14 Nov 08 - Technology Future Under Spotlight

'Gadget Guy' Peter Blasina, Mark Pesce, Gael Drum and Graeme Philipson are the keynote speakers headlining Council's highly successful annual IT conference.  

 "This conference has been hailed as Australia's premier local government IT conference and the calibre of keynote speakers and the range of topics under discussion this year are further proof, if it was needed, that it continues to deserve that accolade," said Coffs Harbour Mayor, Councillor Keith Rhoades.  

"The forum has always been run largely by Coffs Harbour City Council staff and they should be congratulated for growing this conference over the past 12 years into the key forum it is today," he said. 

The conference will be held at the Novotel Pacific Bay Resort from November 18-21. 

• Mark Pesce is known internationally as the man who fused virtual reality with the World Wide Web to invent VRML. With a unique ability to make abstract concepts clear for lay audiences - from the latest trends on the Internet, to the future of design in an energy-conscious world - Pesce is first and foremost a storyteller, using everyday examples to illuminate the finer features of a world that seems to be changing more rapidly every day. 
• Peter Blasina, or the Gadget Guy as he is more popularly known, has become Australia's trusted and most high profile technology commentator. 
• IT consultant, analyst and writer Graeme Philipson makes a welcome return to the conference where he will share with the 150 delegates his ten predictions for the next five years. 
• Motivational speaker Gael Drum has combined her experience as a business owner with her expertise as a mind empowering therapist, to develop a workplace service that informs and equips people with the skills to maintain high energy levels, motivation and good health, whilst balancing work with everyday living.  

Graeme Philipson and Peter Blasina will make their keynote addresses on the first day of the conference on Wednesday, November 19. 

Mark Pesce will address the conference on Thursday, November 20 and Gael Drum will share the secrets of a successful home-life balance with the delegates on Friday, November 21.