Geekend's 10th anniversary celebration is coming up fast!
With a new home and a few surprises up our sleeve, Geekend is more prepared than ever to move into the future with guts and grit.
Ten years ago, former Executive Director of the Creative Coast, Jake Hodesh, had a vision. In a 2010 interview with TAG Radio’s Tech Talk, Hodesh describes Geekend as a convergence of Savannah’s professionals, “out-there” entrepreneurs, and students who come together to learn about successes in business, tech and arts innovation, address our toughest challenges, and discuss emerging trends.
Hodesh said, “Our idea is for this conference to be very much about now. What is going on right now, and how can I do now better?”
Geekend is still about right now… and it’s evolving. Slated for Friday and Saturday, April 26 and 27, Geekend has partnered with the City of Savannah to host the event in the new Savannah Cultural Arts Center and will be the first event in the venue. Organizers are pulling out all the stops, launching new initiatives and working around the clock to make Geekend 2019 is the best ever — and does its long history justice.
Register early for deals… or consider joining the VIP list!
Early bird tickets are on sale until Friday, March 22 at 5pm. The purchase of your Geekend badge includes access to all sessions: keynotes, presentations, workshops, round-tables including a closing announcement you won’t want to miss. The program will bring back old favorites: a pitch competition featuring budding local entrepreneurs, an arcade showcasing the region’s best independent video games and AR/VR projects, and plenty of opportunities to mix and mingle with Savannah’s best and brightest.
Fun treats and surprises are in store for every attendee, but especially for VIP ticket holders. Along with an invitation to an exclusive VIP reception and lots of other great perks, your VIP ticket will fund two scholarships for individuals in underrepresented minority groups who would not otherwise be able to attend Geekend.
Geekend is also offering discounts for groups of six or more and a super-affordable $29 ticket for current high school and college students.
Snag your ticket today!
Geekend Scholars program sets its sights on diversity and inclusion
Geekend is for everyone, and nothing demonstrates Geekend‘s commitment to accessibility and inclusion more than the Geekend Scholars program, which awards full-attendance scholarships for underrepresented minority groups in tech and innovation. Geekend Scholars is accepting applications now and is available to:
• Ethnic minorities: Black/African American; Hispanic/Latinx, Native American/American Indian, Pacific Islander • Women • Members of the LGBTQ community • Military veterans • Individuals age 55 and older • Individuals with physical or mental disabilities • Individuals from low-income households
Applications must be submitted on or before Friday, March 22 and will be reviewed by the Geekend Scholars selection committee. Recipients will be notified by Friday, April 5.
Apply now!
Showcase your independent video game!
Calling all indie game developers! Geekend’s Indie Game Arcade is back and on the lookout for the best regional independent games and AR/VR projects to show at Geekend 2019. Developers must have a tie to the Southeast (SC, NC, VA, GA, FL, AL, MS, TN, LA, KY, AR, TX). Game submissions set in or concerning an aspect of the Southeast are also eligible. No submission fee will be charged. Selected teams must submit a $25 administration fee per team member to cover arcade operating costs. This fee includes registration for Geekend. Deadline for submissions is Saturday, March 23 and will be reviewed by the selection committee. Successful teams will be notified via email on or before Saturday, March 30. All selected games are automatically eligible for consideration in the Indie Game Awards.Submit your game today!
Sponsor Geekend and support innovation!
Geekend is volunteer-run and wouldn’t be possible without our sponsors. When you become a Geekend sponsor your business or organization will:
• Demonstrate your commitment to innovation and education • Gain exposure with an amazing and eclectic group of entrepreneurs, technologists, creatives, leaders, makers and change agents • Make an impact in your community