Wow, what a great start to Transmissions last night. Thanks to all of you who made your way through the gridlock and pea-souper to join us at the IMW — it was a great turn out and fantastic to host a real cross-section of the creative and digital scene. 

A huge thanks to our speakers, who gave us a really diverse look at innovation across their respective companies. While Imran uses his entrepreneurial instinct to find new ideas and markets for iTeddy, Hal is part of a Sony’s very considered and inclusive innovation program and, with Huddle, Martin has a killer web app that in itself fosters innovation through collaboration.

Another big hit on the night was The Fortunograph — a mysterious, mind-boggling frankly awesome digital tarot-reader created by Madlab and The Kazimier; well-suited to the misty evening outside. Find out more about their wacky ventures at www.madlab.org.uk

The team at the IMW helped make it a great night with a stunning venue and superb team — so hats off to the IMW too.

No rest for the wicked though — Transmission # 2 (#tx2) is only a couple of weeks away: this time we’ll be back in Salford Quays at Northwest Vision and Media’s new HQ, for a look at innovations in web. If #tx1 is anything to go by, tickets could fly out, so be quick and get yours here.

See you there!

We’re delighted to announce the launch of Digital Sparks — a new and innovative programme of training and support for digital industries in the north west.

The programme runs right across the digital production sector, incorporating a number of high-level events, seminars, workshops and training programmes for leaders, managers, techies, creatives, freelancers and newbies. 

This site is the main hub for Digital Sparks, and includes programme information, event details and registration. We’ve worked alongside numerous people and businesses to develop Sparks, and there is still chance for you to influence the programme — we’d love your input into the Sparks programme as it develops. So, if you have any ideas for themes or speakers, or just want to give us some feedback, please use the influence tab (over there to the right –>).

Headlining the programme will be Transmissions — a series of inspiring and entertaining evening shows exploring innovation in the digital industry, with an interactive format that fuses keynotes, case studies, hypothetical discussions and hands-on tech demos. To date, confirmed speakers include Andy McLoughlin (Huddle), Chris Mills (Opera), Seb Lee-Delisle (Plug-in Media), and Matt Pollitt (ustwo).

iStudio+ is an intensive training programme developed to fast-track new employees within digital companies, equipping them with essential business skills that will enhance their existing roles and prepare them for greater responsibility in the future. The 5-day course includes modules on business and market awareness, teamworking, communications, creative thinking and project delivery.

The Technique residential training camp is for web developers of all codes, connecting together with visionaries from the global development community. While other events focus on thinking and talking, Technique is all about action — it will be intensive, practical and hands-on. Confirmed trainers include legends of code such as Peter-Paul Koch (Quirks-mode) and Luis Lavena (Area 17).

Finally, DMEX (Digital Media Exchange) aims to connect Digital Media companies with TV Professionals through flexible paid placements: providing a unique opportunity for businesses to work with, and learn from, established professionals from the television industries, sharing skills and knowledge between both.

Digital Sparks is funded by the Digital and Media Skills Programme, delivered by Northwest Vision and Media in partnership with Skillset, and supported by the North West Development Agency. The programme is being delivered by The White Room.