Future Media: What’s Next? (10/15, Atlanta)

“What is the future of digital media?”
I get asked that a bunch. My smart alec answer is that if I knew I

a) wouldn’t tell you because you could steal it from me and
b) you would have to come to my private island for me to turn you down.

Bottom line, I don’t know WHAT the future of digital media is, but I do know WHERE I want it to be – right here in Georgia. This Thursday (10/15) a group of scholars, business people, and all around smart folk are going to be convening in Atlanta to discuss how to make sure that Georgia is on the leading edge of digital media innovation. The event is called “Future Media: What’s Next?” (http://www.futuremediaga.com/). There are a ton of interesting panels, student demonstrations, and start-up show-offs. The New Media Institute is a partner in the event – and I will be speaking (briefly) as well.

And just to show you how on relevant this whole conference is, I am doing my morning work-out listening to National Public Radio, and I hear a report on a company who is using software to predict which music will be hits (http://bit.ly/aFNm3). It just so happens that David Meredith of Music Intelligence Solutions will be on the same panel with me talking about open source innovation to keep Georgia competitive. How is that for staying current?

It promises to be an interesting event. You can find out more online at http://www.futuremediaga.com/.

P.S. And, yes, I know the conference is at Georgia Tech, but given the way UGA’s football team is playing, I want to make nice with everyone on our schedule.

This DBB (Tu, 10/13)– What’s Up Interactive -- Richard Warner

Back in the day, before anyone knew that the web was really going to take off, a few brave souls actually started building businesses to harness its power – and make money. One of those pioneering companies in Atlanta was and is What’s Up Interactive (http://www.whatsup.com/). On Tuesday, the founder of What’s Up, Richard Warner will be our Digital Brown Bag (Tu, 10/12/09, 12:30P, NMI, Room 401 Journalism) guest. Not only has Richard shaped the way that digital media has grown in the southeast, he is also a television star – he hosts “Georgia Business” on Georgia Public Television. What’s Up is a true UGA and NMI shop hiring our alum for years. And, I promise, Richard is a fun guy. Join us.