Technology Innovators To Speak At Digital Forum

Two of the UK's most influential people involved in future technology will talk about the shifting nature of broadcasting at the launch of a groundbreaking communications institute next month.
Simon Gibson OBE and Paul Murphy MP will offer their theories on the integration between digital devices and telecommunications, broadcasting, advertising, IT, film and gaming at the launch of The Institute of Advanced Broadcasting (IAB) on May 11.
Mr Gibson is Chief Executive of the venture capital fund Wesley clover, which specialises in next-generation networking and telecommunications opportunities. He has broad management experience in high-technology industries in both North America and Europe and acts as an advisor to a number of venerable institutions.
He said: "The broadcast industry is currently undergoing a major upheaval and this presents huge challenges and opportunities for businesses in the same way the internet transformed the IT industry.
"The IAB is being set up to examine and create solutions to tackle this shift. It is unique in that it is the only institute to address these issues.
"My hope is that it becomes a reference point for content makers, broadcasters and regulators."
Paul Murphy is the UK Minster for Digital Inclusion and Secretary of State for Wales. He also chairs Cabinet committees on Local Government and the Regions and on data security and information assurance.
The launch of the IAB takes place at a pioneering event called Creative Capital, which is being hosted by the University of Wales, Newport between May 11 and 13 in London's Canary Wharf and aims to encourage businesses to use fresh thinking and creativity to break out of the recession.
The IAB will work alongside broadcasters, content developers, film makers and key industry players to develop research projects that will address the challenges of convergence and explore suitable distribution and business models for the future.
The free Creative Capital event will be held in the spectacular arched glass atrium of East Wintergarden in the heart of London's Canary Wharf. Opened by broadcaster Jon Snow, it will feature an exciting programme of interactive workshops. launches, work from the latest fashion and photography talent and sessions with senior industry figures, with work shown on state-of-the-art digital walls.
The IAB will be launched on the first day of Creative Capital with a dinner, speeches from high profile guests and a film setting out the challenges to be addressed by the IAB. Also during the day there will be a student fashion show and a three hour interactive workshop known as a 'sandpit' that will explore the creative challenges faced by broadcasting. The following days will focus on the future of music, photography and fashion, plus the need for creativity as a key ingredient of business strategy.
Further information is available at: www.creative-capital.co.uk.
(KMcA/BMcC)