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via New Media BC – Vancouver is hosting its first iPhone Forum, a one-day event on Nov. 24 at the downtown campus of the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). The Forum, sponsored by Bell, is a joint initiative between CBC/Radio-Canada, New Media BC and BCIT.

“Bell is pleased to take a leading role in bringing the iPhone Forum to Vancouver following the launch of our new network earlier this month,” said Rick Jones, Director, Business Sales Western Region for Bell Mobility. “Bell’s new high-speed wireless network is the fastest and largest in Canada, bringing the benefits of mobile broadband access to some 20,000 cities and towns across the country.”

The day kicks off with a keynote address by iPhone creator Apple Inc., followed by speakers from Canada and the US, sharing their experience and best practices for doing business in a market where people are always connected.

“Mobile computing is coming to the masses with smartphones like the iPhone, which is fundamentally changing how people interact with media,” said CBC’s General Manager Digital Programming & Business Development, Steve Billinger. “We’re bringing business leaders, legal professionals, engineers and designers together to learn and share as much as we can about this rapidly changing new world.”

This is a must attend event for professionals of all stripes to gain the knowledge and insight required for strategic advancement. The Forum offers two tracks of discussion: Technical sessions for those that want a deeper understanding of how to design and develop for the Apple Touch Platform; and Business sessions that focus on leveraging the Platform’s market potential.

New Media BC is thrilled to be partnering with CBC and BCIT to host such an important event,” said Rachelle Grayson, Acting President, New Media BC. Mobile distribution is an essential part of any successful digital media business strategy and the iPhone is a critical part of that mobile ecosystem. At the Vancouver iPhone Forum, our members will learn about the practical technical, design, and business aspects within this ecosystem from people who have been successful. We see this event as a great opportunity for both technologists and business leaders”

World Record Attempt – Demonstrating the power of mobile social media, Genius Factor Games, a Vancouver-based digital entertainment studio and an industry sponsor of the Forum, will pursue a new record for Guinness Book of World Records at the Forum for the creation of the “largest online photo mosaic” using iPhones.

Titled “U are the Star,” Forum participants use their iPhones to take a photo of themselves and submit it to a live feed that uses the photos to build the mosaic. Then, using social media tools such as Twitter and Facebook, participants share in the fun by inviting their friends and contacts to do the same, and share the invite with their social networks.

“The Apple iPhone has proven itself to be a true game-changer making mobile, socially connected digital entertainment a reality to all. We’re proud to be a part of this premiere event celebrating the iPhone community,” said Ted Nugent, President of Genius Factor Games.

The day ends with a special keynote panel discussion on the future of mobile with Bell and Apple, and lead by Steve Billinger; followed by a reception on campus and the revealing of the world’s largest online photo mosaic.

“BCIT is at the forefront of hi-tech, hands-on learning developed in partnership with industry. It’s why we are so integral to the prosperity of BC, and why employers consistently choose BCIT grads,” says BCIT president Don Wright. “When it comes to post-secondary education, BCIT innovates. We are pleased to offer the first Vancouver iPhone Forum with CBC Radio-Canada and New Media BC, sponsored by Bell Mobility.”