We will be live blogging the TEDx Conference from Edmonton today here on TechVibes and at TEDxEdmonton's site. To watch live click this link. The event starts at 10:00 AM (MST).
What is Chevrolet doing at South by Southwest (#sxsw)? They're not showing off their new 2020 concept cars.
The music, film and interactive conference in Austin, Texas will be introduced to three emerging technologies that Chevrolet is looking to promote and test: location-based social networking, quick response codes, and augmented reality.
Jim Campbell is the Chevrolet general manager:
For Chevrolet, South by Southwest provides an invaluable opportunity to learn how best to communicate with customers in by leveraging these technologies.
Location-based social networking
Chevrolet has partnered with Foursquare Austin-based Gowalla. When Gowalla users check in at locations throughout Austin, they will receive messages and SXSW offers from Chevrolet.
For example, a select number who “check in” at Austin airport will also receive a message that reads:
Welcome and Congratulations: Chevy is here for SXSW, and we want to offer you a free ride in a new Equinox if you’re going downtown. Just show this message to the person holding the Chevy @ SXSW sign in baggage claim, and leave the rest to us.
Quick Response (QR) codes
When a Chevy vehicle is photographed using a camera phone, the QR codes will launch a dedicated microsite with key features of the vehicle. For example, a QR code on the hood will take attendees to a micro-site to learn more about the 1.4-liter Ecotec turbocharged engine in the Cruze, which will detail the vehicle's class-leading mileage.
Augmented reality
The Chevrolet iReveal application (still in Beta testing) will be able to unlock three-dimensional models of Chevrolet vehicles. The application will provide specifics of the vehicles, and users will also be able to insert the virtual image of the car over the actual streetscape viewed through the smart phone camera lens.
Christopher Barger is the Director of Global Communications and Technology for GM:
The potential of these technologies is incredible. Imagine using Quick Response Codes to download the price and options for a vehicle on a dealer lot right to your cell phone. Or, imagine using augmented reality to virtually preview different colors of the Camaro in your own driveway. We are just scratching the surface of what’s possible with mobile technologies and social media applications.
What are your thoughts on Chevrolet being at SXSW?
Thanks to the Finance Minister Jim Flaherty's recent Budget announcement on Section 116, this year's CVCA Annual Conference in Ottawa on May 26-28th should have a celebratory feel to it. And no doubt Conference headliner Rick Mercer will have plenty of new material ready for the audience after questioning Flaherty's Euromoney Finance Minister of the Year award on the Rick Mercer Report last year.
CVCA's Annual Conference is the premiere networking and professional development event for Canada’s venture industry and should attract 550+ attendees again this year.
The conference will kick off with a welcome cocktail event on the Wednesday evening and include a Gala dinner on the Thursday featuring the CVCA’s “Entrepreneur of the Year” Award presentation and entertainment by Rick Mercer followed by our popular scotch-tasting networking event. We will also offer attendees an optional golf day on Wednesday at The Marshes, one of Ottawa's premiere courses.
The conference program features timely topics on both venture capital and buyout and includes the following speakers:
Register online if you're interested in taking in the festivities.
The CVCA – Canada’s Venture Capital & Private Equity Association – represents the majority of private equity companies in Canada, with over... [more]
Almost a month ago to the day Doritos launched its a nation-wide initiative that asks Canadians to name the newest Doritos unidentified flavour.
However, this is not just any initiative. There is $250,000 at stake. 
As many of you may know by now, Doritos is asking Canadians to create a video that has the potential to go viral. The video with the most "viralocity" has the chance to win the jackpot. There will also be random prizes for over 300 contestants as well.
Tony Matta is the Vice President of Marketing at Frito Lay Canada:
At Doritos, we're constantly looking for bigger and better, a new and exciting way to break ground, that puts the consumer in control. This contest is an opportunity for Canadians to tap into the viral nature of videos, use their creativity and create a digital footprint that will give them the chance to walk away with some serious cash. The Doritos brand was built by the consumer, so we've decided to hand over our brand yet again and let the consumer keep calling the shots with the Doritos Viralocity Contest.
The Doritos Viralocity Contest is supported with a slew of online tools such as a custom website, a Facebook fan page, a Twitter account, and a YouTube channel.
For more information please visit www.doritosviralocity.ca.
By the way, here is our favourite video:
Northern Voice Blogging Conference in Vancouver on May 7th and 8th is offering six travel bursaries of $500 each and the organizing committee will be awarding these bursaries based on a number of criteria, including:
To apply for a bursary, they would like you to write a blog post, or record a podcast or video blog post describing why you want to come to Northern Voice.
Once you’ve published your post, let them know by pasting the URL in the comments field of this blog post.
The deadline for submissions is April 1st.
