Delegates attending this year's LAUNCH Future Gaming &
Digital Conference will have a unique opportunity to hear
first-hand from some of the biggest names in the European gaming
industry.
Confirmed speakers at the one-day conference, which is once
again taking place at Birmingham Science Park Aston (BSPA), include
Ian Livingstone OBE, Life President of Eidos, Mike Gamble, European
Territory Manager, Epic Games, and Chris Southall, Chief Technical
Officer, SEGA Europe.
Alongside the packed speaker programme, the event will
provide delegates with an insight into the industry's latest online
tools, computer game and mobile products and services.
Visitors will also be able to get hands-on with cutting-edge
technology via the interactive exhibition, which for the first time
will feature a dedicated showcase for gaming start -ups and
entrepreneurs, giving the opportunity to demonstrate their latest
creations.
Dr David Hardman, Chief Executive Officer, Birmingham Science
Park Aston, said: "The UK games industry is the second largest in
the world after the US and the West Midlands is home to 25 per cent
of the country's total games workforce. This region has become a
hub for games and digital media and it therefore makes
absolute sense to stage this event at Birmingham Science Park
Aston.
"This conference provides a wealth of knowledge and subject
matter that is perfect for anyone in the gaming or digital
industries, ranging from students, graduates and anyone looking to
launch a career in gaming, middleware or engine development, to
course leaders, industry experts or anyone who is a part of a
gaming start-up."
The conference - which will be opened by Ed Vaizey MP, Minister
for Culture, Communication and the Creative Industries, is
supported by a broad cross-section of industry professionals, with
the members of the 18-strong Conference Advisory Panel volunteering
their time to develop the conference sessions.
This year's Advisory Panel includes representatives from
Microsoft-owned games developer Rare, IndeCity, Birmingham
Metropolitan College, Google UK, The Association for UK Interactive
Entertainment (UKIE), NESTA, and Sony Computer Entertainment
Europe.
Sam Collins, Commercial Manager at UKIE and member of the
Advisory Panel, said: "The association for UK Interactive
Entertainment is delighted to be supporting the LAUNCH Conference
at Birmingham Science Park Aston. The event will give
invaluable support and insight for individuals looking to get into
our exciting industry and also those businesses looking to enhance
their existing activities.
"UKIE's vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world
to develop and publish interactive entertainment. We strongly
believe that this conference can play its part in helping to
achieve this vision."
The LAUNCH Future Gaming & Digital Conference will take
place at Birmingham Science Park Aston on 16th November and marks
the first half of the Birmingham Two-Day Digital event. For more
information and to book your place at the conference, please visit
www.launchconference.co.uk.