Get more switched on at tech fair

Friday 30 October 2015

Most of us aren’t switched on enough because we’re not tech savvy.

That’s the view of the man behind the next big tech fair being held at Fort Regent next weekend.

Founder of Jersey Tech Fair Ronnie Isherwood said: “In my opinion we lack real entrepreneurs in Jersey, too many of our brightest people could be doing a lot more for themselves and for Jersey through technology.

Mr Isherwood - who’s Chairman of the Chartered Insititute for IT, Jersey - is confident the two-day event next Friday and Saturday that celebrates all that’s digital has something for every business.

He said: “We have pulled together the biggest celebration of tech Jersey has ever seen with Friday, in particular, aimed at local businesses who want to find out and keep up with the latest technology and how to harness it. We have high caliber speakers from off island as well as the best in Jersey, with a huge range of exhibitors and workshops taking place throughout the two days.”

There will be more than 50 show and tell exhibitors from business software specialists, C5 Alliance and Prosperity 24-7 to new games start-up Mugla Kittle and Purple Wifi - the guest WiFi hotspot software that enables businesses to capture data to better understand their customers. There will also be more than 20 free workshops and talks aimed at inspiring and informing.

Digital Jersey Director Carla Harris said: “This fair will be showcasing the innovation that’s already taking place in Jersey as well as the benefits it can bring to businesses and the wider community.

“We know that the biggest barrier to innovation is skills, the Government’s Review of Innovation in the island showed this, and that’s why the Tech Fair will be connecting young and existing technologists with employers and providing a catalyst for further innovation in our digital sector.”

Dragon Hall, an educational tech charity from the UK will be there with the support of KPMG, and will be running free workshops to introduce coding and local teenage coding club Jersey Coders will have drop-in sessions on Saturday to encourage more youngsters to get coding.

The Charity’s Chairman Gwyn Garfield-Bennett said: “This is going to be such a fun event with loads of hands on experiences. We are going to have our members there showcasing the work they do at the club, from making games to programming electronic gadgets, and we’ll be helping those who want to see what coding is all about to have a go.”

It's also a chance for young minecrafters to get together, understand the different ways it can played and pick up some tips and tricks on building, making skins and safe online sites.

Events and Social Media for Fort Regent Emma Turner said: “The idea of the Minecraft area is to pitch up and have a go and get some inspiration. There’s no set agenda, it’s just a fun area for people to share what they have created and for people to learn all about it.

"Parents came come along to understand the opportunities for their children in the digital world.

"The Jersey Tech Fair is really important, it’s a place to come and learn new skills, we’re determined to leave no-one behind."

The fair is being organised and co-sponsored by the British Computer Society in Jersey, Digital Jersey and Fort Regent.  It is completely free to enter and you can book here for the free workshops and talks.