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Join Nerd Nite for an evening of thinking and drinking at the ORLANDO PUBLIC LIBRARY!

Nerd Nite is an evening of entertaining yet thought-provoking presentations. Speakers present for 15 minutes on a fascinating subject. Presentations are followed by a brief Q&A with the audience.

Orlando Public Library
101 E Central Blvd
Orlando, Florida 32801

Our event will be held on the 3rd floor in the Albertsons Room.

Doors open: 6pm
Presentations begin: 6:45pm

Guest speakers:
Josh Manning
Dr. Penelope Canan
Amanda Brinkman

Hosted by Ricardo Williams

Supporting Sponsors:
Red Bull Amaphiko
Bach Festival Society of Winter Park

THIS IS A FREE EVENT. We will only be accepting online donations.

NOTE: The bar will be serving beer, wine, and a special Red Bull cocktail.

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PRESENTATION #1:
“Make America Geeky Again: Let’s Bring The Nerds Back To Congress” by Josh Manning

Not that long ago our U.S. lawmakers had access to their own independent “geek squad” they could call upon to help them understand the basics of science and technology issues of the time. Just as the country was entering into the 21st century digital age, the group was disbanded. Given today’s rapid and increasingly complex technological change contrasted with what appears to be a Luddite-like legislature, this talk will make the case that America needs to bring the nerds back to Congress, probably now more than ever before.

Josh Manning is the founder and former “Nerdboss” of Nerd Nite Orlando. He spent a year on a hill in the Nation’s capital spreading the good word about the benefits of science and technology toward advancing the American dream. He’s since carried that passion back to Florida and is excited to share some of the knowledge he acquired during his quest.

PRESENTATION #2:
“Earth’s Atmosphere and Our Choices: Ozone, Carbon Dioxide, and Methane” by Dr. Penelope Canan

DESCRIPTION:
Citizens have the power and obligation to support the health of the planet’s precious atmosphere. Here I will focus on three chemical compounds: ozone, carbon dioxide, and methane. Future decisions about the atmosphere rely on us to (1) know the differences between hard-path and soft-path technologies, (2) operate with governance structures that balance the principles of People, Planet, and Prosperity, and (3) understand the power, not tragedy, of the commons.

BIO:
Dr. Canan is an Environmental Sociologist from the University of Denver, who is now Professor Emerita at the UCF. For more than a decade she served as lead author on the United Nations Technology & Economic Assessment Panel for the Montreal Protocol on Ozone Depleting Substances.

She co-authored the critically acclaimed book, Ozone Connections: Expert Networks in Global Environmental Governance.

She is a member of the Natural Resources Committee of the League of Women Voters and IDEAS For Us.

Dr. Canan’s career is characterized by collaboration and cooperation in the management of the Global Commons; the promotion of Earth Systems Science and measurement of social impacts; and, in the Right to Petition, guaranteed in the last clause of the First Amendment to the US Constitution.

She has two daughters and one husband.

PRESENTATION #3:
“Accidentally Creating a Movement: What Happened After I Went Viral and Created an Iconic Symbol” by Amanda Brinkman

BIO:
Pop-culture fanatic and media studies expert, Amanda has over 15 years studying the impact female-driven media has on American culture. Her expertise is in storytelling and branding, human-centered design, visual and material culture, and social impact. Amanda’s work has been featured in over 100 publications, ranging from Vogue to Forbes. She is a regular speaker and panelist at events and conferences (SXSW, OMR) and has taught at the university level. She designed the original viral Nasty Woman shirt and game, and writes the popular bi-weekly newsletter The Shout.