Tradeshow features gaming and careers
Annual event showcases industry leaders
North Dakota is primarily thought of as an agricultural state, but now, with the addition of several technology-related companies, Fargo is changing that reputation.
Technology, Internet and media leaders will make their way to NDSU Monday and Tuesday, as the Fargodome once again hosts the Upper Great Plains Technology Conference and Tradeshow.
The conference, hosted by Sen. Byron Dorgan, will feature leaders in some of the world’s largest media corporations including Google, Echostar and Electronic Arts.
Vint Ceft, Google’s vice president, will kick off the event by delivering the keynote address.
Sen. Dorgan says that Ceft’s presence at the event proves that the Red River Valley is becoming a leader in technology.
“ Vint Ceft is a pioneer when it comes to the Internet, and I’m really proud he will deliver our opening address at this year’s Technology Conference and Trade Show,” Dorgan said. “The fact that one of its top officials — not to mention the man credited as one of the ‘Fathers of the Internet’ — will speak at the Fargodome is a credit to the growing reputation North Dakota is gaining through the development of a high-tech industry in the Red River Valley research corridor.”
The event will feature a number of workshops aimed at showcasing the latest in consumer trends and products.
Among one of the conference’s many workshops will be “Tomorrow’s Video Games” hosted by Electronic Arts.
EA, one of the largest videogame production companies in the world, known for its blockbuster titles including the “Madden” football series, “Medal of Honor” and “The Sims,” will showcase current trends in the gaming industry as well as what path videogames may take in the near future.
Craig Hagen, head of Government Affairs for EA who will speak at the workshop, said he has a lot in store for students who attend the seminar.
“ I’ll be presenting the past, present and future of the video game industry and compare what older games looked like to newer ones,” Hagen said. “I’ll also be talking about the video game industry in general, the future of online gaming and EA’s role in the gaming industry.”
Brian Hayes, will be showcasing the Xbox 360, where students will have a chance to play some of EA’s latest games including “Madden 2007” and “Fight Night,” Hagen said.
Hagen also said students who are interested in careers in the gaming field should also attend EA’s workshop.
“ When people are thinking about careers in the media, such as Electronic Arts, we look for people with strong graphic skills, people who are big on gaming and people who have excellent communication skills,” Hagen said.
The technology conference workshops, held from 4:30 – 6 p.m. Monday, will also feature demonstrations on the digital photography, High Definition Television, Bluetooth, Blu-Ray DVDs, home networking, digital home media center solutions and a class on how to feature products and businesses on eBay.
Sen. Dorgan said no matter what one’s interest is, there should be a class that appeals to almost everyone.
“ Often figuring out the latest home electronics products can be challenging,” Dorgan said. “These home consumer technology workshops will teach consumers how to use the most recent trends in technology and what products are in store for the future.”
The technology conference is free and open to students. Students looking to register for the event or looking for more information about the conference should visit www.uppergreatplainstechnology.com.