I got a heads-up about a free event promotion and calendaring service that allows you to create widgets and pages for free.

It took me just a few minutes to sign up, create an event, and customize the widget by adjusting colors (see it below). I also got a web page for added information about the event, RSVPs, and collecting information from those interested. It even allows people to subscribe to event updates.

SpongeCell, the software provider, provides tracking data (widget and page views) and lets you collect your subscribers' contact information. Not bad for a free suite of tools! (The software service also provides email and SMS messaging to your contacts, but fees apply per number of messages sent.)

What's cool is the ease of integration and sharing of the widgets -- think Facebook. I'm not really a techie (I just play one on TV), but I found the back-end management and creative tools very straightforward.

The 5th Annual Games for Change Festival, taking place June 2-4 in NYC, will kick off with a free workshop for nonprofits interested in social issue games. It'd be great to get some NTEN representation there:

Games for Change, the international nexus and primary community of practice for individuals and organizations interested in games for positive social change will be hosting a free day-long workshop for non-profits and public institutions new to the field of video games and "real world issues".

There aren't many spaces left at the workshop, and you do need to apply. The rest of the conference looks pretty intriguing, as well: the closing keynote will be delivered by the Honorable Sandra Day O'Conner. We hear she's wicked good at FIFA 08.