BIOMEDevice San Jose to Welcome Cyborg Foundation Co-founder Neil Harbisson as 2016 Keynote Speaker
November 28, 2016
BIOMEDevice San Jose, collocated with Embedded Systems Conference (ESC) Silicon Valley to bring together the engineering and medtech industries, unveiled that Neil Harbisson, cyborg activist and Cyborg Foundation co-founder, will take the keynote stage to deliver a presentation surrounding biological evolution via cybernetic technology.
BIOMEDevice San Jose and ESC Silicon Valley will take place Dec. 6-8 at the San Jose (Calif.) Convention Center.
Harbisson is the co-founder of the Cyborg Foundation, an international organization that promotes the use of cybernetics as a body part to extend human senses and perception and aims to help humans become cyborgs, defend cyborg rights and promote cyborgism as a social and artistic movement.
He is best known for having an antenna implanted in his skull that allows him to perceive colors that are outside human vision such as infrareds and ultraviolets, and is the first person to be officially recognized as a human cyborg by the government.
Harbisson’s artworks investigate the relationship between color and sound, experiment the boundaries of human perception, and explore the use of artistic expression via sensory extensions.
His keynote presentation, The Art and Science of Extending Perception through Cybernetic Technology, will explore how taking an active part in our own biological evolution is no longer a theory, but an option.
Harbisson will touch on how becoming technology, instead of using or wearing technology, opens up the possibility of having additional organs and senses beyond the ones confined to our species.
ccording to Harbisson, by merging ourselves with technology we can become the designers of our own body and perception, thereby increasing our survival possibilities in earth and outer space, which poses the question: Are we witnessing the renaissance of our species?
"We're thrilled to welcome a professional as dedicated and knowledgeable about bio technology as Neil," said Nina Brown, vice president of Events for the Advanced Manufacturing Portfolio, UBM. "His work is constantly pushing industry boundaries and inviting the world to explore different ideas and perspectives related to how our bodies work and evolve. Our attendees will be hearing from a true industry pioneer who has dedicated his life to advancing the human body."
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
Add new comment