Engage Expo - Small, But That May Not Be A Bad Thing ~

Apple MacKay and I attended the Engage! Expo at the Jacob Javits Center in New York this week. Last year, the event was known as 'The Virtual World Expo ' with dozens of content creation companies demonstrating their goods and talking the talk. Last year, Linden Lab®, Millions of Us, various virtual world legal teams, Mattel and IBM were present, speaking on panels and vying for the spotlight in packed conference rooms. We came home with a bulging pocket full of business cards, running out of our own cards; they were from the people we spoke with. It was crowded and loud, with an undeniable energy, which we felt for months following the event. This year, only about two dozen start-up companies were on hand, demonstrating their virtual worlds, products and skills - hoping for the attention of investors. Although The Electric Sheep Company , Habbo and ActiveWorlds were on hand demonstrating their latest projects, they were about the biggest names we could find. We were initially disappointed with the small turnout of the convention, but then, after speaking unhurried and uninterrupted with those in attendance, we found that we were in the company of some very interesting professionals with a sincere interest in developing the virtual world for their specific market. Some of the professionals we met represented the music and entertainment industries, which have enthusiastically embraced the idea of using the virtual world for fan interaction and promotions. We met music industry icon, Darryl "DMC" McDaniels. Darryl is launching DMC's 3D Virtual World through Worlds.com on March 31, 2009, just in time for his induction to Rock and Roll's Hall of Fame in April. We also met television producers, mass marketers and investors, who were surprised to learn that we are independently producing live music concerts, stand up comedy and book promotion with the Guest Lecture Series at Molaskey's Pub in Second Life®. Without the large crowds of last year, I guess we were at an advantage to have the attention of some very powerful and interested people. I can't think of any other way of having the attention of, and exchange of business cards with the caliber of professionals that we did, even if it was just a few. So, looking at the glass as half-full, I think this year's convention was worthwhile and interesting, even if it was less attended than last year.

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