Get an edge in everything from computer graphics to deploying interactive reports to using Wolfram|Alpha in the classroom. Whether you're new to Mathematica or an expert, the free Wolfram Mathematica Virtual Conference 2012 will help you get the most out of the platform. Two tracks of conference talks cover applications of Mathematica in industry and research and in education. Each talk includes a live Q&A session.

In November 2011 we held the first Computer-Based Math Education Summit in London. Over two days we brought an unprecedented cross-section of people with a stake in STEM education to address the question "In an era of ubiquitous computing, how should we rebuild math education from the ground up, to keep pace with and drive progress in the real world?" Last year's summit was a first glimpse at some of the work from the computer-based math community worldwide. The Computer-Based Math Education Summit 2012, again being held in London, will be tackling more of these issues in a mainstream way. If you want to have a stake in math education in 10 years' time, this summit is unmissable.

Did you know that we have more than 600 videos and screencasts that highlight (and help you get started with) different features of Mathematica and other Wolfram technologies? You've probably seen a number of them across our websites or on our YouTube channels. But now, it's easier than ever to explore the full collection—thanks to our newly redesigned Wolfram Screencast & Video Gallery.

Wolfram Research today announced the winner of its first Demonstrations competition as Michael Lawson from Ermysted's Grammar School, North Yorkshire, with runners-up Patrick Stevens, Woodbridge School, Suffolk and David Harris, St. Dunstan's College, London. Michael's Demonstration, "Recursive Dungeon Generator," was a particularly good showcase for applications of programming---in this instance, for game design. "I was working on creating my own Rogue-like game, and I was experimenting with different ways to generate rooms. This was one of my own algorithm ideas," said Michael, who, although he has been programming for four years, only started using Mathematica recently. "I actually only learned how to use Mathematica for the purpose of the competition. I started creating my demo after having only watched a few of the videos recommended for entrants, and then finished about four days later!" All three of the winning entries are published on the Wolfram Demonstrations Project site alongside 8,000 other user-created programs. "Recursive Dungeon Generation” "Semitones In Pythagorean Tuning and 12 Tone Equal Temperament” "Sorting Algorithms” The idea of the competition was to promote the application of programming in schools and support the UK government initiative to bring programming into schools.

Mathematica Summer Camp ran July 1–13 at Curry College. This year we had 22 high school students from all over the world who came together to learn Mathematica. By the end of camp, each student created his or her own Mathematica program, which they presented on Friday. They all worked hard to complete their projects in order to submit them to the Wolfram Demonstrations Project.

Before you know it, it'll be October and time for the Wolfram Technology Conference 2012. We thought you'd be interested in finding out more about some of the things we're doing this year. First, we're offering a social networking and personalized schedule-building tool for all registered attendees. You can connect with your fellow attendees, arrange meetings with Wolfram staff and other participants, create your schedule, and rate talks and share comments throughout the conference. Feel free to dive right in and create your own profile.