The Las Cruces Bulletin

The High Tech Consortium of Southern New Mexico, a grassroots organization that fosters the retention and growth of technology and its associated industries, will host its third annual Digital Media Summit from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, at the Las Cruces City Council Chambers, 200 N. Church St.

The summit will provide an overview of current and emerging digital media applications, needs and opportunities in education, film, government and industry, said HTC President Gary Gomes.

“We are fortunate to have an all-star roster of panelists,” he said. “This is an important event in helping foster a vibrant digital media industry sector in our local area.”

Panel discussions will feature representatives from Comcast Cable Corp., Dona Ana Community College, Digital Solutions, IBM, Las Cruces Public Schools, New Mexico State University, Sony Pictures Imageworks and SoundView Networks.

The program will provide the general public as well as business and civic leaders’ insight into how digital media can solve real world problems and improve the economics and quality of life in southern New Mexico.

Among the topics of discussion will be how to build New Mexico-based media production companies and facilities and education and workforce development.

The summit will also provide a venue for media industry professionals and students to network with your peers and help formulate a “southern New Mexico vision” to present at the statewide New Mexico Media Industries Strategy Project (MISP) conference in January.

MISP is a public-private partnership formed to guide the state’s media industries development over the short, intermediate and long term. Gov. Bill Richardson has said creating a vibrant digital media industry is a high priority for his administration and for the state.

“The Preliminary Strategic Plan for the Media Industries Strategy Project represents a bold step forward to establish New Mexico as a leading center for media arts and sciences,” Richardson said in a statement. “This plan – and its rapid and effective implementation – is a priority for my administration and New Mexico’s economic development strategy.”

The digital media summit in Las Cruces is being sponsored by HTC as a public service and attendance is free. For more information or to RSVP, send email to info@htcnm.com or call (575) 524-4659.