Building KC’s Digital Future
Tuesday, September 24, 2024 — KC IMAGINE partnered with KC Digital Drive to host its annual “Building KC’s Digital Future” conference. This conference provided a unique opportunity for digital media professionals to connect and network with guest experts from Google and other high profile companies.
Held at the Kauffman Foundation Center, the conference, which was sponsored by GFiber (Google Fiber), consisted of: a welcome address, a panel discussion, lunch, a block of time dedicated to networking, and two breakout session blocks. The event began with Gary Sage, the Vice President for Development at Thank You Walt Disney, who thanked the host and the sponsors (Pomerol’s Qlick, Overflow, and the KC Tech Council) for supporting this event. Sage introduced the keynote speaker, Thoka Maer, the Art Director for Google Doodles, who highlighted the impressive creations her team at Google created and cultivated.
Thoka Maer, who specializes in GIFs and surreal abstract art, provided a look at her distinguishable illustration style and a glimpse into the world of Google Doodles, the artistic process behind them, and the collaborative spirit that brings these interactive artworks to life. Additionally, she provided a look into her interesting personal journey. From East Germany to New York, she spent her days as an independent creator working with impressive brands before joining Google.
After Maer, there was a panel focusing on skills-based hiring & training from backgrounds including business, education, and workforce development. Jake Akehurst, Executive Director at UMKC TalentLink (Moderator), Molly Weaver, Senior Director of Talent Acquisition at Children’s Mercy, Fabiola Riobe, Vice President of Educational Innovation & Global Programming at Kansas City Kansas Community College, Alan Boyer, Director of Digital Innovations at Kansas State University, and Kate Moore, Associate Director of Recruiting at Barkley, all took part in the panel discussion. The panel discussed ways to shift focus from traditional hiring practices to an approach that focuses on specific skills needed for the job.
Finally, the conference concluded with two breakout sessions focusing on but not limiting to artificial intelligence, animation, Disney’s KC Laugh-O-gram Building, blockchain technology, and funding advice.
During the first breakout sessions, Conner Borrego (playhaus) and Troy Carlson (Initiatives, Inc.) discussed Web3 and their work with the KC Futures DAO. With support from KC Digital Drive as a placeholder nonprofit, the DAO aims to attract innovation and digital skills talent to the Kansas City area.
Overall, the event was a day that highlighted the breadth of diversity in activity and innovation within the region and across digital industry specializations.