
Gadgets are not just “Gadgets” Anymore
November 14, 2007
4:30pm-7:30pm
Irwin M. Jacobs Qualcomm Hall
Yes, its true, gadgets are not really “gadgets” anymore. the trend today is toward useful technologies that provide greater benefit and enhance the user’s experience. You want won’t to miss Ken Rutkowski’s informed well led discussion and see what the lastest “gadgets” can do for you.
The 7th Annual GadgetFest is a crowd-based competition and trade show that highlights the newest technologies to come out of the San Diego region and beyond, as companies such as Motorola, LG, Verizon, Cricket and stealth start-ups that aren’t event on your radar all compete for the award of ‘Greatest Gadget.’ The competition is preceded by a Mini CES style trade show, with an opportunity for you to see the latest technologies and network with industry representatives from all parts of the globe.
Last year’s winner, Grand Central, was acquired by Google shortly after the competition and several devices, such as the Motorola Q phone and Sling Media Slingbox have been released publicly at this event before the major trade shows, so if you have a new product or are looking to see what’s going to be hot in ’08, don’t miss this once a year opportunity to see all of the new gadgets before anyone else!
A brief recap of the event from blogger and technologist Arthur Meadows can be found here at Go for it!
COMPETITION PARTICIPANTS:
MOBIVOX (Communication/Technology)
Motorola (Mobile Communication/Technology)
GPSit (AGPS/Technology)
Novatel Wireless (Banking/Technology)
Your Truman Show (Media/Technoogy)
Truphone (Mobile Communication/Technology)
Pulse~LINK (Components/Technology)
WiseDV, Inc. (Wireless Multimedia Entertainment System/Technology)
MODERATORS:
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Ken Rutkowski
KenRadio, Host and President
Ken Rutkowski is both Host and President of KenRadio Broadcasting. Part pundit, part matchmaker, part strategist, Rutkowski is considered one of the most broadly informed and connected people in the media, entertainment and technology markets. He helps startups and multinational corporations understand the trends shaping their industries and connect with the people who matter. His daily radio and Internet show, World Tech Round-Up, is a source of inside information for listeners in more than 40 countries, often scooping the major media and giving perspective to emerging trends, developments and industry maneuvers. An astute strategist, Rutkowski combines a deep understanding of media, entertainment and technology market convergence with an insider’s perspective of the problems facing the industry today, helping clients craft strategies that leverage innovations in the digital economy. He is a founding member of the Streaming Media Executive Committee and is on the boards of several media, entertainment and technology companies. He appears regularly as a guest correspondent for KTTV Fox 11 and Fox’s “Good Day LA.”
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Andy Abramson
KenRadio, Co-Host and Sr. Editor
Andy Abramson is co-host of KenRadio.com’s World Technology Round Up, Editor of Andy Abramson’s VoIPWatch, one of the blogosphere’s most read new technology blogs (http://andyabramson.blogs.com). Often quoted by reporters and analysts on the subjects of VoIP and Wireless in his real life Andy is CEO of Comunicano, Inc., an asymmetrical marketing communications agency based in Del Mar, CA. His company represents leading established and emerging 2.0 technology and consumer products companies based around the world.
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JUDGES: |
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Iain Gillott
iGR, Founder
Iain Gillott is the founder of iGillottResearch and is known as one of the wireless industry’s leading analysts. iGillottResearch conducts research on major wireless technology and business issues, wireless convergence, and enterprise collaborative applications and solutions. Before founding iGillottResearch, Mr. Gillott was a Group Vice President in IDC’s Telecommunications practice, managing IDC’s worldwide research on wireless and mobile communications and Internet access, telecom brands, residential and small business telecommunications and telecom billing services. Prior to joining IDC, Mr. Gillott was a proposal manager at Electronic Data Systems’ Personal Communications Division, responsible for preparing new business proposals to wireless and mobile operators. Mr. Gillott has a bachelors of science degree in Computer Systems Engineering from the University College of North Wales, Bangor, Wales, with a concentration in hardware and software design.
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Phil Baker
San Diego Transcript, Tech Columnist
Phil Baker has developed consumer and computer products for Polaroid, Apple, Seiko and others. Products include the SX-70 camera, Apple Newton, Apple PowerBooks, and the Stowaway folding keyboard. He holds 30 patents and was named San Diego’s Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for consumer products in 2001. Phil is the technology columnist for the San Diego Transcript, has a technology hour on KOGO AM. and continues to develop new products for companies in Asia.
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Oliver Starr
BlogNation, Global Editor
Oliver Starr is currently the Global Editor, Mobile at BlogNation and is a serial entrepreneur and long time blogger. He was the founding author of the MobileCrunch Blog as well as the author of the Mobile Technology Weblog. In addition to blogging, Oliver has founded several start-ups and is the Founder/CTO of Quantum Mechanic’s Group and is also a frequent speaker and panelist specializing in mobile technology, mobile applications, Web 2.0 and the future of mobile technology. Mr. Starr has an extensive background prior to BlogNation, including positions as Senior Analyst at Guidewire Group, SVP Business Development at Foldera Corporation, CTO at Hello, Inc. and is the founder of several start ups. Mr. Starr has degrees in Biochemistry, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Ethology and Computer Science from the University of Colorado, Boulder.
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WHEN
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
4:30PM – Registration & Trade Show Exhibits Open / Networking
6:00PM – Competition Begins
7:30PM – Event Ends
EVENT HOST

Qualcomm Headquarters, Building N – 5775 Morehouse Drive, San Diego, CA 92121
COST
$ 45.00 – Pre-Registration
Please pre-register by Noon on November 13
$ 50.00 – At-The-Door
PROGRAM COMMITTEE
Clint McClellan, Qualcomm, Inc. (Chair)
Craig Knox, Irving Hughes
Andy Abramson, Comunicano
Dave Lyon, RFMD
EVENT SPONSOR