USA Today features an article on the recent Serious Games Summit in Washington DC. "Video games are getting a serious dose of reality. The two-day Serious Games Summit, ending Tuesday in Arlington, Va., features games that involve such real-world issues as gerrymandering, medical education and military operations."

Companies looking to do business with mainland China may consider a number of market entry strategies, or ways to access the market. For example, Canadian companies could consider using experienced firms in Hong Kong for this purpose. Presented by Export Link, this seminar will look at some of the considerations for preparing to do business with China, and will review the advantages Hong Kong has to offer in this respect. This event is being held in partnership with the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office, and includes speakers with expertise in several areas, including the private and public sectors. A networking lunch, featuring a guest speaker, will be offered in Calgary.

Wednesday, November 8
Time: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Cost: $30 (+GST)
Location: Edmonton and video conferenced to various sites

Presented by Export Link, this seminar will cover the basic components you need to start planning your growth into China. Themes will include general requirements for export; information technology and an understanding of its application in China for doing business; and an overview of the partnerships and expertise that must be brought on-board to develop the export venture.

Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Time: 11:30 am to 4:00 pm
Cost: $30.00 (+GST) includes training materials and a light lunch

Presented by the Digital Media Association of Alberta and the Accelerator Program at the Banff New Media Institute, this session will provide digital media producers with effective strategies for identifying funding opportunities and seeking financing for their projects. Key representatives from Canada Revenue Agency (SR&ED), Foreign Affairs & International Trade Canada, NRC-IRAP, and Telefilm Canada will walk participants through the ins and outs of the funding application process for their programs related to the digital media and technology sector.

Participants will learn about opportunities for funding and financing for Alberta digital media companies, and the value and benefit of the various programs available; how to find applicable financing programs and how to initiate the application process; tips for planning and preparation in meeting application deadlines; and, ensuring submissions are complete, align to program guidelines, and maximize effectiveness of applications.

Friday, October 13
8:15am - Networking Breakfast
9:00am - 10:30am - Presentation
Fairmont Hotel Calgary (133, 9th Avenue SW, Oval Room)

This session, presented by the Interactive Advertising Bureau of Canada, will include a state-of-the-nation overview of the most recent research, trends, and techniques being used to market to consumers within the interactive channel.

Our one-hour Roadshow presentation will:

The latest issue of Canadian New Media (Volume 9, Issue 17, September 20, 2006) features an article on the response by Canada's provincial new media associations as part of the CRTC's Public Notice 2006-72.

"Canada’s provincial new media associations presented a united front in calling for a timely, cross-departmental government analysis of the interactive media sector in the comments they filed with the CRTC as part of Public Notice 2006-72.

There currently exists a window of opportunity, which may be narrow, for the Government of Canada to make significant strategic contributions that may create the conditions necessary for Canada to build a truly strong and competitive interactive media industry," submitted the New Media Business Alliance. The NMBA, which filed its own comments with the commission, wants this government action to come in the form of an interactive media task force directed to work across all departments to create a strategic action plan for the development of Canada’s digital media industry.

Four other provincial new media associations – New Media BC, Manitoba Interactive Digital Media Association, Saskatchewan Interactive Media Association and Digital Media Association of Alberta – filed separate yet identical interventions with the commission. They also echoed the NMBA’s sentiment that Canada has a chance, albeit a time-limited one, to take a leadership position in this global market place. "There is a great opportunity to competitively position Canada’s new media/interactive media content creators and to leverage and build upon our broadband and mobile networks to develop and distribute quality digital products to increasingly convergent-hungry audiences," commented the associations.

November 8-9, 2006