Microsoft Hosts Women in Games International Conference in Redmond; How to be Director of Production For One of the Largest Publishing Teams in the Game Industry and Also Have a Life; Game Industry Leaders To Discuss Quality of Life Topics.

SEATTLE -- Women in Games International, a non-profit organization in the interactive entertainment industry, announced today the keynote speaker for their next conference in a series, Women in Games International-Seattle. Titled "The Balancing Act: Game Industry Careers and Quality of Life," the conference is scheduled 1 pm to 7 pm on Saturday, September 16 at Microsoft in Redmond, Washington.

Keynote speaker Bonnie Ross, Director of Production for Microsoft Game Studios, will demonstrate how to be Director of Production for one of the largest publishing teams in the game industry and also have a life.

The Women in Games International Conference series has been created as a forum to discuss a wide range of issues related to women in games, including how to break in and advance your game industry career. This half-day conference will provide useful information for women and men, as well as new and veteran game developers, who are trying to find a balance between quality of life and successful career in the game industry,

At this conference, WIGI will identify quality of life issues and discuss methods for coping or balancing the demands of the industry and a healthy life. The conference consists of an opening keynote address, panel discussions and roundtables with top experts in the field, and a post-conference networking reception, sponsored by Microsoft Game Studios. Panel and roundtable topics include "Quality of Life: Practical Problem-Solving," "The Counselor is In: Expert Advice on Game Careers," "Quality of Life - War Stories from the Trenches (and How We Solved Them)," "Breaking In: How to Acquire The Skills and Get That First Job" and many more.

Bonnie Ross, Director of Production for Microsoft Game Studios, will be opening the conference with her keynote address, entitled "Quality of Life and the Successful Game Industry Career." Her keynote topic is focused on her own career as a games producer and executive, her own experiences managing teams in this demanding industry, networking and other strategies for women in the game industry, and how this can apply to your own career. Ross has been a producer, executive producer, and studio manager on the publisher side. She will be introduced by Todd Holmdahl, Corporate Vice President of the Xbox Gaming and Platform Group.

Ross offers, "Quality of life is an issue that has challenged many people in the game industry. This conference is an opportunity for local industry leaders and game creators to brainstorm together on how to improve quality of life for everyone."

Fiona Cherbak, member of the WIGI steering committee and public relations chairperson, states, "The myriad issues surrounding the constant struggle to balance a reasonable quality of life with a heartfelt commitment to one's work and career is always a timely topic, but perhaps especially more so in recent years. Women in Games International recognizes that both genders experience this difficulty and are seeking better intelligence on how to manage these challenges within the context of the game industry. Our expert speakers are certain to provide excellent insight and advice."

Conference sponsors include title sponsor Microsoft Game Studios, gold sponsor Microsoft Casual Games, silver sponsors Ubisoft and DigiPen, bronze sponsor PopCap Games and series sponsors Game Developers Conference (GDC), International Games Developers Association (IGDA), Mary-Margaret.com, Girls in Games, ThemePark Studios, WomenGamers.com and BusinessWire. This event is presented in cooperation with the Women in Games Conference in the U.K.

The Women In Games International Conference-Seattle will be held at Microsoft, at the RedWest Campus, Building A, located at 15120 NE 40th Street in Redmond, Washington. Attendance is $45 for general attendees, $35 for WIGI members and $30 for students with I.D. Space is limited, so interested attendees are encouraged to secure their spot by registering online today at www.womeningamesinternational.org.

For more details regarding Women In Games International, contact PR Committee Chair Fiona Cherbak at [e-mail], visit their web site at www.womeningamesinternational.org, or contact Morgan Ogburn, ThemePark Studios, 512/916-9633 or [e-mail], for more information.