Successful technology conference back again

Jan 15 2009 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

THE man behind one of the biggest online brands in the world, the most successful toy maker on the planet and a writer who made his name masquerading as the boss of Apple are all heading to the region for a major technology conference.

Thinking Digital – the UK’s answer to American-based technology and ideas conferences such as TED and Pop!Tech – will make a return to the region in May following its hugely successful inaugural event in Gateshead last year.

Among the speakers will be Alex Hunter, the man in charge of online marketing for one of the world’s biggest brands, Virgin, and Hans Rosling, the creator of Trendalyzer, which turns boring statistics into animations and interactive graphics.

Around 400 tech enthusiasts are expected to attend the event which will also feature an insight into how technological advancement has transformed the world of toy making.

Caleb Chung, the creator of the hugely successful Furby toy and now this year’s must-have gift Pleo, the robotic dinosaur, will uncover his secrets at The Sage Gateshead.

Veteran technology writer Dan Lyons, who wrote a satirical online diary where he posed as Apple chief Steve Jobs, will return to the region after last year’s successful visit.

Thinking Digital director Herb Kim said: “We t ook a risk in attempting the first Thinking Digital back in May last year and the feedback has been incredibly positive and warm.

“The delegates, sponsors and speakers created a vital community of insight, inspiration and energy, and I’m still getting people today telling me Thinking Digital was the best conference they have ever attended.

“So we’ve got a very high bar this year to reach but I can’t wait to try and top what we did in 2008.”

Online readers of nebusiness.co.uk will be kept up to date with all the happenings of the event with breaking news and a live blog from the sidelines of the conference.

Meanwhile, The Journal has teamed up with organisers Codeworks to act as a media partner of the event and now readers have been offered the chance to buy discounted tickets at £249 (+VAT) – less than half the full price of the conference and even cheaper than the current Early Bird discount.

To claim your discount, email maxeen@thinkingdigital.co.uk for a promotional code and book before 11.55pm on January 31.

The event takes place on May 14-15.

I’m still getting people telling me Thinking Digital was the best conference they ever attended