The GigaZone Gaming Championship and TechXpo, a Paul Bunyan Communications event, has announced that this year’s special guest will be Danielle Feinberg, Visual Effects Supervisor for Pixar Animation Studios and mentor for girls in STEM.
Danielle Feinberg began her career at Pixar Animation Studios in February 1997, and since then, she has worked on 14 of Pixar’s feature films. She cut her teeth on early films like A Bug’s Life, Toy Story 2, Monsters, Inc. and the Academy Award®-winning Finding Nemo and The Incredibles. Feinberg was the director of photography-lighting for the Academy Award®- winning features WALL•E, Brave, and Coco. Most recently she completed her work as the visual effects supervisor on Turning Red, released on March 11, 2022.
Pixar’s Turning Red saw Feinberg take on the position of Visual Effects Supervisor, the first woman in 20 years to hold that role at Pixar. With her combination of strong visual and technical skills, Feinberg was uniquely positioned to join this film that had goals of finding a new style of its own.
“We are so excited to have Danielle as our special guest this year! Not only is she heavily involved with cutting edge technology at Pixar, but she is a champion for women in STEM. She will inspire our guests by sharing her journey into the world of technology,” said Gary Johnson, Paul Bunyan Communications CEO/General Manager.
Feinberg continues to champion women in STEM by participating in science and math mentoring programs for young women and continuing to tell her story. In fact, her TED Talk, The magic ingredient that brings Pixar movies to life, was named one of the top TED Talks of 2016.
“The GigaZone Gaming Championship & TechXpo is a one-of-a-kind event that is something truly special for our region and provides the chance to see up close and personal how local schools and businesses are incorporating the latest in technology into what they do. Danielle’s story is very inspirational which aligns perfectly with our event. We want to inspire students and potential employees to consider a career in technology right here in northern Minnesota,” added Brian Bissonette, Paul Bunyan Communications Marketing Supervisor.
The 2024 GigaZone Gaming Championship & TechXpo will be April 20 at the Sanford Center in Bemidji. The doors will open at 10 a.m. As special guest, Feinberg will speak on the main stage at 2 p.m. followed by a Q&A session. She will also be a judge for the Greater Bemidji Northstar Pitch Competition. She may also visit with local STEM students on Friday, April 19 if her schedule allows.
The GigaZone TechXpo will expose a growing regional audience to technology innovation and help them turn their technical skills and enthusiasm into successful careers right here northern Minnesota. Start-ups and companies creatively leveraging technology will be able to demonstrate their innovation to a large group of tech-savvy potential employees. Educators and educational institutions can have their tech-oriented students show off projects and promote the technology training programs they have to offer. There is no cost to be an exhibitor but space is limited and the exhibit must creatively display the use of technology. Applications must be submitted by March 1, 2024 at www.gigazonetechxpo.com
The GigaZone Gaming Championship will feature free gaming on various console and arcade games, numerous tournaments, door prizes, and more. There is no cost to enter the tournaments or for any of the gaming. Tournament details will be posted on the GigaZone Gaming Discord, Twitch channel, and Facebook page as well as www.gigazonegaming.com
This Paul Bunyan Communications event includes the talents of many local partners, including NLFX, Accidently Cool Games, Northern Amusement, and the Sanford Center, as well as support from several regional and national partners.