I’ve always thought the Vancouver International Digital Festival wouldn’t suit me. Superficial glances at the roster or a misguided interpretation of what VIDFEST is actually about continually prevented me from ever really looking into it or attending – I assumed it was too techy, that I wouldn’t understand the speakers or discussions, and that I would leave feeling scared and confused. The latter two points are yet to be determined, but after looking through the schedule of events I was happily surprised to find quite a few noteworthy sessions (and, ahem, parties) that I will most definitely be attending:

• Opening Gala takes place tonight at the Vancouver Art Gallery, and syncs up nicely with the KRAZY! Delirious World of Anime + Comics + Video Games + Art exhibit which is showing there now. The Mondo Spider will also be in attendance.
• Creative Exchange Conference Sessions: highlights for me will be Wired Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Chris Anderson discussing the new economy of “free”; striking the ideal relationship between content and audience within a blog format; utilizing digital mediums for altruistic purposes; and most excitedly, a panel discussion which includes Project Runway Canada winner Evan Biddell on creativity, design process, and making a living with your art.
• PopVox New Media Awards, celebrating accomplishments within the creative media industry. These awards are fantastic because it was free for anyone to submit work for consideration, and the public voted for the winners. Truly the vote of the people.

For a complete schedule of events and to buy your tickets online, head to the VIDFEST site for more information. The festival begins today, May 21 and runs through May 24. Check back here for coverage over the coming days as I experience VIDFEST for the first time!