Press Play Conference 2020: Level Up Downtown

    Saturday, January 11, 2020 at 9:00 AM until 3:00 PMEastern Standard Time UTC -05:00


    Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA)
    500 W Livingston St
    Orlando, FL 32801
    United States



    Description
    Level-Up Downtown is a free one-day event at the new UCF Downtown Campus aimed at informing the local community students and parents of the opportunities in the video game, simulation and film industries. 

    This year's Keynote Speaker is Dr. Sylvester James Gates, Jr. A graduate of Jones High School, Dr. Gates is a theoretical physicist and served on President Barack Obama's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. He currently serves as Director of the Brown Theoretical Physics Center. 

    The event will also include informative tours, interactive displays and workshops. Lunch will be provided. 

    Who is invited to attend: Any middle and high school student in the downtown core and surrounding neighborhood who are interested in games and simulation as an educational path or career choice. Parents are invited and encouraged to attend. 

    Thanks to our partners: OCPS, Orlando Science Center, Electronic Arts, Elevate Orlando, City of Orlando, Orlando Economic Partnership, Urban Think Foundation and many more. 


    Schedule of Events

    9am - 10am Guests and parents sign-in

    10am - 10:45am Keynote Speaker - Dr. Sylvester James Gates, Jr. 

    11am - 11:45am and 11:45am to 12:30pm Optional Concurrent Sessions
    Each participant picks 1 session from each of the 2 time slots 

    The Art & Science of Motion Capture
    Have you ever seen the animation process called motion capture? Come see the silver dots and cameras in action, with a demonstration in FIEA's Motion Capture studio; and learn more of how the technology was developed. 

    The Many Roles of Programmers & Engineers
    Are you thinking about becoming a game developer? Think programmers just code? Join the programming session to learn more about what it takes to be a software engineer. This session covers the many domains of engineering that make up software development as we share the variety of tasks programmers do every day; including tools analysis and testimonials about how today's engineers make their careers. 

    How to Become a Digital Artist
    Ever wonder how the characters and worlds from your favorite video games or movies are made? Come join us for an introduction into the visual track of digital art creation. We will show you how art is created in CG including the different avenues available for careers and what you need to study to prepare for a successful art career. 

    Composing Great Video Music
    You've got a killer game, CG film or animation in production - make sure you get killer original music too! The trick is knowing how to work with composers. This session explores how to build a successful working relationship between producers and musical composers. 

    What is a Producer? 
    Interested in designing digital products or leading a team of talented developers? This session will focus on the technical and creative skills utilized in the various roles that make up game production including game design, leadership and management. It will highlight the tools and techniques utilized by today's talented producers. 


    12:30pm - 1pm Lunch

    1pm - 1:45pm Discuss Panels
    Capping off 2020 Press Play Conference, these two moderated panels will discuss the latest trends in technology industries including the size of the industries, its culture, career paths, education needed and how to create a successful creative career. 

    2pm Book signing by Dr. Gates
    "Proving Einstein Right: The Daring Expeditions that Changed How We Look at the Universe" 
    The first 50 registrants will receive a free book for the signing

    Registration is no longer available because the registration deadline has passed.