This past weekend, nextMEDIA 2008 was held in Banff, Alberta, sold-out again for the second year in a row. Attending nextMEDIA were some of the top executives, producers and creators working in the field of digital content and media, converging from around the world to talk about the future of entertainment in a multiplatform world. One of the most talked about panels at nextMEDIA was "Harnessing the Power of Social Media Platforms", presented by Digital Alberta, Banff New Media Institute and Calgary Economic Development.

Digital Alberta is sponsoring another Market Access Program for the Casual Games Industry. From July 23 to 25th, Casual Connect Seattle brings together the most talented and knowledgeable experts in the casual gaming field with the best of networking and learning. This is the premiere event for the casual games industry with over 3,000 professionals attending, including Real Games, Big Fish, Microsoft Casual Games, Pogo, Mumbo Jumbo, Pop Cap, Real arcade and more.

The Technology Commercialization Division of Alberta Advanced Education and Technology has been informed of an RFI/RFP surrounding an online serious game that will provide information and promote trades careers and options to 13-19 year old students.

The RFI will be published on the Alberta Purchasing Connection website in the next few weeks.

The Future of Gaming - May 22

WHEN:
Thursday, May 22, 2008
5:00 PM - Registration and Networking
6:00 PM - Panel Presentation
7:00 PM - Expected Finish

WHERE:
Beat Niq Jazz and Social Club
811 First Street NW (downstairs)
Calgary, Alberta

COST:
$15.00 Digital Alberta Members and LevelUp Members
$25.00 Non-Members
*Appetizers are provided

REGISTRATION:
Registration will be waived if you purchase a $50.00 annual membership at the event. Please RSVP to Rene@digitalalberta.com. See you there!

Jim Louderback of Revision3 To Deliver Day Two Keynote at nextMEDIA - The Future of Digital Content

Please join us for our Annual General Meeting on Thursday, April 24, 2008. The AGM will be held at 5:30 PM:

LOCATIONS:

CALGARY - Calgary Technologies Inc. - 3553 31 Street NW
EDMONTON - NAIT Room W202

Please RSVP to rene@digitalalberta.com if you are able to join us. Wine and snacks will be provided.

The 2008 PopVox Awards are open and calling for Submissions!

Check out the new site @ www.popvoxawards.com

Key Dates:
April 30, 2008 – Submissions Close
May 1st, 2008 – Voting Begins!
May 12th, 2008 – Voting Ends!
May 23rd, 2008 – Winners announced!

The PopVox Peoples Choice Awards for Digital Media have returned for the 2008 season and we invite the digital media community at large to participate in this annual celebration of international talent.

The Nominating Committee of the Digital Media Association of Alberta (Digital Alberta) invites nominations for the 2009-2010 Board of Directors. All nominations must be submitted no later than April 17, 2009. Also note that the bylaws state that you must be a member of Digital Alberta at least 30 days prior to the AGM for your nomination to be accepted.

Thursday, February 21, 2008
5:00 - 7:00 PM
Calgary Location - Brewster's on 11 Avenue
Edmonton Location - Hudson's Downtown

There is no cost to attend this month's mixer. Come on down, enjoy some snacks and a great networking opportunity.

Please RSVP to Rene@digitalalberta.com.

Digital Media Connects Us: How Social Media is Enabling Business, Relationships, Entertainment and Play
Dates: May 1 - May 4, 2008
Location: Banff, Alberta, Canada