Still young, quickly adopting new technologies and consuming all sorts of creative content, this is a rapidly expanding age group. The discussion will be wide ranging looking at issues from hobbies, interests and purchasing power, to promoting health and well being, the demands of family and the effects of a longer working life
Chair ÔÇô Julia Jones: From a background in health and fitness, Julia moved into the music industry, setting up the Brit Bus Tours, which clocked up 20,000 miles promoting new British music in the US. Since selling the touring business Julia has managed projects such as Ben Sherman’s VIP campaign, and education tours for Gibson and Hard Rock Caf├®. Julia is now Entrepreneur in Residence at Canterbury University. Her latest venture stems from her PhD research investigating the music tastes and consumption habits of the over 45s. Realising that many people in their 40s and 50s today still think of themselves as young led her to develop the Generation Expo lifestyle event which will provide that audience with a range of experiences from the latest technology and product launches, to guest celebrity speakers, financial advice, new business start-up advice, fashion, health and live entertainment.
Shaun Allen: Co Founder Vector76 (virtual world development company). Shaun is an expert in 3D virtual immersive environments and has over 30 years experience in all types of design ranging from graphic to multimedia, web and 3D virtual production. After working for videogame production company Eutechnyx Ltd. in Gateshead developing four triple AAA titles for PlayStation and PC including Le Mans 24 Hours for Infogrammes, France, Shaun later joined the University of Sunderland as senior Web Developer/designer.
In 2008 Shaun formed Vector76; a company specializing in the development of 3D immersive content and services for virtual worlds such as Second Life, OpenSim & Unity. Vector76 continue to develop content, services and training using 3D virtual worlds and are very keen to promote the huge potential for the use of immersive technologies within the health and training sectors. Shaun spoke at last years inaugural ASPiH Conference in Newcastle presenting his development work – for the University of Sunderland – on a Virtual Pathology Lab based in Second Life.
Prof. Grenville Hancox MBE: Professor of Music at Canterbury Christ Church University. With a background in Music Education and performance, his present research interests have developed from these areas and have resulted in a collaborative project with Professor Stephen Clift concerned with the benefits of singing for well being and supporting his belief in music as an agent for social change. Five years of work have resulted in publications and the establishment of The Sidney De Haan Research Centre for Arts and Health, where one of the long term aims is through partnership with the local primary care trust, to provide singing on prescription.
Dr Gaenor Rodgers: is the Head of the Centre for Rural Health at the University of the Highlands and Islands. Gaener gained her PhD at Cambridge and held postdoctoral positions at Oxford and Glasgow, before moving to the Highlands to manage the development of Life Science and Business R&D with HIE. In addition to leading the team at the Centre, Gaenor is pursuing her own research in rural health economics.
Full details coming soon.
