Flash in the Peg

Just wanted to send out a quick reminder about next week’s meeting. I also wanted to let you in on some exciting news about a fabulous offer from FITC.

At the recent Ajax World Conference, Adobe Flex was awarded the prize of “Best Open Source Rich Internet Solution,” and Flex Builder 3 was named the Best SDK. Flex is a compelling option for developing Rich Internet Applications (RIAs) that can be run consistently across browsers, desktops, and operating systems. Our next meeting will be an introduction to this exciting technology, where you’ll learn about:

• What is Flex?
• Why Flex - History
• Who’s using Flex
• Working with Flex Builder (Designing/Debugging)
• How Flex Works (Behind the Scenes)
• MXML
• Containers (Layout)
• Controls
• Charting Components
• Styling/Skinning (CSS)
• Flex Resources

Our presenter is Rasheed Akhtar. After university, Rasheed worked for IC Group, first as a web developer, responsible for the creation of online promotions. He then moved into business intelligence as their senior business intelligence developer. His responsibilities included the creation and execution of business intelligence strategy, as well as the management of enterprise reporting solutions for clients comprised of 30% of the world’s top brands and leading agencies. Primary technologies included .NET, SQL Server, and Flex. He also provides contracting/consulting services specializing in business intelligence, web analytics and RIA development. He has worked with numerous organizations varying from providing web analytics seminars at RRC to developing multi-language flash-based kiosk software for hardware manufacturers. He is currently working with AIS developing eLearning products for the health care industry. Rasheed’s responsibilities include product development (Flash/Flex, PHP, and mySQL) for both eLearning and business intelligence.

And now for that exciting little bit of news I mentioned: the good folks at FITC have graciously donated a number of passes for FITC Toronto! The conference runs from April 25 to 28, and features over 80 presentations on Flash and digital media from some of the biggest names in the world of new media. If you’ve attended the FITC Roadshows in Winnipeg, you’ve had just a small taste of how great the FITC events are! We’ll be giving away three passes at next week’s meeting, and another three at our February meeting. These passes have a value of $749, but considering the knowledge you’ll gain and the contacts you’ll make by attending, they’re worth much more than that.

(Everybody who attends is eligible to win a pass, but of course you’re responsible for your travel, food, and accommodations. Since I would really, really like these passes to be used, if you cannot take advantage of the free pass I do ask that you not put your name in for the raffle. Also, I’m in the process of setting up a discount for members of Flash in the Peg, so even if you don’t win a pass you can still save a bit of money on your ticket. I hope to have more details on the discount by next week.)

Our meeting is set for Thursday, January 29th, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., in Room W411, Red River College, Princess Street Campus. Hope to see you all out!