The iPad: An Early Look at Apple's Latest Innovation February 22, 2010

Less than a month has passed since Apple unveiled the iPad and few technology products have spurred more divergent opinions and conversations than this unassuming tablet computer.

Some see the iPad as a tremendous new opportunity for businesses. Others believe the device is doomed to fail. Is it the future of computer human interaction? Or will people find the system too limiting?

To help explore the challenges, opportunities, and pitfalls associated with the iPad, we've put together a panel of experts who will tackle questions like:

* If you currently have an iPhone app, what do you need to consider when making a decision about whether to make an iPad version?

* How will the types of applications on the iPad be different than what we've seen on mobile phones? Will pricing change? Is there more or less opportunity for advertising?

* How does the different form factor change the way applications are designed?

* What does the iPad mean for publishers? Books? Magazines? Newspapers? Does this hint at a way out for the problems media has faced over the last few years?

* How do web sites need to change to support the iPad (or do they)?

* What does the iPad mean for the future of personal computing?

Come join us to learn from the panel and share your own thoughts on this next generation device.

About the Panelists

James Keller, Small Society

James Keller is a digital communications strategist and user experience evangelist at Small Society, a small agency based in Portland with a passion for the iPhone™ platform, dedicated to helping organizations bring great ideas to life. Before joining the Small Society team, James was at Wieden+Kennedy helping the Portland office align client business goals and brand experiences with emerging technologies. Leveraging her extensive knowledge of interaction design, business analysis, campaign analytics, and integrated marketing communications, she has led multiple teams in creating efficient and effective online strategies for top brands such as Coca-Cola, NIKE, Procter & Gamble, Levi’s, LAIKA Studio, Zipcar, and the MTV Networks. She can frequently be seen at conferences speaking on topics such as information architecture, social media, and convergent culture.

Jon Maroney, Handmark

Jon is the Senior Vice President of Mobile Publishing at Handmark where he helps set product direction and works with publishers bring their content to mobile devices. Jon was one of the co-founders of Freerange Communications which was acquired by Handmark in 2009. Jon spent 12 years in the software industry, running marketing and product marketing at Extensis, a maker of software for graphic professionals and publishers (Suitcase and Portfolio), and as Director of Product Marketing and Channel Sales at Dantz Development, maker of backup software Retrospect. Jon is a member of the Board of Directors of Beam Dynamics. He has a BA from Boston University.

Chris Skaggs, Code-Monkeys & Soma Games

Chris Skaggs is the CTO and CCO of both Code-Monkeys and Soma Games. With a long history in web development, Chris created Soma Games in late 2008 when the iPhone started making history and shortly afterwards reformed Code-Monkeys to focus on the suddenly booming mobile market. A graduate of George Fox University and an avid gamer, Chris looks forward to the unique applications mobile development has for the future.

Dave Shanley, CrowdCompass
For ten years and across seven countries, Dave has led development teams in creating and delivering powerful enterprise mobile solutions for large international companies including BP, GM, Vestas, and UPS. Currently, Dave is working on the next generation social mobile event platform at CrowdCompass.

Raven Zachary, Small Society

Raven Zachary is President of Small Society, working with big brands, established companies, investors, and startups on iPhone strategy and product development. Raven directed the Obama '08 for iPhone application for the Obama Campaign, and has worked with companies such as Whole Foods Market, Zipcar, CLIF BAR, and Air New Zealand on iPhone application initiatives. He is the founder of iPhoneDevCamp, a not-for-profit iPhone developer conference. Raven is also a Contributing Analyst with The 451 Group, an IT industry analyst firm and works closely with O'Reilly Media on iPhone and mobile technology related events and coverage. He is regularly quoted by the press about the iPhone market and is a frequent conference speaker on the topic.

Official Website: http://mobileportland.com