MEDIA ALERT - Microsoft to Open Surface Café in Toronto

Three-day pop-up will bring together the brightest minds in fashion, culture and business

TORONTO, June 13, 2014 /CNW/ - On June 20, Microsoft Canada will open the doors to Toronto's newest coffee shop – the Surface Café. Bringing together traditional coffeehouse and 21^st century digital culture, the Surface Café will host hands-on workshops with special guests including Rebecca Minkoff CEO and design partner Uri Minkoff; indie rock sensations The Darcys; acclaimed Canadian photographer Caitlin Cronenberg; DC Comics writer/illustrator Francis Manapul and legendary Canadian entrepreneur Michael Wekerle.

The Café will be open to guests from Friday, June 20 to Sunday, June 22, and will also offer Torontonians one of the first looks at the Surface Pro 3, the new lightweight tablet that packs the power and performance you expect from a laptop.

In addition to being fueled by the new Surface Pro 3, visitors to the Surface Café will be fueled by complimentary coffee beverages. Donations in lieu of payment are being accepted for Microsoft YouthSpark partner Kids Learning Code.

Please see below for the schedule of Surface Café operating hours and workshops. Workshops are free to attend, however fans are asked to register at www.microsoft.ca/surfacecafe to guarantee their spot. Photo and interview opportunities available by request. For more information, contact Kate Burkholder.

Location:	399 Queen Street W, Toronto, ON
Hours of Operation:
	Friday, June 20, 2014: 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
	Saturday, June 21, 2014: 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
	Sunday, June 22, 2014: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Surface Café Workshop Schedule

Friday, June 20
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.	Mobile Design with Uri Minkoff	Attendees can explore the intersection of fashion and technology with one of the founders of the design company that brought us the Mini M.A.C. handbag and design their own fashion accessory on a Surface device.
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.	InstaLife with Caitlin Cronenberg	Amateur shutterbugs and seasoned pros can get up close and personal with acclaimed Canadian photographer Caitlin Cronenberg to discuss some of her most iconic images and create one of their own using a Surface device.
Saturday, June 21
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.	The Digital Comic Strip with Francis Manapul	This session will explore how technology can fuel creativity and collaboration as attendees participate in the real-time creation of a new comic book storyline with Francis Manapul, award-winning writer and illustrator from DC Comics.
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.	Surface Harmony with The Darcys	Jason Couse and Wes Marksell of Toronto band The Darcys will host an evening of storytelling and creative collaboration, including an intimate performance.
Sunday, June 22
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.	Your Big Idea and the Surface Pro 3	An unprecedented opportunity for start-ups to learn from – and pitch to – some of Canada's leading business minds, including legendary Canadian entrepreneur, Michael Wekerle. At the end of the workshop, one start-up will win $10,000 in seed money and mentorship from Microsoft BizSpark.

About Microsoft Canada
Established in 1985, Microsoft Canada Inc. is the Canadian subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq "MSFT") the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft Canada provides nationwide sales, marketing, consulting and local support services in both French and English. Headquartered in Mississauga, Microsoft Canada has nine regional offices across the country dedicated to empowering people through great software - any time, any place and on any device. For more information on Microsoft Canada, please visit www.microsoft.ca.

SOURCE: Microsoft Canada Inc.