Ever wonder what it really means when you read “Made in China” on the label of a piece of consumer technology?

What’s behind the scenes in the manufacture of the Makerbot, Roomba, Furby, Nerf Guns, Walmart signs, LEDs, Arduino clones, and mobile phones?

Fresh out of a hardware startup accelerator in Shenzhen, Amanda will share some of her experiences (and pictures!) of the megamarkets for electronic components, visits to factories large and small, and the grueling, rewarding process of designing and developing a manufacturable tech product.

What makes a device hard or easy, cheap or expensive to manufacture? How can you tell the difference between a good factory and a bad one? What can China offer to small startups, and what are we better off tackling at home? Join us to find out!

About Amanda:

Amanda Williams is a co-founder of Fabule Fabrications and recently launched a Kickstarter project for Clyde: An Expressive Lamp for Creative Homes.

Amanda is in charge of creating beautiful interactions and hardware at Fabule. She has a PhD in Information and Computer Sciences and has worked at Xerox PARC, Adobe, Intel, and Microsoft Research. She has been accused of eating like a trucker.

Event Details:

When: Friday 31^st May at 6:30 PM 

Location:  Station C, 5605, de Gaspé – espace 204 (see map)

Tickets: Free!

Mingling Destination: TBC

About Sara

Event Details

When: Thursday, April 25th at 6:30pm
Location: Google Montreal 1253 McGill College Ave  #150

Tickets: Free!

Mingling Destination: TBA

You’ve submitted your app to the App Store. Congratulations!

Umm, no, not yet.

Gone are the days where you could simply submit an app and watch those download numbers climb.

Now with over 1.5 million apps available and with almost 2,000 new apps going live every single day, your app needs some marketing love if it wants to survive.

Join Parisa Foster of Budge Studios as she shares tips on getting your app noticed, ranging from basic App Store Optimization techniques to more outlandish marketing plays.

About Parisa

Parisa Foster is Marketing Director of Budge Studios, a leading publisher and developer of mobile apps for kids featuring high profile properties such as Strawberry Shortcake and Dora the Explorer.

Parisa has developed extensive expertise in mobile on a wide range of projects throughout her career that began in the era of WAP sites and polyphonic ringtones.
When not glued to her smartphone, Parisa enjoys travelling and planning her next big adventure.

You can connect with Parisa on Twitter (@parisafoster), LinkedIn and her blog.

Event Details

When: Tuesday, March 26th at 6:30pm
Location: BDO Canada 1000 de la Gauchetiere Street West Suite 200 (see map)
Tickets: Free!
Mingling Destination: TBA

On Monday November 19^th the Montreal Girl Geeks were graced with the company of Alex Ruaux as she not only demystified the 3D printing process but also exposed the fun possibilities the phenomenon presents.

We were shown the different types of hardware, from the industry standard Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) & Digital Light Projection (DLP) machines, to those that lend themselves more to the hobbyist like the Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) printer.

We were also walked through the many options of 3D modelling. These options not only include self design, using software like Google SketchUp, SolidWorks or MeshLab, but also alternatives like reconstruction from photographs using 123D Catch, using an online repository such as Thingiverse or even 3D scanning using Xbox Kinect!

Alex explained that although the process is moving towards a ‘plug & play’ scenario, we are not quite ‘there’ yet with both the hardware and open-source software open to trial… and a little error!  Even considering these inconsistencies, a 3D Printer is worth its weight in gold for those involved in rapid prototyping, just one single iteration of a design can justify the cost of a hobbyists machine.

Along with the everyday implications of the 3D printing phenomenon we also discussed topical stories like the opportunity to print skin currently in clinical trials, the ethics of 3D printing weapons and did anybody notice the 3D printed Aston Martin replicas in Skyfall?

We are so thankful to Alex for sharing her knowledge and passion of the 3D Printing process with us, for letting us play with her printed goodies and of course the game cube giveaways!

You can view Alex’s slides from the event below:

Loving the personalized #MTLGG goodies for the @mtlgirlgeeks #3Dprinting talk by @molecularcode instagr.am/p/SO2EJmkLz_/
— Liesl Barrell (@LieslBarrell) November 20, 2012

Made a couple of cool #mtlgg goodies for my #3dprinting talk tonight @stationc with @mtlgirlgeeksyfrog.com/kj2a7wpj goo.gl/hIwCn — Alex (@molecularcode) November 19, 2012

What is the new fangled wizardry? @molecularcode #MTLGG @mtlgirlgeeks twitter.com/Leannzing/stat… — Leann Brown (@Leannzing) November 20, 2012

At #MTLGG we love it when our speakers bring toys@ Station C instagr.am/p/SOzwxhkLxf/ — Liesl Barrell (@LieslBarrell) November 20, 2012

Check out the slides from @molecularcode ‘s #3dprinting talk last night @stationc for the @mtlgirlgeeks goo.gl/sPuO4 #mtlgg

— Maker Faire Montréal (@MakerFaireMTL) November 21, 2012

@mtlgirlgeeks w00t w00t go @molecularcode!!!

— RobotGrrl  (@RobotGrrl) November 20, 2012

What is ConFoo?

It’s one hour presentations by experts over the course of 3 days from February 25th-March 1st 2013. They share their knowledge so that developers become better, more productive and discover new technologies.

It’s also a place to network. Come meet clients, partners and skilled developers.

Who is Presenting?

Our 100 speakers have much experience in the enterprise. They come from all corners of the world.

They are book authors, builders of popular software and work in companies such as GitHub, Mozilla, Microsoft, PayPal and Facebook.

What are the Topics?

There is backend developement with PHP, Ruby, Python, .NET and Java. There is also frontend development with CSS3, HTML5, Javascript and Mobile. Let’s not forget databases, web security, performance, US, e-Commerce andproject management.

Activities Open to the Public!

Even if you don’t buy a ConFoo ticket, we have a few things for you. Full schedule online

Monday and Tuesday, don’t miss the hackathon. Learn to build mobile Windows 8 apps and get a chance to win an Xbox or a Surface.

Wednesday, watch a free presentation by the Austrian Klaus Enzenhofer from Compuware. He will share how he solved performance problems that cost money and had an impact on the company’s reputation.

Thursday, meet Montreal’s web communities. It’s a unique chance to network with conference speakers and developers. Entrance is free!

Don’t wait to register because tickets sell fast!

Do you want to know more about web development? Are you looking to understand and explain technical concepts confidently? Perhaps you’re a designer looking to communicate with web developers more effectively? Or maybe just an end user who wants to be able to participate in the conversation?

What ever your situation or motives, understanding web development can be hugely rewarding. Join Rachel Andrew as she shares the most useful tips she has found in her experience working with web designers on projects and when supporting her companies content management system; Perch.

About Rachel

Rachel Andrew is a web developer and Director of edgeofmyseat.com, a UK web development consultancy and creators of the small content management system, Perch.

Rachel is the author of a number of web design and development books. When not writing code, writing about business and technology on her blog or speaking at conferences, you will usually find Rachel out running the roads and trails of south-east England.

Event Details

When: Thursday, February 28th at 6:30pm

Where: RPM Montreal, 420 Guy in Montreal – Station George-Vanier (Map)

Price: FREE!

Do you work in the technology sector? Have you noticed something missing in the workplace? Perhaps the distinct lack of women? Montreal’s tech sector and start-up scene are booming, yet the number of women in the field remains low.

In late 2012, YES Montreal, with the support of Status of Women Canada, began a 3-year project to increase the number of women involved in the fields of technology. The research portion of this project seeks to identify the barriers and opportunities for women in technology. This research will then be used to help attract and retain women in high-tech.

ONLINE SURVEY:

YES Montreal invites women and men to complete an ONLINE SURVEY that will help gauge the issues facing women in the workplace and to identify the solutions. The survey is 100% confidential and will only take a few moments of your time.

If you have any questions about the survey, please contact Andrea Wood, A2W Consulting, at andrea@a2wco.com. Any questions about YES and the support services offered can be directed to Leann Brown, Women in Technology Project Coordinator at lbrown@yesmontreal.ca or at 514-878-9788 ext 316.

Red Bull, McDonald’s, Starbucks. These are just a few brands that fully take advantage of social media as part of their overall business strategy. In an age where voicing opinions and connecting online are second nature, social media has now become more essential than ever as a way to research, create relationships and shape brand perception.

However, what does it take to employ social media beyond a local business level, when there are dozens of markets, thousands of employees and millions of conversations to manage worldwide? What does it take to do it well? And even though all the other kids are doing it – is social media really worth investing in?

Together we’ll discuss what enterprises need to consider before embarking on a social media journey, how that journey requires Social Media to become an integral part of a multinational’s business and marketing plans, what it means to create a truly global strategy, and some tools and guidelines to get there.

About Mandy

Mandy Poon is a digital marketing consultant at w.illi.am/,  where she works on shaping brands’ digital presences every day. With a background in digital measurement and insights, Mandy most recently created and launched a global social media strategy for Mary Kay, and has worked on such accounts as Samsung Mobile, Danone, AXE, Heinz Ketchup, and Best Buy.

Mandy also volunteers for the non-profit organization, Communicaid for Hearing Impaired Adults, and is a proud supporter of the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association. When she’s not at work, Mandy can be found on the hunt for the perfect next read, or sketching up plans on what makes the ultimate cupcake.

You can connect with Mandy on Twitter (@mmandyp), LinkedIn or Facebook. She also welcomes a nice face-to-face, preferably in a cilantro-free environment.

Event Details

When: Thursday, January 31 at 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm)
Where: Twist Image
407 McGill street, 2nd floor (map)
Price: Free!
Post-event Networking: To be announced…

Ever wonder what goes into building a hugely successful product? What separates winning startups from the ones that are fueled by hype only to disappear shortly thereafter? (Color, anyone?)

Many start-ups fail because they can’t get beyond technology for technology’s sake. We all love our code and the products it creates, but if we can’t bring relevance and revenue for the business and market, it’s code down the drain.

In this talk, Margaret Dawson will discuss how you create or deliver a smart product strategy that allows your geeks to build innovative, cutting-edge products that also make sense for the company, while driving customer loyalty and revenue.

Key to this is smart product management that includes the voice of the customer and competitive reality.

Margaret will also talk about how to make sure you personally are being relevant across tech and business for your own career success!

About Margaret

Margaret Dawson has more than 20 years of experience in global leadership for both start-ups and Fortune 500 technology companies, including Microsoft and Amazon.com.

An avid speaker and technologist, Margaret is a frequent author and presenter on cloud computing, big data, network security, integration and other business and technology themes. She also is a mentor and coach for countless men and women with whom she helps advance careers, navigate career changes or discover new career directions, and she has a passion for encouraging women in technology. Margaret is also a mother to two teenage sons and three adult stepchildren.

Professionally, she is currently Vice President of Product Management for Symform, a peer-to-peer cloud storage network. Prior to Symform, she ran product management and marketing for Hubspan, a B2B cloud integration provider. Margaret serves on the Cloud Connect Advisory Council and the steering committee for the Cloud Network of Women (CloudNOW).

Event Details

When: Thursday, December 6th at 6:30pm
Where: RPM Montreal, 420 Guy in Montreal – Station George-Vanier (Map)
Price: FREE!

JC Little brought the MTLGG Fall semester to life with her presentation: The Art of Visual Storytelling. Held on October 29^th at BDO (bringing generosity to a whole new level!), JC walked us through her creative processes.

 We learned about the exhaustive work she puts into each animation, when inspiration hits her without warning and won’t loosen its grip until it has been embodied in the hundreds of images it takes to create one short video.

 Through her enhanced stick figures she brings line to life in her hilarious, often touching, sometimes even educational, animations. The simplicity of JC’s drawings makes her art unintimidating and accessible to all, which is so important to her.

At home JC loves her Wacom pen tablet, it allows her creativity to flow freely and smoothly from her body onto the screen.  On the move, her iPad together with the Paper app by 53, give her the freedom and flexibility she needs to create her toons.

As a recovering ‘YESaholic’, JC works hard to resist every request of “DRAW ME!” That didn’t stop her immortalizing the Montreal Girl Geeks! TOON swag alert!

JC Little encourages everyone to draw and not to be afraid. After all, cartoons are just lines and dots!

Follow JC Little on Twitter @LittleAnimation and don’t forget about @MTLGirlGeeks. A selection of tweets from the event are below:

I toon swagged the @mtlgirlgeeks. Three in one! bit.ly/MTLgirlgeeks #mtlgg #montreal

— The Animated Woman (@LittleAnimation) November 5, 2012

Are you kidding? YOU were FUN Thanks for an amazing presentation!!! RT @littleanimation: That was FUN. @mtlgirlgeeks #MTLgg

— Montreal Girl Geeks (@MTLGirlGeeks) November 2, 2012

That was FUN. @mtlgirlgeeks #MTLgg

— The Animated Woman (@LittleAnimation) October 30, 2012

@littleanimation Great job last night with your presentation.I really enjoyed it! #mtlgg

— Andrew Belding (@Sandman5) October 30, 2012

JC of @littleanimation after her amazing @mtlgirlgeeks talk on visual #storytelling #MTLGG #lat @ BDO Office instagr.am/p/RZ90i8EL8s/

— Liesl Barrell (@LieslBarrell) October 30, 2012

@littleanimation #MTLGG instagr.am/p/RYvxjjRyFK/

— Mila Araujo(@Milaspage) October 30, 2012

@littleanimation #MTLGGow.ly/i/14xwWow.ly/i/14xx9 ow.ly/i/14xxj #photos

— Mila Araujo(@Milaspage) October 30, 2012

Loves it! @littleanimation #mtlgg instagr.am/p/RYtT0UBMKP/

— Montreal Girl Geeks (@MTLGirlGeeks) October 30, 2012

A consideration for an animator to draw @littleanimation-”I want to know the people I draw,I want to understand them, their faces” #mtlgg

— Mila Araujo(@Milaspage) October 30, 2012

WTF vs OMG – The Epic Battle! Presented as finale video piece – great wrap up! @littleanimation #usguys #mtlggvsb.li/FzeCwA

— Mila Araujo(@Milaspage) October 29, 2012

The curse of the animator : just can’t say ‘no’! @littleanimation #MTLGG twitter.com/Leannzing/stat…

— Leann Brown (@Leannzing) October 29, 2012

@animatedwoman speaking to the #mtlgg group instagr.am/p/RYk6FnBMCT/

— Montreal Girl Geeks (@MTLGirlGeeks) October 29, 2012

Noms from our host BDC! #mtlgg instagr.am/p/RYeoujhMM3/

— Montreal Girl Geeks (@MTLGirlGeeks) October 29, 2012

It’s tonight! montrealgirlgeeks.com/2012/10/10/oct… #mtlgg The Art of Visual Storytelling.

— The Animated Woman (@LittleAnimation) October 29, 2012

With thanks to our incredible host BDO and our very generous sponsor, TELUS SHARED HOSTING.