There’s a beauty within something new that was once old that is so inspiring. Just when you think one’s shelf life has expired comes a new idea, a new way of thinking that brings new life to something you can’t help but notice now. This concept is at the core of Public Displays of Affection (PDA) for Edmond Place, a community-engaged project dedicated to designing improved furnishings typical of subsidized housing.

As previously mentioned, Vidafine was present at the Cross Media Toronto event last Wednesday. Overall, it was a magnificent event with cofounder Gavin McGarry masterfully guiding the discussion on the convergence of various media. The event was held fittingly at Toronto’s premier space for innovation, the MaRS Centre in the heart of the city’s Discovery district.

Media has become such an important communication tool and a huge part of our daily lives. Back then it was television and newspapers, now it’s the internet and e-books. No matter how you put it, media informs, influences and keeps people connected to everything and everyone both locally and internationally. On the evening of July 21, 2010, Vidafine, along with others from various media sectors will come together for a night of sharing and engagement in hopes of learning about how the media landscape has changed over the years, and potentially foster new relationships to synergize efforts for a greater cause. Cross Media Toronto (@crossmediato), hosted by Jumpwire Media – a cross media agency specializing in Data, Strategy, Solutions and Events in various sectors of media – is hoping to give the TV people an opportunity to meet with the gaming people, the publishing people to meet with the web people and allow all to converse with the advertising people. In partnership with NATPE, MaRs Discovery District, Bell and CFC Media Labs, Cross Media Toronto will bring a fantastic line up of speakers and presenters to the forefront including technology experts and executives from big name companies like Google and RIM. Industry sectors at the event will include individuals from Motion, Mobile, Marketing, Publishing and Gaming.

photo via dfait-maeci

Last weekend, Toronto welcomed the world as it played host for the G-20 Summit. Over the course of 2 days, 20 of the largest economic nations, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union, discussed the direction of the global economy. Running parallel to this international meeting was MY SUMMIT 2010, organized by Canada and Global Vision, which brought together youth delegates from each of the 20 countries to learn about and gain perspective on the G20 meetings. The outcome? A weekend of newly discovered commonalities, passionate world discussions, and lasting meaningful friendships.

See daily recap here: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3

The final day of ideaCity was upon us, but the last day definitely did not disappoint. What transpired today, and over the course of the last three days was so much knowledge and passion that we almost did not know what to do with ourselves. After taking a deep breath, we have been able to write to you, our experiences here at ideaCity, to give you just a glimpse of what you can expect from this event.

Mallika Chopra was one of the highlights of the day for us. Even before the event, we had heard about her as an individual who actively looks and creates opportunities to change the world. As a businesswoman and American author, her resume includes holding roles at MTV India, Heal The World Foundation with Michael Jackson, and UNICEF. Most relevant to us, was she wrote two books inspired by her two daughters: 100 Promises to My Baby and 100 Questions from My Child. She encourages individuals to live with intent, to have a daily purpose, because only then will you experience the life that you want to live.

See daily recap here: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3

50 Presenters, 3 Legendary Parties, a Ton of Inspiration. Ideas Change The World. @ideacitynews

We are still amazed at how real and down to earth all the presenters here are. Having a smaller sized event in a comfortable venue allows for intimate interaction and deep conversations among presenters and attendees. The Royal Conservatory of Music Koemer Hall is a fabulous venue with high ceilings and full-sized glass windows. Moses couldn’t have picked a better spot to hold this year’s ideaCity 2010. What suprised us most is the amount of face time (not the Apple coined term) we got with all the notable presenters.

The noon sessions ended with a few songs and a short inspiritational speech from Neshema Carlebach. Her smooth melodies and gentle, yet strong spirit shine through her soft-spoken presentation and her uplifting performance. She spoke extensively of her father, the late Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach (“Singing Rabbi”), and how he had a profound impact on her life. It was a story about one of her father’s shows at a prison where an inmate with 7 life sentences was in attendance.

See daily recap here: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3

Walking into the Koerner Hall building, at the Royal Conservatory of Music, you could instantly feel the energy that filled the space. Today was the first of three thought-provoking days. A group of eager ‘idealist’-as they are called here at ideaCity, were busy munching on morsels of deliciously catered food while mingling with other attendees. The agenda for the day was jam packed with presenters lined up from 8:30am to 8pm. Moses Znaimer gave a brief intro before the day of presentations began.

Today’s themes included the ‘Decline of the Male’, ‘Feminism’ as well as ‘Relationship & Family’. The event was also for the first time broadcasted live to various schools within Canada, specifically at Ryerson University and OCAD University here in Toronto. This new outlet would give students the opportunity to watch for free, via video, the talks that were being presented here at ideaCity. A great step in the right direction for this conference, because the people that really should be the ones hearing some of these great talks are the young people ready to make a difference in the world.

See daily recap here: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3

Over the course of the next few days (namely June 16th to June 18th, 2010), Vidafine will be exclusively covering the 11th annual ideaCity 2010 conference out of the Royal Conservatory of Music’s Koerner Hall in Toronto with live feeds and daily summary posts. The conference is a 3-day inspirational wonderland, featuring 50 of the planet’s brightest and most fascinating people; which include artists, adventurers, authors, cosmologists, doctors, designers, entertainers, filmmakers, inventors, magicians, musicians, scientists and technologists. Individually they each bring their experiences and stories in unscripted, engaging 20 minute presentations. In addition, each day ends with a legendary party, hosted at sophisticated venues within Downtown Toronto and a chance to rub shoulders with Margaret Atwood, Belinda Stronach, and Bonnie Brooks. Attendees are idealists, advocates of change, and individuals that value the spread of ideas; exactly what Vidafine is all about.