About our Topic:

Join us for our fourth meeting for the Fall 2013 season as we discover Microsoft Gadgeteer.

Microsoft .NET Gadgeteer is a rapid prototyping platform for small electronic gadgets and embedded hardware devices. It combines the advantages of object-oriented programming, solderless assembly of electronics using a kit of hardware modules, and quick physical enclosure fabrication using computer-aided design.

.NET Gadgeteer was created by researchers at Microsoft as an internal prototyping tool, but because of external interest, particualrly from educators and hobbyists, it was turned into open source software which now has a vibrant hardware ecosystem from multiple manufacturers.

The platform is built on the .NET Micro Framework, which allows small devices to be programmed in the C# language and make use of Visual Studio’s programming and debugging tools.

Individual .NET Gadgeteer modules can be easily connected together to construct both simple and sophisticated devices. Each module adds some extra capabilities, such as the ability to display images, playback sounds, take pictures, sense the environment, communicate with other devices or enable user interaction. This powerful combination allows fully functional devices to be prototyped in a matter of hours rather than days or weeks.

Event Details:

This is a special "Open House" event - guest fees are waived. Come check out our group and a chance to win a Surface Pro 2!

Date: Tuesday Nov 19 2013

Welcome Time: 6:00 pm (Registration and Networking)

Start Time: 6:30 pm

Finish Time: 8:45 pm

Venue: Tillyard Management Conference Room

(Adjacent to Alberta Blue Cross office)

715 5 Ave SW Calgary AB T2P 2X6

Cost: Guests and Future CIC Members - FREE

New/Renewing CIC Members - $65.00

New/Renewing Student Mbrs - $25.00

Current CIC Members - FREE

Payment: VISA/MasterCard via EventBrite (+fees)

Contact us for payment via:

1. Cash (at the door)

2. Cheque (at the door)

3. Interac e-Transfer (prior to event)

4. Invoice your employer (prior to event)

Note: New memberships valid through December 31 2014.

Light Food and Refreshments will be provided for attendees.

About our Presenter:

Blake McNeill- Software Designer and Development Manager

Blake is a 10-year Microsoft MVP with 20+ years experience in all aspects of software design, development, testing, operations and management on both large and small projects as well as corporate and commercial software. A Windows OS architecture and standards expert, Blake has served on the executive for the Calgary .NET User Group for 10+ years.

He is a software designer, leader and developer with an award-winning track record (Best of the Web list - Forbes Magazine, Canadian Information Productivity Award - Best of Show Solution Award, PC Magazine Editors Choice Award, etc).

Blake is highly respected for mentoring, enabling and fostering effective and cohesive teams. He leads by example and "walks the walk". His hallmark is his ability to quickly grasp the big picture and work with all stakeholders from end-users to the executive suite to refine, develop and deliver optimal solutions. He is results-focused and known as the ‘go to guy’ when projects have to be delivered "on-time" and "on-budget".

One of Blake's specialties is using his entrepreneurial spirit to help make people very wealthy by creating successful software startup companies.

About our Sponsors:

Inteqna - Venue

Inteqna is a division of Design Group Staffing Inc., the largest privately-owned recruiting firm in Canada. Inteqna was created to provide permanent recruiting and contract consulting services to experienced professionals in Information Technology and Finance & Accounting sectors across the country.

True North Group Inc - Microsoft Surface Pro 2 Tablet

True North Group Inc offers private cloud services and IT consulting/project management services to small and medium-size businesses in Calgary and Southern Alberta.

Microsoft - Office 365 + Operational Funding

Microsoft supplies the Calgary IT Pro Community Association with a free 25-seat Office 365 E3 subscription for the leadership team and committees. As well, Microsoft has agreed to fund a portion of CIC's operating expenses for 2013-14.