Developers are invited to lend expertise to create tech-friendly New Orleans experience

NEW ORLEANS (January 8, 2013) ̶ The Louisiana Technology Council and the New Orleans Super Bowl Host Committee are inviting developers to New Orleans to participate in a first-of-its-kind event ̶ the Codemkrs SUPER Challenge. In anticipation of Super Bowl XLVII, ideas for web apps to enhance visitors’ experiences in New Orleans have been plentiful. Codemkrs SUPER Challenge will turn those ideas into apps in a two-day event held at Peter Mayer Advertising’s headquarters on Camp Street, January 11-13.

Teams of developers will choose which app to work on from ideas submitted online at http://codemkrs.com/. Current ideas include a real-time restaurant seating availability app; a streetcar/public transit finder for linking up with friends; a digital tip jar for performing musicians; and ask-a-local app (The LagniAPP) to get local input on what to see and do in New Orleans, among others.

Developers will compete for prizes furnished by the Super Bowl Host Committee and other prize sponsors. Prizes, to name just a few, include $1,000 cash from TurboSquid, a two-night stay at the Loews Hotel, and dinner for two at some of the city’s top restaurants such as Sylvain and John Besh Restaurants. The winning apps will be made public and promoted in the days leading up to the Super Bowl.

“There are so many ideas for apps and little opportunity for developers to engage with the big game directly,” says Travis Laurendine, entrepreneur and lead organizer for the event. “I think a hack-a-thon will galvanize the technology community to create something special that will enhance the overall visitor and fan experience.”

Developers are encouraged to register their participation online at: http://codemkrs.com/register/. The hack-a-thon kicks off at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, January 11, at Peter Mayer headquarters at 318 Camp Street in the Central Business District of New Orleans.

Winning apps will be chosen by a panel of judges, including Elliott Adams, Loyola University Professor and formerly the Digital Media Director for Louisiana Entertainment, Allen Square, Jr., CIO for the City of New Orleans, among others. An award ceremony will be held on Sunday, January 13 at 5:00 p.m. at the Little Gem Saloon at 445 South Rampart Street on the corner of Poydras, a short walk from Peter Mayer.

Sponsors of Codemkrs SUPER Challenge include Louisiana Technology Council; Peter Mayer Advertising; Super Bowl XLVII Host Committee; New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation; Volnado.com; Silicon Bayou News; Chef John Besh Restaurant Group; Launchpad; Firebase; Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board; Amazon Web Services; Gracenote; Cordina New Orleans Cocktails; data.nola.gov; Juvenile’s Lundifest; and the Little Gem Saloon.

Local restaurants Sainte Marie, Capdeville and Naked Pizza, as well as Zatarain's, producer of New Orleans-style (Cajun) food products, are all providing meals during the event to keep the developers well-fed as they code around the clock through the weekend.

About Peter Mayer
Peter Mayer Advertising Inc. was founded in 1967 with three employees and $200,000 in annual billings. Today it is one of the largest full-service advertising, public relations and marketing agencies in the Gulf South, with a staff of nearly 198 professionals and billings of $150 million. Peter Mayer Advertising specializes in all areas of advertising, marketing, direct response, public relations, promotions and Internet media. Its client list includes local, regional and national accounts. Visit the Peter Mayer Advertising website at www.peteramayer.com and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/peteramayer.