An update from Paul Bunyan Communications…

The GigaZone Gaming Championship and TechXpo, a Paul Bunyan Communications event, has announced that Duncan Wardle, the former Head of Innovation and Creativity at Disney, will be the special guest in 2025.
Duncan helped teams at Disney Parks, Lucasfilm, Marvel, Pixar, Imagineering and Animation to innovate, creating magical new storylines and amazing experiences for consumers around the globe. From sending Buzz Lightyear into space on a space shuttle, to creating an Olympic-sized swimming pool for Michael Phelps to swim down Main Street USA at Disneyland, to creating the Super Bowl halftime show for the new Millennium, Duncan has given life to some of the biggest ideas imaginable.
He is a multiple TEDx speaker and frequent contributor to Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, and Forbes, and he teaches Innovation and Creativity Masterclasses at Yale and Harvard Universities. Duncan holds the American Citizen Award presented at the White House, an Honorary Doctorate from Edinburgh University, and the Duke of Edinburgh Award, presented by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth.
“We are so excited to have Duncan Wardle as our special guest this year! His work at Disney touched so many different facets of technology from films to their theme parks to events. He is sure to inspire our guests with an engaging presentation,” said Chad Bullock, Paul Bunyan Communications incoming CEO/General Manager.
The 2025 GigaZone Gaming Championship & TechXpo will be April 12 at the Sanford Center in Bemidji. It is free to attend, free to game, and free to be an exhibitor. The doors will open at 10 a.m. As special guest, Wardle will present on the main stage at 2 p.m. He will also be a judge for the Greater Bemidji NorthStar Pitch Competition.
“The GigaZone Gaming Championship & TechXpo is a one-of-a-kind event that is something truly special for our region and provides the chance to see up close and personal how local schools and businesses are incorporating the latest in technology into what they do. Duncan’s background is a great fit for the event. He will inspire many to consider a career in technology,” added Brian Bissonette, Paul Bunyan Communications Marketing Supervisor.
The mission of the GigaZone TechXpo is to spark excitement and create opportunities with technology by connecting students and job seekers with employers, educators and technology enthusiasts from across northern Minnesota. Schools and businesses can get in front of thousands of potential students, customers, and employees. There is no cost to be an exhibitor but space is limited and the exhibit must display the use of technology. Applications must be submitted by February 28, 2025 at www.gigazonetechxpo.com