“The Truths to Gaming and Start-up - SheSharp Edition” is organised by SheSharp, in collaboration with Geo AR Games & the New Zealand Game Developers Association (NZGDA). If you’re interested in Gaming, Augmented Reality, and Development, then this is an event you don’t want to miss!

Hear the inspiring story of Melanie, CEO of Geo AR Games, and learn how she grew her start-up and worked on national as well as international projects! It’s quite difficult for women to make it in the gaming industry and many females go through the stereotypical work environment. Melanie has some great tips for young women out there who are looking for a career in gaming, and how to make it in the industry! The gaming world needs women, like Talia Pua, Carol Taka and Vaanipriya Diwan, who are part of the panel on the night!

Although this event features all female speakers, anyone can attend; from high school/university students to professionals far into their careers, people of all genders, aspiring entrepreneurs, are all welcome. We have a range of activities lined up, such as networking, gaming, and play-testing sessions.

OUR SPEAKER

Melanie Langlotz

Melanie Langlotz is the founder of Geo AR Games and the ideas person behind the product range. She has got a varied 20 years background from both a technical and management perspective in the Entertainment and Media industry and holds a Post Grad Diploma in Entrepreneurship, a Diploma in Business Coaching. She has spent the last 7 years immersing herself in game psychology and Augmented Reality. Her original AR WORLD idea goes back to Feb 2011 with the first prototype being developed back in 2012.
Mel has been through 2 business incubators: Start-up Chile and Lightning Lab, which provided the springboard for Geo AR Games, our first product "Sharks in the Park" and later on "Magical Park".

OUR PANELISTS

Talia Pua

Talia is equal parts a performer and designer of playful interactions. Her body of work spans across multiple disciplines including, but not limited to, game and play, installation work, theatre-making and performance. She has worked with AUT, Geo AR, MOTAT, Red Leap Theatre and Proudly Asian Theatre. In 2019 she was awarded a Gold Pin for her board game 'Continuum' at the Best Awards.

Carol Taka

Carol is a freelance Maori Game Designer. She is working as a junior Developer with GeoAR, doing game design and programming amongst other things. She has a Bachelor of Creative Technologies and this has supported her journey in the industry. She enjoys working with Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality and hopes to work more with those in relation to her Maori heritage.

Vaanipriya Diwan

Vaanipriya graduated from Auckland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Creative Technologies. Having studied such an interdisciplinary course has allowed her to learn and gain valuable skills in many subjects. She's freelancing with GeoAR Games and utilising her augmented reality, concept and game design, and communication amongst other key skills.