Some of Wellington’s most innovative technology companies along with a line-up of local industry luminaries are gearing up to take part in next Monday’s Gadgets, Games and Geeks techfest.

Some of Wellington’s most innovative technology companies along with a line-up of local industry luminaries are gearing up to take part in next Monday’s Gadgets, Games and Geeks techfest.

The event offers an exciting opportunity for the public to see both the latest innovations and catch-up on industry trends, developments and expertise. Organised by Wellington’s leading networking organisation for IT professionals, Unlimited Potential (UP), Gadgets, Games and Geeks has established itself as the premier showcase and networking event for Wellington’s IT sector.

Local speakers confirmed for the event - to be held on Monday, August 24 at the St James Theatre - include Andy Satterthwaite, Executive Producer of Sidhe Interactive, New Zealand's only games maker with a high international profile. Sidhe’s latest release, Shatter, is one of the highest rated downloadable games for PlayStation.

For gadget fans, Weta General Manager, Tim Launder, will talk about Dr Grordbort's ray guns and other high-tech gadgetry as well as creativity and just the all-round coolness surrounding the creative wizards at world-famous Weta Workshop, based in Miramar.

Launder and Satterthwaite will be joined by Silicon Valley-based IT entrepreneur, Bill Reichert who is this year’s keynote speaker. Reichert, Managing Director of seed and early-stage venture fund, Garage Technology Ventures, will share insider knowledge and tips on starting and growing a successful technology business during an address titled, The Future of Innovation: Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital, and Emerging Technologies. 

Gadgets, Games and Geeks will be showcasing the latest gaming technology, software and other technologies and services. Wellington companies featured include:

• Instinct Entertainment (www.instinct.co.nz), which has developed the world’s first ‘point and click’ mobile game creator.
• YouDo (www.youdo.co.nz), creators of software that helps businesses perform more efficiently.
• Amberdms (www.amberdms.com), developers of an open-source billing system with accounting, invoicing, service management and time-keeping functions.
• The Choice (www.thechoice.co.nz), a different type of Wellington dating agency - half its male members work in the IT industry
• Virtual Expos (www.virtualexpos.co.nz), the first mass market virtual event software to offer the ‘real-world’ feel of a live expo.
• Crackerjacks (www.crackerjacks.co.nz), an online recruitment business that simplifies and enhances the recruitment process for both contractors and business.
• Wizbiz (www.wizbiz.co.nz), the Wairarapa's only locally owned and operated wireless internet company that provides broadband internet to all rural areas.
• Weta Cave (www.wetanz.com/cave/), Weta’s mini-museum displays characters, props and displays from its movies.

Event Details:

When: Monday 24 August 2009, time: from 4.30pm
Where: St James Theatre, Courtenay Place

Entry: Free
Twitter feeds: #ggg09; Flickr tag: GGG09
To RSVP and for more information: http://up.org.nz/ggg-09/