Delcam will hold its 2009 ArtCAM User Group Meeting at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Kansas City, from 30th September to 2nd October. The event will open with a special networking evening at Hallmark Cards, one of the largest ArtCAM users in North America. This will be followed by two days of workshops on the latest versions of the software. In today's economy, everyone is looking for ways to be more competitive and more profitable. With this in mind, Delcam has decided to focus on ways of improving skill level and productivity at the meeting. The first day will be a general session covering core modelling functionality, 2D & 3D design styles, tips and tricks and what's to come in the 2010 version of ArtCAM. "Already used by many signmakers, cabinet-makers, and furniture manufacturers, this new version is set to further increase the use of ArtCAM in the three-dimensional world," said Ed Powell, ArtCAM Product Manager. ArtCAM 2010 will include a new modernised graphical user interface, direct interactivity and improvements to the core performance by utilizing GPU Acceleration and CPU multi-threading. As with previous versions, ArtCAM development continues to be designed around simplifying the workflow so that even beginners to CNC technology can start using the program as quickly as possible. More advanced users will appreciate the direct 3D interaction and the ability to customise their favourite toolsets. The use of multi-threading will enhance the toolpath calculation performance making ArtCAM even faster and more efficient. In addition toolpath strategies can now be associated with vector layers, making it easier to machine complicated nested patterns. The second day will be focused to specific industries and the related software. "We believe the second day split is the best way for our delegates to effectively make use of the time they have available," said Mary Shaw, Delcam Marketing Manager. "This year during this time we will be looking at the most practical combination of techniques and ideas to transform and improve what you can do with ArtCAM." "Both new and experienced users are often amazed how much they can learn by attending the User Group and learning from real world experience and expertise that is available," added Ms. Shaw. "As well as learning from the Delcam ArtCAM team, probably the best reason to attend a User Group is to meet other users of ArtCAM and learn from them." Like the online forum, the User Group is an opportunity to catch up with friends, find out about other equipment and materials and be inspired by the different uses and applications on show from ArtCAM customers. "Delegates will learn a lot about what is possible for them to achieve and be motivated when they return to their businesses to make ArtCAM an even more productive part of it," said Ms. Shaw. Once again, there will be a design competition in conjunction with the User Group. "We will once again be opening up the floor to our users to show us some of the excellent projects they've been working on," explained Ms. Shaw. Categories will be judged based on industry and product type with the prizes and winners being announced during the User Group. Entries for the competition can be submitted at www.artcam.com/promos/ug2009/index.htm For more information on the ArtCAM User Meeting, call the Delcam North American office at 1 877 335 2261 or email Jackie at jackie@delcam.com.

The 2009 New York Anime Festival, an anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture convention from the creators of New York Comic Con, will take place September 25-27, 2009 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in Manhattan, and attendees, professionals and press can all register now at newyorkanimefestival.com. And, for the first time, NYAF will offer all attendees who register online two complimentary weeks of premium online service on crunchyroll.com, the digital world's #1 destination for anime and Asian video content. Online attendee tickets are available now at the following, discounted prices. Friday tickets are $35, Saturday tickets are $40, Sunday tickets are $35, and Weekend tickets (good for all three days) are $55. At the Javits Center, all tickets will be priced $5 higher. Additionally, attendees who purchase their tickets online will be able to bypass the registration lines on-site. The New York Anime Festival encourages attendees to register online to save time and money. And, new for NYAF 2009, all attendees will also be able to receive two free weeks of premium content from crunchyroll.com through a special offer located in NYAF's registration confirmation e-mail. Crunchyroll is an online video service and community that offers licensed, legal full-length episodes and movies of the very best in anime and Asian entertainment. Beyond attendees, the New York Anime Festival also welcomes all those making their living in the anime and manga fields as well as reporters across the full spectrum of the press. NYAF provides both press and professionals with complimentary passes, available now at newyorkanimefestival.com. The New York Anime Festival will announce guests, VIP packages, contests, and programming throughout the spring and summer. Additionally, fans unable to wait until September can expect several meet-ups sponsored by NYAF at Manhattan's Kinokuniya Bookstore -- the largest Japanese bookstore in the USA -- in the months prior to NYAF 2009. For more information about the New York Anime Festival, visit the show's official website (www.newyorkanimefestival.com) and blog (www.mediumatlarge.net).

The Jamaica Digital Arts Festival was formed to create a new opportunity to unleash and showcase some of the nation's productive energy and to develop a critical mass across all social divides to push this creativity for societal benefit. This festival is intended to kick-start national interest in a cultural industry based on the creation of digital arts products. This year, the opportunities for learning will be even bigger and better than 2007. Seminars will be delivered by experts from Jamaica and the Caribbean in cutting edge areas such as: Jamaica and the animation industry -- what prospects; A close look at the RED Camera Technology and Fine Art; The Future of Digital Sound Reproduction; Your Digital Camera and you and much more. Categories will be as follows: * Short video/films - up to 15 minutes. May be narrative, dramatic or animation * Long video/films - 15 minutes & over. May be narrative, dramatic or animation * Web design * Digital art - 3D art, animation, VR, games, etc. * Photography * Music Entries must have a development related focus in one of the following areas: * Tourism / Hospitality / Entertainment & Music / Community Development / Agriculture / Education & Training Within the categories there will be two classes -- professionals and students/hobbyists. Admission Free, See You There!

From September 17-20, 2009, Klik! Amsterdam will host the second edition of the KLIK! Amsterdam Animation Festival, a true multimedia festival that will screen animated shorts from all over the world, combined with interactive gaming fun, fascinating animated sidebar activities and the finest festivities.

No entry fee.

Open competition
Student competition
Best Design Award
Best Politically Engaged Film Award

E-card Competition:
http://www.boomerang.nl/opdrachten/upload-a-short-sendable-animation-and-win

For more information and submission of your film, visit http://www.klikamsterdam.nl

The second annual 3D Entertainment Summit will be September 16-17, 2009 at the Universal City Hilton in Universal City, California.

The 2009 3D Entertainment Summit will accommodate more attendees as it moves to a larger space designated for keynotes and panel discussions, film presentations and larger exhibitor area. In addition, the two-day summit will include a state-of-the-art 3-D digital cinema system for special 3-D studio sneak previews and full feature presentations.

The 3D Entertainment Summit contains a mix of general sessions and panel sessions presented by a host of industry experts and executives. The highly interactive, discussion-driven environment will allow entertainment professionals to gain practical insight into 3-D technology, market size, adoption rates, creative and production strategies, talent and licensing issues gaining a better sense of how 3-D relates to their future.

The 2008 show featured more than more than 400 leading members of the 3-D industry ecosystem and press from U.S., Canada, France, United Kingdom and Japan, with presenters including keynotes from Jeffrey Katzenberg, Mark Zoradi, Eric Brevig and Charlotte Huggins, David Hill, James Cameron and Vince Pace as well as exclusive studio presentations and rare 3-D film sneak previews. The summit also included more than 30 corporate and media sponsors including RealD, 3ality, Avid, Dolby, Sony, IMAX, PACE, NEC, Virtual Images, Panasonic, VARIETY and THE LOS ANGELES TIMES.

For more information about speaking submissions, exhibiting, and sponsor opportunities, visit www.3d-summit.com.

The Game Developers Conference Austin (GDC Austin) returns this September with three days focused on connected games including online games, virtual worlds, and social networking. Now in its 7th consecutive year, GDC Austin will continue as the mecca for online game developers worldwide to convene and share best practices, new perspectives, and business opportunities in connected games. GDC Austin conference tracks focus on the disciplines of Business and Marketing, Design, Social Networking and Community, Services, Production and Programming. Presented by Think Services, organizers of the industry-leading Game Developers Conference(R) (GDC), GDC Austin is a four-day event taking place at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, Texas September 15-18, 2009.

The 2009 GDC Austin Advisory Board expands to include international game communities and perspectives with new members: Thomas Bidaux of ICO Partners, creator of successful European MMO titles, Dark Age of Camelot, Guild Wars and City of Heroes, and Min Kim of Nexon, creator of the critically acclaimed Maple Story. John Blakely of Sony Online Entertainment, Eugene Evans of EA/Mythic Entertainment, Mike Goslin of Hangout Industries, formerly of Disney where he developed Pirates of the Caribbean Online, and Sheri Graner Ray of Schell Games also round out the new lineup.

GDC Austin will also feature two-day Summits: Game Audio, Game Writers, Independent Games, and the newly introduced iPhone Summit, on September 15-16, 2009.

Online registration for GDC Austin opens in early June. For more information on GDC Austin and the advisory board visit www.GDCAustin.com.

Topic: Social Media – Everybody’s doing it, but what is it doing?
We invite you to join us at our Executive Breakfast, Tuesday, September 15, 2009, from 8:00 – 10:00 am at theWit Hotel (201 N. State St, Chicago).Our panelists will shine a light on what does and does not work in the world of social media. Attendees will walk away with a better understanding of how to make social media work for you in the world of advertising, branding, film, tv and the arts. Visit www.wifchicago.org to purchase tickets.

The ultimate Disney fan experience will connect guests with The Walt Disney Company in exciting new ways, from September 10-13, 2009 at the Anaheim Convention Center just across the street from Disneyland! Guests will enjoy exhibits, screenings, presentations and interactive experiences from every part of The Walt Disney Company. And please stay tuned!... the D23 Expo micro site, coming soon, will give up-to-the-second breaking news about the Expo, including ticket information and online ordering, the latest event information and everything you need to know about the ultimate Disney fan experience! Highlights of the D23 Expo will include: Keynote speakers: Some of The Walt Disney Company's most dynamic executives will be on hand to break news, including Disney President and CEO Bob Iger, Walt Disney Pictures Chairman Dick Cook, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Jay Rasulo and John Lasseter, chief creative director, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios! World Premiere Screenings: Get an early look at some of the Company's latest projects. Performances, Celebrities and a Fashion Show: Musical performances from chart-topping Disney talent will put some bounce in your step! Meanwhile, talent from Walt Disney Pictures films, ABC, Disney Channel, ESPN and more will be on hand for meet-and-greets. Need a little more fun? Disney Couture will debut its new line at a fabulous fashion show. 50 and Fabulous Film Festival: Check out three classic Disney films that all turn 50 this year, including DARBY O'GILL AND THE LITTLE PEOPLE, THE SHAGGY DOG and SLEEPING BEAUTY. Readings, Signing, and Q&As: Check out surprising gallery events, author appearances and signings and even a beautiful Disney Home to walk through. Film and TV Sneak Peeks: Check out exclusive clips from the latest films from Walt Disney Studios and watch some of ABC's new fall offerings. Eye-Popping Exhibits: The incredible experiences, exhibits and presentations at the Expo are another way D23 will connect fans to the timeless stories, characters and amazing worlds that we create here at Disney. Guests entering the main showroom floor of the recently renovated Convention Center will discover exciting pavilions from every part of The Walt Disney Company. Each will offer unique immersive experiences the whole family can enjoy. Parks and Resorts, Walt Disney Records, Disney Consumer Products, ABC, ESPN and Walt Disney Imagineering -- to name a few -- will all be featured. There will be surprising gallery events, author appearances and signings and even a beautiful Disney Home to walk through. Radio Disney will rock the Expo every day, and you can expect favorite Disney talent to make appearances throughout the event. (We hear there may even be a wedding!) Disney Dream Store: From pins and mouse ears to DVDs and music, there will be must haves for everyone at the largest Disney shopping experience ever created. Even more special, there will be limited edition collectibles on sale exclusively for D23 members. Fan Forum: Disney's biggest fans are invited to participate in all the action. There will be an entire convention hall for everyone to show off their collections and sell their Disney treasures. Admission to the D23 Expo will be $37 per person for a one-day ticket; $111 for a four-day pass (4th day free). Admission for D23 members will be $30 per person for a one-day ticket; $90 for a four-day pass (4th day free). Tickets will be available at Disney.com/D23. Remaining tickets will be available for purchase at the entrance to the D23 Expo. Tickets will go on sale this spring. Check the D23 Web site for more information. Members will be alerted the day tickets go on sale.

With the program finalized, the UTS: Sydney International Animation Festival's co-director has given you five great reasons to attend: 1. THE SPINE by Oscar-winner Chris Landreth (Canada), where the brittle, complex collection of personalities within a counseling group populate a 'family' which critiques the lop-sided gifts and sacrifices of an unusual couple. (Winner: "Best Of Fest" Melbourne International Animation Festival) This is an exclusive chance for Sydney audiences to see this film. 2. I AM SO PROUD OF YOU, by Don Hertzfeldt (USA): Bill's life and family history are filled with bad luck, illness and tragedy. And humour! The latest animated wonder from the frenetic pen of one of the animation world's stars. (Winner: "Audience Award -- Best In Program" Melbourne International Animation Festival) 3. LIFE WITHOUT GABRIEL FERRI by Estonian master Priit Parn: experience a dramatic story about love, locked doors, a faceless thief, a wounded stork, a lost laptop and the O'Key sisters who turn out to be virtual prostitutes. The pinpoint of light in the distance may just prove to be that of an approaching happy ending. (Exclusive to UTS: SIAF 09) 4. CHAINSAW, by Dennis Tupicoff (Australia). Frank and Ava Gardener "star" in a chainsaw safety film, and love the rodeo. But now, ten years later... Romance is like a chainsaw: a very dangerous beast indeed. (Grand Prix-Oberhausen International Short Film Festival 2008; Grand Prix and Critics Prize-Huesca International Film Festival 2008; Nelvana Grand Prize and Best Narrative Short -- Ottawa International Animation festival; Finalist AFI and Dendy Awards) 5. Hear visiting guest Claire Kitson, former Commissioning Editor of Animation for the UK's Channel 4, as she presents some British gems and signs her latest book, BRITISH ANIMATION: THE CHANNEL 4 FACTOR. If that's not enough, visit www.siaf.uts.edu.au to see the full program.

The Cartoon Art Museum hosts freelance artist and cartoonist Alex Schumacher on Saturday, August 22, 2009 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. as part of its ongoing Cartoonist-in-Residence program. Museum visitors will be offered the chance to talk to him about his comics and watch Schumacher at work. Alex Schumacher is originally from the Central Valley of California, and now lives in the Bay Area. He has been working in freelance illustration since the age of 18, influenced by books ranging from Madman Comics to Calvin and Hobbes. Thus, he has worked on a wide range of projects such as editorial comic strips for newspaper, the series Boomerangs, and most recently, The Wicked with writer and friend Mark Peaslee. Together they established September 23rd Studios, a new venture to produce comic books and comic-related material. When not creating his comics, Alex Schumacher is bassist and vocalist in the folk/rock band Tobela, which has performed in several venues around the Bay Area since 2007. This event is free and open to the public. The Cartoon Art Museum regularly hosts professional cartoonist in its galleries as part of its Cartoonist-in-Residence program. Museum patrons see cartoonists at work on their latest projects and learn everything you ever wanted to know about cartoonists -- but were afraid to ask. Past featured Cartoonists-in-Residence include Paul Madonna (All Over Coffee), Keith Knight (K CHRONICLES, (TH)INK), Paige Braddock (JANE'S WORLD), Michael Jantze (THE NORM) and Jimmy Gownley (AMELIA RULES) among many others.