Hotrocket leads the pack at Fusion Digital Media Venture Forum and Alberta Business Awards
(Edmonton, March 10, 2008) - Hotrocket, the international award-winning Alberta interactive production company, has made its mark at two high profile events in Western Canada. In February, the company was named "Best of Show" at the 2008 Fusion Digital Media Venture Forum in Vancouver, beating out 20 of Canada's hottest digital media companies. Later that month, the company picked up another win, recognized with the Marketing Award of Distinction at the 2008 Alberta Business Awards in Calgary.
"It's been an amazing month," said Ken Bautista, 30, CEO of Hotrocket, who started his most recent road trip in New York at the 2008 KidScreen Summit, where they won the international pitch competition the previous year. "We got great exposure after last year's win for our cross-platform kids game CIE, so we had a busy week of meetings in the Big Apple with new projects, clients and production partners."
After KidScreen, Bautista flew to San Francisco for meetings at the Game Developers Conference with business partner Jason Suriano, and then headed to Vancouver to pitch at the Fusion Forum. Explains Bautista, "Fusion is the only financing event in the west dedicated to digital media, so we were excited to have the opportunity to pitch to investors from Vancouver, Seattle and Silicon Valley very familiar with the digital entertainment space." After an 8-minute pitch, and a barrage of questions, the judging investors awarded Hotrocket with first prize. As a result of this recognition, Hotrocket will have the opportunity to travel to Seattle and Silicon Valley for follow up meetings with groups of top-tier venture capital firms over the next month.
Shortly after, Bautista headed to Calgary as a finalist for the Marketing Award of Distinction at the Alberta Business Awards gala event (hosted by the Alberta Chambers of Commerce). Up against stiff competition from Micralyne (Edmonton), Calgary Public Library, and Community Savings (Red Deer), Hotrocket won the award, which was presented by Ruth Kelly from Alberta Venture. Asked about the highlight of the night, Bautista replied, "Being personally congratulated for our achievements by Premier Ed Stelmach was a pretty sweet highlight and a great honor."
About the Fusion Digital Media Venture Forum
The Fusion Digital Media Venture Forum is the only financing event in the west dedicated to new digital media ventures. Fusion is designed to highlight the hottest digital media companies, provide valuable insights into key issues in the industry, and provide a premium networking opportunity as well as a chance to learn from world-class investment professionals involved in the sector. Along with presentations from Canada's rising stars in the digital media sector, event highlights include keynotes, a panel presentation, industry case study, and networking mixers. The forum takes place at the Vancouver International Film Centre, and is supported by Telefilm Canada and the National Research Council Canada. www.thefusionforum.com
About the Alberta Business Awards of Distinction
The Alberta Business Awards of Distinction are the most prestigious business awards presented in Alberta each year. This year, the 46 finalists for the 2008 Alberta Business Awards of Distinction are thriving in today's energized economy because they seize opportunities and adapt their practices to meet challenges. The Alberta Chambers of Commerce hosts its annual awards program to recognize this pioneering spirit in our province's business community. www.abbusinessawards.ab.ca