ideas, the media panel discussion will take place under the Leading Thinkers banner.

Leading Thinkers is an ongoing T4G initiative about exchanging ideas aimed at making a difference in so many areas; from business organization, competitiveness, and research and development to sustainability and a greener environment.

The role media plays - and its future - is worthy of inclusion when it relates to the day-to-day lives of Canadians. Naively or not, the so-called geeks at T4G believe they can help foster changes to improve life in Canada, already the best place in the world to live.

"As they say, some people are born on third base and think they've hit a triple," Mr. Flood says. "We know we've been fortunate in Canada, but we've got to keep scoring runs when it comes to leadership, sustainability, innovation, international competitiveness and social responsibility. And if you examine last week's federal budget, you'll see that Ottawa is getting the message with an emphasis on investing in innovation, which in turn creates high-value jobs for Canadians."

After the media panel, the Top 3 geeks from the showcase portion of GeekFest will present to a jury of "Supreme Geeks" who, under a format similar to the CBC's popular TV program Dragon's Den, will evaluate each and award the title of Ultimate Geek 2010.

For more information about GeekFest, check out http://geekfest.t4g.com/

ABOUT T4G

T4G is a national, project-based, full-service professional services company founded in 1996. We believe in building high-performing teams and breaking conventional wisdom. We believe in our people and true participation in each and every project we undertake. We believe in The Intelligent Application of Technology(TM) where less can be more, where innovation leads to opportunity, and where a culture of commitment always strives to exceed customers' expectations. For more information: www.t4g.com

For further information: Media Contacts: Paul Barter, Vice-President, Strategy, T4G Limited, [phone], [email protected]; Bob Brehl, abc2 communications, [phone], [email protected]