Innovation conference in Savannah, GA, exposes kids to world’s greatest thinkers

SAVANNAH, Ga. - Dec. 8, 2014 - PRLog -- Geekend, an annual innovation conference taking place in Savannah, GA, brought together innovative thinkers and industry leaders, but also let local students listen in, get inspired, and take tools home with them.

With more than 300 attendees, the Geekend conference hosted Professor Neil Gershenfeld (MIT Center for Bits and Atoms), and Mark Hatch (CEO TechShop) among others, and the topics covered revolved around innovation, entrepreneurship, the Maker Movement, and more.

Local middle and high school students contributed to the conference by submitting video games they had programmed set up in an arcade at the conference venue, and many high school students also volunteered in the organization of the conference.

“The high schoolers had access to some of the world’s greatest minds and leaders … and tools!” said Bea Wray, executive director of The Creative Coast.

It is no secret that today’s high-paying jobs rely on tech-literacy, innovation and higher levels of education. In this context, exposing kids to these fields at an early age is crucial – especially in a community like Savannah, where the economy is currently largely driven by tourism and the service industry.

“I volunteered at Geekend because I was truly interested! I am a geek and I am proud to say it,” said Nyasia Sheppard from Woodville Tompkins High School about her experience at Geekend. “The things I enjoyed most were the wonderful speeches. They really opened my mind to different things I can do in my life.”

Nyasia was one of the many high school students who volunteered at Geekend. However, unlike her peers, Nyasia left the conference not just inspired by the opportunities, but also equipped with a new tool - - she won a Solidoodle Press 3D printer raffled out by 3DBlueMedia to the conference attendees.

Nyasia decided to donate the 3D printer to her school: “We do not have a 3D printer at my school so I figured that I should donate it. It would benefit students that attend Woodville Tompkins and other students that may attend in the future.”

“We couldn’t be more glad that Geekend has had such a direct impact on the local community,” said Bea Way. “We exposed high school students to the innovators of today, and love that they brought home tools – both figuratively and literally!”