Interactive

This year’s Interactive Festival is presented by eReading mega brand, Kobo and runs from June 12-14th.The Interactive segment features lectures from some of the greatest thinkers, shakers, and move makers in the communication, creative, financial and entertainment sectors. Our top picks for this year:

Photo courtesy of MetroNews

The Future of the Music Industry

Internationally recognised broadcaster, writer and interviewer Alan Cross along with Medina Abdelkader, Richard Thomas and music manager Jake Gold discuss the music industry past, present and future and how that relates to a successful and contemporary business model within the industry.

Photo courtesy of www.mickebeling.com

The Paralyzed and Blind Will Change The World

From TED speaker Mick Ebeling comes a discussion on his experience developing the Eyewriter, a device that allowed a paralyzed artist to create again by using only the movement of his eyes.

Photo courtesy of www.hpmusic.net

Behind the Beat: Keith Harris American producer, songwriter and Black Eyed Peas drummer

Music mogul Keith Harris (producer, songwriter, Blackeye Peas Drummer) speaks about his career, creative process and some of the A-listers he has collaborated with.

Design with Love

Go in-depth behind the design of the Kobo with Pamela Hilborn, the woman behind the creation of Kobo’s user experience. Hilborn will discuss her approach to design and the key aspects that contributed to the success of Kobo in the competitive eReader market.

Photo courtesy of www.ilosaarirock.fi

Women in Music: More than Ever Before

Bass player for Hole, The Smashing Pumpkins, and her own solo projects, Melissa Auf der Maur hosts a panel of music experts and musicians discussing the experience of making music as a woman in the industry.

CineCoup: The Trials and Tribulations of Launching a Disruptive Film Start-up

Founder of CineCoup, J. Joly discusses the ins and outs of his experience in the film and media industry, and how his model can be applied to your project or start-up.

Photo courtesy of www.quipmag.com

Comedy

The NXNE Comedy Festival is bigger and funnier than ever. Running from the 10th-16th expect to see acts like Canada’s Next Top Comic, Matt O’Brien. The Just for Laughs fan favourite is the big name for this year’s festival. Other comedians we have our eye on are: The theatrical, Canadian Comedy award-winning Sandra Battaglini, actress, stand-up comic and daughter of the infamous Tommy Chong; Precious Chong, Canadian Comedy award nominee Rhiannon Archer and Canada’s Next Top Comic finalist Dom Pare. A pass or wristband will get you into the shows, and that’s no joke. Check out the full roster at http://nxne.com/comedy/lineup/.