We're UDEN - The Utah Digital Entertainment Network
A non-profit, voluntary trade group for the creators of entertainment content and technology in Utah, USA. Founded by local industry professionals, run by local industry professionals.
Overall, we aim to be a single voice for all of those involved in digital entertainment in Utah – films, games, education, technology and more.
There are many talented people here working in digital entertainment, but we’re doing so in small, disconnected networks
For a healthy ecosystem and vibrant future we need to build a community that is looking out for the entire sector, not just individual interest
With your help, UDEN can build this community here in Utah
Other entertainment areas attained success by becoming a community first that collaborated to create economic growth. New York, Montreal, Austin - all excellent examples
We won’t do this by replacing anything that already exists – on the contrary, we want to be additive – to help connect the dots between everything that already exists – companies, services, groups – and help them become stronger by being connected in the ecosystem – part of a wider community
We're small, we don't have any money - but that doesn't mean we can't achieve great things by working together. "I'll help" you might say! "Great!" we reply. "But how can I?" you say. "Easier than you think", we reply!
Did you know there are more than 50 other groups specializing in digital entertainment in Utah? Find the one or two most useful to you personally and support them also!
Check out our past meetings on YouTube
Utah is not exactly known as a hub of entertainment expertise. We can fix that with your help.
If you talk to the media about your work, remember to also tell them you're a Utah digital entertainment company. (When was the last time you saw or heard that?). Tell them Utah is a great place to live and work.
Use the hashtag #UTproud in your social media posts when showing off your latest work.
Tell the world about the great talent and digital entertainment community we have here. Make it personal - tell them why you're here. Share your passion.
If this isn't something you do directly, get your company to start doing this. If you need help, ask us. info@utahden.org
Encourage your colleagues and other people you know in the industry to support UDEN
Post notices at your place of work about UDEN and industry events. We're not a union, it shouldn't upset anyone, it's about growing the ecosystem here in the state
Tell colleagues about UDEN and why its important to build this community
Maybe you could manage a webpage for us?
Perhaps you could find sponsors for upcoming meetings?
How about writing a regular blog for this site?
Perhaps you could check people in at events?
Maybe you could staff our booth at a trade show?
We’re all volunteers and the more volunteers, the more we can do! If you can spare an hour or two a month, please get in contact. info@utahden.org
We often hear "we can never find enough talented people in the State so we outsource" - which is nonsense, the talent is here it's just sometimes hard to find.
By insourcing in the state, we support each other and it will make a huge difference to our ecosystem.
Hiring local makes a difference so please, choose that first whenever you can. If this isn't your job, talk to whoever in your organization is responsible and make the case. We can help make connections if needed. Just contact us for help! info@utahden.org
UDEN can't do this alone, it takes everyone in our community to be part of the community.
Bring other people to meetings, tell them why YOU believe and how this is in your collective interest.
Tell others in your organization how we can grow this ecosystem if we band together
Encourage your workplace to sponsor a UDEN event
Perhaps we can have a UDEN event at your workplace?