Virtual Worlds News

VW Expo Recommended Hotel Options and Booking Reminder

People have asked us where to stay for the Virtual Worlds Expo (Sept. 3-4, 2008).  There are a number of hotels in the downtown LA- area but the two we are recommending are the Holiday Inn Los Angeles City Center - across the street from the Los Angeles Convention Center and the Wilshire Grand Hotel - 2 blocks from the Los Angeles Convention Center.  The Holiday Inn is well... just that... a Holiday Inn.  Not too pricey, basic but nice (plus right across the street and recently renovated).  The Wilshire is of course a little more upscale.  More expensive, but nicer place.  Both hotels will likely book-up quickly so make your reservation now with the links above. Of course you can also explore your other options for additional hotels near the LA Convention Center as listed on Hotels.com. See you at the show.

VW Expo Earlybird Registration ends in 3 weeks - July 25th

Now that July 4th is over we kick promtion into high gear for Virtual Worlds Expo.  Earlybird registration ends July 25th.  You can save $400 by taking advantage of the earlybird registration - only $595 - until July 25, 2008. After that time online registration is $795. Onsite registration at the event is $995. Expo hall-only passes are available for $195.  The event includes a conference with 5 tracks:
Hollywood  | Enterprise  | Kids  | Future  | Technology and an Exhibit Hall that showcases the latest virtual worlds related technologies and services.

Virtual Worlds 2008 Speaker Presentations

Please find the current speaker presentations from the Virtual Worlds 2008 conference.  If you are a speaker please add a link to your presentation in the comments section or email it to us so we might add it to this list.  We will update this list once new additions are received.

Virtual Law Conference Keynote MP3 Now Online Here

The Virtual Law Conference Keynote MP3 is now online.  Steve Mortinger, VP & Associate General Counsel, Systems and Technology Group, IBM gave the keynote: The Top Ten Things a Brand Should Know about Virtual Worlds.  This MP3 includes introductions from conference co-chair's Sean Kane, Attorney, Drakeford & Kane LLC and Benjamin Duranske, Intellectual Property Attorney, and Author, Virtual Law.  Virtual Law Conference was held April 3-4, 2008 along side VW2008 http://www.virtualworlds2008.com/vw2008_lawkeynote_steve_mortinger.mp3 (9mb)

MP3s of Virtual Worlds 2008 Keynotes Now Online Here

MP3s of the Virtual Worlds 2008 conference keynotes are now online here.  Please mark your calendar for our next shows:  Virtual Worlds Expo (Sept. 3-4, 2008 in Los Angeles) and Virtual Worlds London (Oct. 20-21, 2008 in London)

VW2008, Day 1 Morning Keynote: Intro from Chris Sherman, Joey Seiler. Keynote from Charles Scothon and Rosie O’Neill of Mattel. http://www.virtualworlds2008.com/vw2008_keynote_mattel.mp3 (9mb)

VW2008, Day 2 Afternoon Keynote: Intro from Chris Sherman. Keynote from Sibley Verbeck:
http://www.virtualworlds2008.com/vw2008_keynote_sibley.mp3 (9.4mb)

VW2008, Day 2 Keynote: Intro from Chris Sherman, Reuben Steiger. Keynote from Jeffrey B. Yapp and Kyra E. Reppen of Viacom's MTV and Neopets: http://www.virtualworlds2008.com/vw2008_keynote_viacom.mp3 (15.7mb)

Updated: Virtual Worlds 2008 Wrap Up

Virtual Worlds 2008 has come and passed. My only regret was that I couldn't be in more places at once. I'll be posting plenty more stories this week following up on announcements and introducing some pretty interesting new people, companies, and technologies--that's only the stuff I can print now. You'll just have to take my word that the next year is going to see some very, very exciting announcements. That's not to say this last week wasn't amazing, though. In case you missed it, below I'll round up all my stories on announcements and sessions, a few posts from other people about events I missed and their takes on the whole affair, and whatever else I get down over this week. If I miss anything you think is particularly important, please feel free to throw a link in the comments or trackbacks below. [updates at bottom]

The Madness of Setup at VW08; Badge Pickup Tomorrow Starting at 7:30am

The photo to the right doesn't show it but the madness has started at the Javits Convention Center and will continue throughout the day as we set up for Virtual Worlds 2008. In total we're expecting over 1,200 people tomorrow. Badge pick up starts at 7:30am tomorrow (April 3rd) and the first keynote starts at 9am. If you didn't get a chance to register prior to online registration closed you can do so onsite beginning at 7:30am. 

1150 people from 624 companies participating at VW08

We just updated our numbers and more than 1,150 people from 624 companies (list here) are participating at this week's Virtual Worlds Conference 2008, making this our largest show yet.  Registration ends today, Monday, March 31st, at 11:59pm eastern time (8:59pm pacific time).

VW08 Registration Ends Today (March 31st) at 11:59pm Eastern Time

Virtual Worlds 2008 registration ends at today (Monday, March 31st) at 11:59pm Eastern Time (8:59pm Pacific Time).  We just wanted to make the note so everyone who wants to register before online registration closes can do so.  We would like to keep registration open later, but we have to print the last of the badges prior to catching the plane to New York early the next morning.  See you at the show.

VW08 Registration Ends This Coming Monday

Online registration for VW08 ends this Monday, March 31st.  Register online for only $895 and secure your spot at the show.  Onsite tickets - if there are any available - will be available for $1,295 beginning at 7:30am on Thursday, April 3rd. If you are already registered please read the badge pick up and party post details here.
- 67 speakers in 5 conference tracks, including keynotes from Mattel, MTV, IBM and Electric Sheep.
- 37 companies showcasing new Virtual Worlds technologies
- 1034 people from over 520 companies are registered