FutureTech 2013: call for papers on "Altered Realities"

"We set the bar quite high last year with a line-up of presenters at the top of their game, ranging from a social media entrepreneur to a wireless communications expert, from a cyber-forensics specialist to a green energy guru, from a world-renowned cosmologist to an A-rated scientist who wanted to shake up our ideas on nutrition" says editor and publisher Alan Duggan.

"This year's theme is "Altered Realities" - a neat catch-all for the challenges and opportunities facing all of us in the years to come. To survive and flourish, we need to embrace certain realities, some of them deeply exciting and others downright scary."

As before, says Duggan, the conference aims to demystify ideas and technologies that are already changing our lives. "We would like to hear from people who have unique stories to tell, people who believe this is the right time and an appropriate forum for sharing their knowledge."

Professor Tim Noakes addresses delegates at last year’s Popular Mechanics FutureTech conference

"They'll be addressing an audience of clever, well-connected men and women from all over South Africa, some of whom have attended every one of our conferences. If you believe you have something to say to them, our selection panel would like to see a synopsis of your 25-minute presentation before 31 July. All submissions should be addressed to az.oc.aidemyasmar@scinahcemralupop with 'FutureTech submission' in the subject line."

A popular element of last year's FutureTech initiative, the annual Popular Mechanics Inventor of the Year Competition, returns this year with substantial cash prizes in two categories, "Cutting Edge" (open to all members of the public) and "Emerging Genius" (for previously disadvantaged and under-resourced inventors). Further details will be released within the next few weeks.

• The FutureTech conference happens during the Johannesburg International Motor Show at the Expo Centre (Nasrec), Johannesburg, on 24 October: bookings open soon. If you would like to receive updates on the programme, please e-mail Kate Simons at kated@ramsaymedia.co.za with "FutureTech 2013 updates" in the subject line.