Innovation 2014 Features Immersive Tech

On June 24th, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology is hosting Innovation 2014: Rethinking Management 2020. Primarily targeted to businesses and management, this conference will discuss how immersive technologies like augmented and virtual reality are going to be impacting our day to day lives through the know-how of some well respected speakers.

Dr. Jon Peddie is a recognized pioneer in the graphics industry, and is the President and Founder of Jon Peddie Research (JPR). Jon Peddie was recently named one of the most influential analysts in the world, and is frequently quoted in trade and business publications. Dr. Peddie was the President of The Siggraph Pioneers, he currently serves as advisory board member of The Immersive Technology Alliance, and in addition to contributing articles to numerous publications, he has appeared on CNN and TechTV.

Dr. Peddie is also a respected author whose most recent success is “The History of Visual Magic in Computers” – a solid read for anyone interested in learning how we got to where we are today.

Dr. Peddie will entertain by sharing the ins and outs of modern graphics history like no one else can, and discuss how modern immersive technologies like AR and VR will be impacting our not too distant future.

Mr. Carl Korobkin (left) is the VP of Business Development for Tobii Technology. Tobii Technology is the leader and pioneer in eye tracking, a technology that makes it possible for computers to know where users are looking. It continues to revolutionize computer interaction and is also widely used in various research fields. It’s through eye tracking that people with severe disabilities can effectively communicate, or new video games can determine where you are looking so characters might actually stare back.

Mr. Korobkin is also a founding member of The Khronos’ OpenGL ES group. Khronos is responsible for software APIs like OpenGL, OpenCL, WebGL, and more. Much of the 3D rendered content found on mobile platforms (e.g. smartphones, tablets), console, and PC is based on the software APIs that the Khronos Group creates.

Mr. Korobkin will be joined by Neil Schneider, Executive Director of The Immersive Technology Alliance and Manager of Immersive Technology Services in the Faculty of Business and IT at UOIT.  Together, they will highlight a wide range of immersive technologies in the works and readily available.

The remaining keynote is Avi Pollock, VP Innovation and Strategic Planning for The Royal Bank of Canada.  While this sessions isn’t tied to immersive technology directly, Mr. Pollock will share his vision of the 2020 workplace.

Attendance is $79 per person, and includes lunch.  Space is limited!