Give Yourself Some Space

Innovate Learn Meet Share

Friday 5th December 2008 12-2pm

Delegates will have an opportunity to meet the trainers, take a tour of the facilities, find out more about what nti can offer, network over a free lunch and even play a game on the Wii!

To book a place, or for more information, email us at info@ntileeds.co.uk

OpenCoffee itself runs from 10am to noon here at Old Broadcasting House. While you are here why not take a look at our coworking space?

Paul Key (drummer ex Good Die Young, support slots with The Charlatans, The Twang, Proud Mary) took his audience on Tuesday 25th November, on a tour of Ableton’s strengths in different environments from DJing to live performance and standard studio production.

With an audience that was passionate about music, the evening kicked off with the statement “software that saved my life and my wallet” that was visible on the screen from a man who’s journey of finding and using Ableton, had clearly proven a critical one.

In a competitive market Ableton was and still is an innovator in music. Addictive to use, the software has a ‘do it yourself’ approach in a coherent and easy set up that is streets ahead of the competition, boosting correction of beat rhythms at the flick of a button. The live demo from Paul illustrated the accessiblity by taking a snare drum recording and in the space of 5 minutes, had composed an electronic dance track. The satisfaction of creating something from nothing highlighted a target market that not only catered for professionals, but people who could own and love it! The effect on Paul that Ableton Live! had were clear as he spoke in high regard saying “I could talk about Ableton Live! all night”.

Eyes had been opened to a world that was only a web page away to endless possiblities that can be downloaded for free at Ableton. Watch this space for future workshops about the software that will be coming the Old Broadcasting House for budding musicians.

Girl Geeks from far and wide gathered to meet and share their knowledge on both creative and technical topics. The room filled up with people and food as the event unfolded into an interesting, thought provoking evening. Women represented a range of companies including Chapter Eight, Simple Usability, Communication Design Solutions Studios, Brahm, Swamp, Numiko, fuse8 and Reach Further. Monica Tailor’s gave an inspiring talk which covered the ten points she wished she had known before going into business. For more information on the presentation, you can watch a slideshow by clicking here.

After a refreshment break, Katie Lips followed on to persuade people about new emerging areas in the digital sector. Cofounder of Treasure My Text, Katie is no stranger to innovative ideas. Specialising in social projects, the changing nature of geeks has become apparent as a lot of the ideas that were once fresh and new to pioneers become mainstream. As Monica ended her talk with us sparing a thought for the geeks”, a question and answer time began. “What do people think about Social Networking? Is it just a fad?” provoked a mixed reaction from the audience but highlighted some foundational understanding that had gone array in the excitement of ‘everyone’s using it’.

Leia from nti attended for the first time and has written her own story of the event for readers:

“What do we mean by a Girl Geek?

Just one of the questions posed (and hopefully answered) at last nights Girl Geek Dinner at The Loft, Creative Event Space, in Leeds.

As a newcomer to the Girl Geek Dinner, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but was relieved to find out from Katie Lips from Treasure My Text about the ‘changing face of geekdom’. No longer is the word ‘geek’ confined to programmers and techies, although these women still clearly have a place at this event. Now we enter a brave new world where new media, social networking, text messaging and even viral marketing are the activities of Girl Geeks everywhere.

Together with the top ten tips for businesses from Monica Tailor of Kilo 75, the event proved both informative and fun. But I have to confess that announcing Alex Lips, one of the few men who attended the event, and the father of one of the speakers, as the raffle winner of some hairdressing vouchers, had to be the best laugh of the night!

Altogether it was a great event from nti Leeds, with some really interesting discussion, good food and fantastic company.

I’m proud to wake up this morning as a fully initiated Girl Geek!”

Time was given for notices outside of Geek events including the British Computer Society Pub Quiz and the next GeekUp gathering to be held on Friday 19th December 2008, venue yet to be confirmed.

Another successful Girl Geek Dinner had attendees looking forward to the next one, so watch this space!

So why not get everyone talking at this event. If you want to present, please remember the following:

• Be no longer than 5 minutes
• Be on an innovative topic (no sales pitches)
• Be viewable on a PC [a MacBook Pro with Powerpoint and Keynote, and PDF] with standard AV equipment
• Did we mention, no sales!

We’re really hoping to use this first event to give a global audience to the flavour of things happening across the North of England…the more left-field and diverse the submissions the better!

To get involved contact us here at nti to book your place by emailing info@ntileeds.co.uk or phoning 0845 122 1555. To propose a talk go to http://www.meetup.com/Ignite-UK-North/calendar/9017862/

We’re super-excited to announce that on Friday 8th August, Old Broadcasting House will be playing host to prominent venture capitalist and internet industry investor, Fred Wilson.

Fred’s spending a month in Europe this Summer, not only vacationing, but seeking to understand how entrepreneurs, with a different worldview to that of North America, are thinking about the power and potential of the web.

Through his appreciation of Sheffield Wednesday and acquaintence with Carl Griffith, cofounder of local startup ensembli, we’ve managed to tempt him into speaking about his experiences in two decades of investing in web and software ventures and hopefully to introduce him to the emerging technology ecosphere of the North of England.

Beginning with Euclid Partners, through the cofounding of Flatiron Partners and latterly Union Square Ventures, Fred’s been responsible for identifying, growing and exiting some of the industry’s most exciting startups, including Bug Labs, del.icio.us, Etsy, FeedBurner, outside.in, Tumblr, Twitter, Wesabe - some of which have been acquired by Google and Yahoo with others seeking to reinvent areas as diverse as personal finance, blogging and real-time communication.

Alongside his career at Union Square Ventures, Fred is one of the web’s most prominent bloggers, writing about topics ranging from technology and investing, to politics and music at his blog, A VC.

–

With such a stellar reputation, we’re really very honored to host Fred and hear his thoughts on the state of the industry.  The evening will begin at 6pm with drinks, followed by a talk from Fred, an open Q&A session and a chance to network with other guests and also with Fred, before concluding around 8pm. We’d love to have you join us…

{ Register Here! }

Linda took part in a panel discussion with Pistachio Consulting’s Laura Fitton and Stephanie Troeth, focussing on going Solo in a Networked World and notably her experiences in establishing a coworking space here in Leeds.

By all accounts, Linda’s contribution generated a lot of interest and questions from Going Solo attendees and I’m sure we’ll hear more about her impressions, right here.

In the meantime, conference organiser Stephanie Booth, has rounded up coverage of the conference for those who couldn’t make it to Lausanne, including streaming video of various panel sessions and keynotes; notes from Jaap Stronks and Suw Charman (including a transcript of Linda’s panel) as well as the official photo gallery.

Well done Linda -  and congratulations on joining Twitter!

Update: Some photos of Linda in action on Flickr!