GW calendar logoSci-Fi and Fantasy are playing an unprecedented role in the mainstream pop culture arena. Once a fringe subculture refuge, it would’ve been hard for geeks a few decades ago to imagine that Star Trek could become a big-budget film franchise or that one of the most popular TV shows of all time would take place in a far-off world called Westeros.

In celebration of this geek revolution, EMP is hosting its 10th annual Science Fiction and Short Film Festival Feb. 6 – 8. See special screenings of Escape from New York and The Dark Side as well as EMP’s selections of the genres’ best shorts.

sffsff15The event will be held at Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s Cinerama just a few months after its reopening. Visit EMP’s website for the full list of films. Tickets are on sale now for $7 – $75.

That’s one of the selections from the GeekWire Calendar, our curated list of the Pacific Northwest’s top tech events. Keep reading and visit the full calendar for more.

How to Start a Startup in Seattlerecruitment_general

The ecosystems of tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon, the abundance of investors, and the vibrant tech community make Seattle one of the best places to launch a startup. Still, it can be difficult to navigate the resources available and to execute the best strategy to get your business off the ground.

WeWork South Lake union will address those issues with a panel of experts. Networking will precede the panel and the event will close with a Q&A session. RSVP for free here.

When and where: Feb. 2, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. WeWork, Seattle.

thumb_How-To-Hire-A-DeveloperA Glimpse Into Disruptive Web Development Education

The demand for developers combined with the rapidly evolving world of computer programming has caused some organizations to question whether a CS degree is necessary — or even preferable — to do the job.  As a result several coding trade schools, like Seattle’s Code Fellows and Ada Developer Academy, have emerged as alternative routes.

General Assembly is hosting a panel and discussion to explore the changing world of coding education. Hear insights from Seattle Time Developer Audrey Carlsen, GA instructor Anil Bridgpal, and Code Fellows VP of Business Partnerships. RSVP for this free event here.

When and where: Jan. 27, 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. WeWork, Seattle.

logo (2)Zino Angels & Demons Investment Forum

Startuppers looking for funding, this event is for you. The Zino society is hosting a panel of “angels and demons,” that is angel investors, company founders, venture capitalists, or executives who have “seen a minimum of 500 pitches in order to be worthy of both the halo and the pitchfork.” Guests can deliver five minute pitches and are invited to listen to other companies’ proposals over wine and appetizers. Register for $55 – $75 here.

When and where: Jan. 28, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Columbia Tower Club, Seattle.

game-of-thrones-125Game of Thrones: The IMAX Experience

Good news for Game of Thrones fans lamenting the 10-month stretch between seasons: The Pacific Science Center has your back.  “The Watchers on the Wall” and “The Children” have been digitally remastered into the IMAX format and you have one week to view them in Seattle. Tickets are on sale now for $10 – $15 here.

When and where: Jan. 29 – Feb. 5, Pacific Science Center, Seattle.

Eventbrite-Transparent_UW-Z_Logo_a_01Zillow and UW Host Hack Housing: Empowering Smarter Decisions – A Weekend Hackathon

Zillow is opening its downtown headquarters for a weekend-long hackathon focused on developing products and solutions for house hunters and renters. Participants will present their work to a panel of local tech leaders and federal government officials specializing in big data. The first place winner will receive $10,000 cash. Register for free here.

When and where: Feb. 6 – Feb. 8, Zillow, Seattle.

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