The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
May 7 & 8
Various times
Leading local and national tech companies, startups, entrepreneurs, artists, bloggers, makers and more will converge Downtown at The Pittsburgh Technology Council‘s annual Design, Art and Technology Awards (DATA).
Expanding its scope and reach to the national level, with two days of programming at The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, DATA 2014 includes a conference, exhibition, showcase and awards ceremony. A national mashup of creative technologies in Pittsburgh and beyond, the event will showcase leading-edge companies and practitioners on the tech scene, and provide ways for local and global innovators to engage with each other.
A day-long think tank, the first-ever DATA conference includes workshops, panels, performances and networking opportunities centered around the latest innovations and ideas. Topics span the creative tech gamut, with everything from gaming, film & tv and robotics, to mobile apps, edutainment and new media advertising. That evening, head to DATA’s signature interactive exhibition, gala and awards ceremony, where 50 DATA award finalists, from Pittsburgh and beyond, will demo their latest creations and innovations. The festivities will also feature a cocktail reception and music by DJ Thermos.
Not to miss are inspiring talks by DATA’s opening keynote Willo O’Brien and gala keynote Penelope Trunk.
Co-founder of the famed YXYY unconference, San Francisco-based entrepreneur Willo O’Brien works at intersection of art, tech and business. In the last decade alone, O’Brien has founded three creative businesses, served as co-founder of two startups, launched a product line and produced a video series. Coining the term creative sustainability, she shares her expertise writing, advising startups, coaching small business owners, teaching and speaking at events around the US.
International career guru, entrepreneur and blogger, Penelope Trunk is founder of three startups, and author of the best-selling book Brazen Brazen Careerist–The New Rules for Success. Trunk’s acclaimed career advice has appeared in 200-plus newspapers and magazines worldwide, and her unconventional writing has established her as one of the globe’s top career bloggers and thinkers.
Pre-game festivities kick off May 7th, with Creative Clash! at Wood Street Galleries. Situated amidst the gallery’s latest multimedia art installations, the Creative Clash mixer celebrates synergies between art, business and technology. Cultural District activities, including a visit to Toonseum, will follow the event.