VOLUNTEERING AT iVENTURES 2017

On the 27th and 28th of October, I volunteered at iVentures, a conference that took place in Toronto where business leaders in the interactive digital media (IDM) industries connect with each other and with business leaders in overlapping sectors.

During the event, I had the fortune to work in one of the two main conference rooms where a couple of the conferences took place. Even though I was working there were a couple of gaps where I could focus on the subjects discussed. For instance, I was able to spectate the Ideas to Watch in Asia and Latin America where five people among entrepreneurs, founders, and presidents of gaming companies exposed their cultural barriers and opportunities in their local market but also aid to inspire all of the attendants on how each proponent solved and closed certain gaps in their gaming community.

Why volunteering was worth it

After finishing my two days volunteering I was able to see the large span of what this type of event has for all of the assistant, not only in but for the next IDM project. The conference turned out to be a marketplace to facilitate the creation of ideas, network with international industry, collaborate and finally learn from what is currently in the market.

Why you should assist

I would totally try to volunteer next year as it is a good alternative to assist the event and skip the high price that the majority of students would see as a big barrier. iVentures is a great place for people who are immersed in the digital business and want to explore the current trends and connect with similar advocates. The event has a strong content in games but is now shifting to present more broad content in the IDM.

Interact Fund Futures Pitch Night Review

On the 11th of October at 6 pm I was able to assist into the Interact: OMDC IDM Fund Futures Pitch Night. The Event was about OMDC IDM Fund Futures program, where digital media companies went there to pitch their projects on a live stage as a preparation in their program to become better leaders and speakers when in the future companies have to sell an idea or present relevant data with confidence. During the night event, a total of five emerging companies pitch their ideas, from family mobile games, interactive documentaries, a web series to a virtual reality application. Each presenter decided to embrace a different or similar technique to sell their ideas, whereas, a problem was identified, the solution to it, but also a projected trajectory on how each solution would be implemented, with a defined target audience and a revenue model. The night was set for these emerging companies to test their luck with an unknown audience but rather receive important feedback.

What I get out of the event

The event was great for me to understand the role of this emerging companies as it not easy to establish entrepreneurship or become an ace when it’s time to look for potential investors, the idea of not only being averse at digital media but also have a minimum competence to lead, speak and manage an organization it’s a vital experience that I must consider to my future. Whenever I need to market myself, is not going to be only about the skills under my belt, but also how confident and versatile I am on selling them. Also, after the event, there was a space to network with the assistants. I had the chance to speak with a game developer who was enthusiast with networking as he likes to speak to people and in the meantime, achieve valuable connections, likewise I had the opportunity to speak with a software developer that shared with me his opinion on developing a strong network, as he has worked many years in the same industry he was considering the option of one day open its own business, and, by that time leverage its success with the vast network he is working on.

Why you should assist

Finally, these types of events I would recommend it to new entrepreneurs or people who might be interested one day to venture themselves into the path of creating new products or services. Digital is now, so being aware of what are the rising companies up to can provide a good understanding towards the digital media trends.