AUSTIN, Texas, June 3, 2004 - The Game Initiative today announced its "How To Break Into Video Game Industry: Conference and Resume Workshop" will take place in Chevy Chase, Maryland on June 26, 2004 at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center. The event is designed for students and professionals looking to get into the computer and video game business. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak with industry insiders, including top recruiter Mary-Margaret.com, hiring managers from local game companies as well as network and meet with industry veterans. The event is sponsored in part by the Baltimore County Department of Economic Development and the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development.

"The comprehensive program will provide an overview of the industry, identify technology trends and requirements as well as the qualifications and skill-sets that are in demand," said Christopher Sherman, Game Initiative Executive Director. "The casual nature of this event allows attendees an unprecedented opportunity to interact with industry veterans, ask questions, gain valuable contacts and understand the business."

Students will learn how to build an early professional road map to a career in the game industry. Professionals looking to move into the business from other industries will learn how their experience and transferable skills can gain rapid entry into the game industry. The event will also provide a great opportunity for local game companies to meet potential new talent. Also, attendees will be able to participate in the Demo Reel Showcase, where can bring their laptops to showcase their demo reels to industry insiders for direct feedback and job opportunities.

How To Break Into Video Game Industry - MD/ DC / VA - June 26, 2004 - Agenda

8:30am - 9:00am Registration and Networking
9:00am - 9:45am Industry Overview
10:00am - 10:45am Getting in at the Ground Floor
11:00am - 12:00pm Applying Transferable Skill Sets
12:00pm - 1:30pm Networking
1:30pm - 3:00pm Resume Workshop

The cost is $45 in advance or $60 at the door. The event takes place at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Registration is available online at http://www.GameConferences.com/maryland/.

How To Break Into Video Game Industry attendees will:


Find out what employers are looking for now and in the future
Learn how the game development pipeline works
Receive an overview of the industry and where it's headed
Understand the core competencies required in art, programming and design
Meet and network with professionals in the industry
Participate in a resume workshop designed to gain them critical interviews with hiring managers.