Recruit, Retain and Engage The Net Generation
International Speaker Michael Furdyk

Location: Gold Coast
Date: Friday 12 March 2010
Event Series: International Speaker Series

The Net Generation – the biggest ever – are changing the world in unprecedented ways.

They are on the very cusp of technology and its application, and being part of a global online community is in their DNA. They wield networks, information and content with ease and use incredible influence to be agents for change. They have been trained since early childhood to collaborate, to hunt for information, to move fast.

Enterprises that are engaging with this generation in a planned and purposeful way, are future proofing their business, harnessing creativity, innovation and constant renewal.

Michael Furdyk, 28, epitomises the "Net Gen" archetype. He has turned his interest in technology into a series of successful online companies, co-founding MyDesktop.com (later sold to Internet.com) and BuyBuddy.com which raised $4.5 million of venture capital).

Michael looks beyond generational characteristics and labels to explore how this technologically savvy, mature and knowledgeable workforce will shape the way businesses grow over the next decade.

He’s provided insights on the Net Generation to a number of Fortune 500 companies, including a 6 month engagement developing youth strategy for Microsoft. As one of Teen People’s "20 teens that will change the world", Michael has shared his expertise in youth engagement at forums including the World Congress on IT, the US Government’s National Youth Summit and TED.

Speaker Profile

Michael Furdyk
Michael Furdyk is the Co-founder and Director of Technology for TakingITGlobal.org, a global online community for young people, providing a platform for millions of youth acrossmore than 200 countries. In 2008, he was named by Contribute Magazine as one of 10 Tech Revolutionaries Redefining the Power and Face of Philanthropy.

Michael has made numerous media appearances including The Oprah Winfrey Show, Time Magazine, Fast Company, BusinessWeek, and USA Today.

He is a board member and advisor to numerous groups including Better the World, Microsoft Partners in Learning, Virgin Unite, Greenpower Canada, and several other national and global organisations.

Along with managing the technology team at TakingITGlobal, Michael was involved in developing the TIGed education program, and has spoken to over 50,000 educators about the importance of engaging students and integrating technology and global perspectives into the classroom.