Hacks/Hackers April Meetup: Game Changers

This month's meet up hears from those 'changing the rules' and challenging existing models. We will hear from two amazing speakers about the way they are tackling change.

We are also changing our game at Hacks/Hackers [bad transition cue] and the format of the event will be slightly different from now on, to make it more snappy, sharp and interactive. We'll get two speakers, more time to chat and network and... the return of the 'lightning pitches' session! Plus, free drinks, hotdogs and nachos...

Important: To sign up for this event, you also need to fill this Google Form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1_dOL0iERreB96br9lhjheCclgAuujdEkSmm64UILzg0/viewform). It's unfortunately the only way for us to get the details needed for the shiny guests badges we'll give you on your way in the venue. If you have a +1 (or more), you'll be asked to give their name too :) Thank you!

Turning 'viral' into 'profit': how BuzzFeed disrupts the model

Luke Lewis (http://www.buzzfeed.com/lukelewis), UK Editor @BuzzFeedUK (http://twitter.com/buzzfeeduk) @LukeLewis (http://www.twitter.com/lukelewis)

Luke is a former editor of NME.com now leading the BuzzFeed team in the U.K.

BuzzFeed (http://www.buzzfeed.com/about) is a leading social news organisation that combines viral content from across the web with original reporting. Luke will tell us how he thinks BuzzFeed is changing the game and why understanding how a new-media outlet functions - and prosper - in the Web era is crucial.

Traditional media players wonder whether BuzzFeed can create a new-media entity—one that becomes known for its serious journalism and political scoops—on top of the social-sharing engine it has already built. During his talk, Luke will tell us about their advertising model and how viral content is changing the game online.

Bitcoin Fever: how the world's largest online currency is taking the economy by stormAmir Taaki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amir_Taaki), project developer for Bitcoin (http://bitcoin.org/en/)

Amir is a British (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom) video game (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_game) and computer software (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_software) developer. He is best known as a Bitcoin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bitcoin) project developer and for pioneering many open source (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_source) projects.

Virtual currency Bitcoin has risen in usage, notoriety and value in the past few months. A Bitcoin’s worth fluctuates with demand, and just like cash, it is free to use and very hard to trace. Amir will tell us more about the business model, viability and controversy surrounding Bitcoin.

Just days ago the total value of bitcoins in circulation hit $2 billion. But late on April 10, Bitcoin crashed, shedding more than 60 percent of its value in the space of a few hours, before recouping some of its losses. Critics say the roller coaster currency movements are just another sign that Bitcoin is a bubble waiting to burst. Amir will comment on the latest news and share with us his views on the future of the currency.

Lightning pitches:

Vizibee (http://www.vizibee.com/), a new 'video network of journalists' - CTO and co-founder Artem Kiselev import.io (http://import.io/), a new way to use data from the web - import.io developer Chris Alexander Finding Satoshi' - a pitch for a documentary film about the hunt for the legendary creator of Bitcoin

Bloomberg's London office is on Finsbury Square, near Moorgate tube station. When you get downstairs, the reception will issue you a visitor badge/wristband and invite you to go up the escalator where people will guide you down to the auditorium.

Don't forget to fill in the Google Form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1_dOL0iERreB96br9lhjheCclgAuujdEkSmm64UILzg0/viewform)! If you don't, it will take you longer to get in and may cause some delay. Nachos, hotdogs, beers and other drinks will be provided throughout the evening. There will also be some great opportunities to network at the end of the presentations.

PLEASE ARRIVE IN ADVANCE as you’ll need to print your guest badge/wristband at the entrance.

We look forward to seeing you there!