The North West’s creative community is invited to join business leaders from across the globe to take part in a unique mixed-reality debate exploring how distance should not be a barrier to business communication.

Corporation Pop in Manchester is designing and managing Death of Distance, which will take place on Tuesday 27 April, 6-7pm at Vision + Media’s offices in MediaCityUK. Hosted in a 3D environment and taking place in real-time, a panel of leading business experts will participate either as avatars, by live video conference link or in person. The event will also be available to watch live online and the conversation can be followed on Twitter using #DofD.

Dom Raban, managing director at virtual consultancy Corporation Pop explains: “We believe this is the first time a mixed-reality debate has taken place in the North West and we’ve got an impressive line-up from the international business community to take part. Professionals from businesses such as IBM and BP will discuss their experiences of how new technologies can enhance collaboration, create new business opportunities, and stimulate the creative and digital supply chain. Our panel of experts will participate from the far corners of the globe including San Francisco, Brisbane and Newcastle.”

Guest speakers include experts from Second Life founders Linden Labs, Queensland University of Technology, BRC Imagination Arts and strategy company Woodholmes.

The panel of experts will be chaired by Phil Jones, sales and marketing director at Brother UK. He says: “In a globalising world that has its foot hard on the accelerator, finding new ways to connect with people have to be explored. In many cases distance is irrelevant and it is these areas the debate will look to explore. I’m particularly keen to hear about how businesses are using avatars to communicate virtually and how this affects the overall experience when compared with video conferencing. I’m really looking forward to pulling it together on the night.”

Death of Distance is inviting participation from both the real world and virtual world audiences. There are three ways to take part:

• Virtually by logging in as an avatar in the 3D auditorium – screens within the auditorium will display feeds of video conference panel members and a live video stream of the Chair and live audience at MediaCityUK
• Real life attendance at MediaCityUK – live video stream will be played from MediaCityUK into the 3D auditorium, enabling remote participants to see the invited audience
• Watch the debate live at www.virtualnorthernnet.co.uk – take part in the twitter conversation by using the hashtag #DofD

The event is being delivered through a collaboration of Corporation Pop, The White Room and The Hamilton Project. Places are limited, but those interested should register and select how they would prefer to attend by visiting www.virtualnorthernnet.co.uk

We’re on the look-out for young people with ‘the App Factor’ and an ambition to work in Manchester’s Creative Industries.

WHO?

Are you:

• Looking to get a career or start a business in the creative industries?
• Full of ideas and ambition?
• Based in the Manchester ‘city council’ area?
• Aged between 18 & 24?
• Interested in apps and the potential they offer?

If so, a brand-new project called ‘Creative Innovation Lab’ is for you!

WHAT?

Creative Innovation Lab or ‘The App School’ will take ten lucky individuals on an intensive learning journey as they develop their ideas for a Mobile Phone ‘app’ – by working with some of the best trainers and creative companies in Manchester.

You just need ideas, not tech know-how.

If you’re chosen, you’ll get the chance to work on your ideas through a series of three ‘ideas’ workshops, beginning at the end of February.

You’ll also attend four workshops that will give you essential creative business know-how about managing projects and money, team working, and presenting your work.

At the end of the scheme, you will be able to pitch your worked-up plans for your App to a panel of creative companies – and if they like what they see, they’ll build the app for you and take it to market!!!

Whether your app is selected or not, you’ll have learnt a massive amount and have fantastic industry contacts – improving your chances of getting a career in the creative industries in Manchester.

In addition, we’ll be creating an online documentary about the scheme, which will go out on www.CREATIVETimes.co.uk.

If you are interested in being part of the scheme, you need to first think about the App you would like to work on. You need to consider what it will do, who it will be for, and why people will want to use it.

Apps may be used by a Cultural Organisation or Charity in the city, or could be a straight-forward commercial proposition – if you’ve got a good idea, let us have it and we’ll help you get it to market!

HOW?

Places are really limited, so if you are up for the challenge, register your idea for your app online now at http://tinyurl.com/TheAppSchool or call 0161 446 2991 for an application form.

If you want to register but don’t have access to a phone or computer, there will be a drop-in session at the First Floor Café in Cornerhouse, 70 Oxford Rd. from 3pm to 5pm on Thursday 11 February 2010.

The App School team will treat all ideas in confidence. We will be judging applications by Sunday 21 February 2010 – we’ll be in touch shortly after to let people know if they have secured a place on the project.

Good luck! The App School Team.

More information and contact

Creative Innovation Labs is funded by Manchester City Council, delivered in partnership with Cornerhouse, MMU, Manchester Beacon for Public Engagement and is being managed by The White Room.

If you have any questions about The App School, please contact The White Room.

Where and when

18 November 2009, from 10am to 3pm. Whitworth Art Gallery, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6ER. Google Map.

The event is taking place at The Whitworth Art Gallery, where you can explore some of the UK’s finest collections of art and design. Follow the Whitworth on Twitter at http://twitter.com/WhitworthArt.

What will be at the event?

• Exhibition Stands and Activities: Visit the South Gallery for digital, arts and business advice and information.
• Guest Speakers: Hear from industry professionals about their experiences and chosen career paths.
• Animation Workshops: Get practical experience in the visual arts. Workshop places are limited, so please book via the contact details below.

How to register

To register for the event, request  information  or to book workshop places contact Elayne Holt or Emma McCarten, telephone 0161 277 1880 or email: e.holt@manchester.gov.uk or e.mccarten@manchester.gov.uk.

You can also call, text or leave a mobile message with Frank Connell, mobile: 07595 278 201, email: f.Connell@manchester.gov.uk.

You can also book online at creativecareerseventmcc.eventbrite.com.