Can't we all just get along: Why collaboration in interactive is the competitive advantage

DETAILS:
Today's audience are interactive, looking for entertainment experiences that involve more than simply sitting back and watching. Content that is less about platform and more about the experience are today's successful entertainment products. This perfect mix of content, software, and interface often requires collaboration between developers and producers, with each bringing their matchless strengths in content creation and technology development to develop a successful multi-faceted project. In this session, you'll hear from a panel of Edmonton companies who have come together to design and produce a new multiplatform interactive product for 8-12 year olds named a winner at the annual KidScreen Summit in New York City. When four members of a secret kids-only agency suddenly go missing, it's up to the audience to work together to unravel a series of clues transmitted via mobile phones, websites, blogs, podcasts, and video. Using C.I.E. as a case study, its key players will take you behind the scenes to reveal the process of collaboration, creative conception, business strategy, production, and technical development and how joint ventures can give you the competitive advantage. Note: You must purchase an All Access Pass to attend this panel
PROFILES
	MODERATOR Jason Suriano, President, Hotrocket As one of the principals of Hotrocket, Jason manages the day-to-day operations of Hotrocket, while also leading the management of Rocketfuel Productions. Jason's experience combines strategic project planning, change management, user experience design, industry knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit. As the first graduate of the Humanities Computing program at the University of Alberta, Jason brings a unique approach to digital media through his understanding of converging technology with literature and philosophy, project management, content development and writing.
	PANELIST Ken Bautista, CEO, Hotrocket Ken Bautista is CEO and co-founder of Hotrocket, an award-winning interactive production company that architects compelling multiplatform experiences for today's connected audiences. Ken holds a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with a specialization in instructional technology. Ken has organized and presented at several industry conferences, including a recent invite to speak at the Digital Entertainment Leadership Forum in Hong Kong. In 2006, Hotrocket's joint venture with Redengine, Rocketfuel, was named "Most Promising New Company of the Year" at the Canadian New Media Awards. Ken has also been awarded a Chamber of Commerce Young Entrepreneur Award of Distinction and was featured in the Edmonton Journal's "30 Under 30". Ken is also an active champion of Alberta's $9.4 billion digital media and technology industry, currently serving as President of the Digital Media Association of Alberta.
	PANELIST Norman Mendoza, President, Redengine Norman is the President of Redengine, an Edmonton-based IT company that develops original and insightful online solutions for a wide range of customers. Redengine has built its reputation on a unique approach that emphasizes both the clients' business goals, as well as the people the technology is intended to serve. In 2001/2002, Redengine was named one of Alberta Venture's Fastest Growing Companies, and in 2003/2004 was named in Profit Magazine's Profit 100. Norman has spoken at a number of conferences on subjects such as understanding emerging web trends, website content management, and online services delivery, to audiences including the Interactive Advertising Bureau of Canada, Canadian Public Relations Society, and the Canadian Society of Association Executives.
	PANELIST Blaine Bertsch, Creative Director/Partner, Fission Media Group Fission Media Group is a film and digital media production company based in Edmonton. A graduate of the University of Alberta design program, Blaine established his first design studio in 1996. His interest in the design community led him to serve on the Board of Directors for Alberta New Media, the local chapter of the Graphic Designers of Canada and a sessional position with the Department of Art and Design at the University of Alberta. He is also currently a board member of the Digital Media Association of Alberta and oversees all of the creative direction for Fission Media.