Virtual World Expo Convention NYC April 3,4, 2008

This week, Apple and I attended the Virtual World Expo in New York City where dozens of virtual world companies and their dedicated pioneers exchanged business cards, pleasantries and participated in presentations on the topics of 'virtual law', 'kids in virtual worlds' and the overall growing business within virtual worlds.

I arrived early on Thursday morning and picked up my press pass to cover the event for my upcoming book, 'The Second Life® Business Builder'. Jay (Apple) called me from his office and confirmed the plan to meet me at the Expo in the afternoon. Upon entering the forum, with my notebook and pen handy, I noticed all the exhibits, waiting for the arrival of several hundred attendees. Being that I was early, I had an unobstructed view of each booth. I began to devise my plan to visit each exhibit relative to my book.

Within a minute of looking around, I noticed several empty round tables with white tablecloths. One table was occupied with two gentlemen in conversation. I recognized one of those gentlemen to be Philip Rosedale. Philip Rosedale is the creator of 'Second Life®' and CEO of Linden Lab®. I hadn't expected him to attend this convention, but there he was.

Honestly, I was looking around for security guards or in the very least, oversized bouncers to stop me from getting too close, but when I took a seat at the table next to Philip, remaining in view of him, it occurred to me that there was no secret service, no bouncers, nothing to stop me from simply waiting for a turn to speak with him. He is a person, albeit extraordinary person, at the convention, like the rest of us.

I waited for the two gentlemen to finish speaking, occasionally making eye contact with Phillip. When they finished, I stood up and approached Philip introducing myself as an author and a long-time 'Second Life' resident. He was delightful and charming. He offered to fetch us a cup of coffee before we sat down to talk. I thought of the humor in that - having Philip Rosedale, creator of 'Second Life®' fetching me a cup of coffee.

We sat together for about twenty minutes as he sipped his coffee and I scribbled notes.  I began by saying 'Thank you for Second Life®', and continued by asking him a few surface personal questions about where he grew up, went to school, and when the idea of 'Second Life®' first came to him. We talked about the state of 'SL' and the future of it. In no time at all, the butterflies in my stomach calmed down and we chatted like friends. At the end of the interview, we asked Brian Regan of Semper LLC, who was sitting nearby, to take a snapshot, which I will treasure for years to come.

Although I would have really liked to interview him in greater detail, I knew Philip had limited time at the convention and wanted to mingle with the crowd.  I wondered, as I watched Philip casually walk (alone) and interact at each exhibit, if anyone else knew the weight of his presence, or if it was just I, having been charmed by his good looks, good nature and extreme intelligence.

We also took the opportunity to meet with Sibley Verbeck, founder and CEO of The Electric Sheep Company and several of his talented and personable executives, producers and staff. The Electric Sheep Company was the lead sponsor of the Virtual Worlds Expo NYC 2008 and had large exhibit with plenty of activity. Sibley was a delight to speak with. I didn't know where to begin. The Electric Sheep Company has so many projects going on in several virtual worlds, it was hard to get it all in a random interview. Nonetheless, we briefly discussed several topics including the impact machinima will have on television, mainstream acceptance of virtual worlds and servicing clients in the virtual world by providing a superior virtual world experience. I found Sibley to be enthusiastic, genuine and smart. Really smart.

Wagner James Au, author of the new book, 'The Making of Second Life', was on hand for book signings. Again, I simply walked up to him and introduced myself.   'James', as he introduced himself, was very sweet. James was one of the early residents in 'Second Life' and has many interesting stories about the rise in popularity, the changes, the battles and the pride that built 'Second Life'. He has a great style of writing making it easy to become immersed in his storytelling. Again, although he is a well-known virtual world persona, and I didn't expect to meet him, I was totally at ease in his presence as we talked like we were old friends.

The exhibits were interesting, in that they all had an angle on the virtual worlds that was unique and promising.   Larry Gardner, representing 'CyberExtruder on Avatar Island' took pictures of us, using our faces to create a realistic, customizable avatar for 'Second Life'. CyberExtruder is working in several virtual worlds and has been featured as a company of interest in the news and in many business magazines. Amy Pritchard represented 'Metaverse Mod Squad' in 'Second Life'. They are a virtual world staffing company that is helping staff virtual world sites with knowledgeable avatars. They provide the staff companies need in world, recognizing the key to a successful virtual world marketing campaign is having a fully interactive, staffed site.  They are working with The WB incorporating a popular television show, as well as The Harry Potter sim and many other well-known destinations. They even have a special portal entrance into 'Second Life' where they have mentors standing by to orientate new comers.  Christian DeBaun, Director of Business Development represents 'Pay By Cash', a financial solution without credit cards for gaming and virtual world transactions.  They offer pre-paid virtual currency cards that are available in stores. Doug Mealy, President of 'Online Marketing and Public Relations' was there representing his clients, Icarus Studios and Vivox. He demonstrated how they are using virtual worlds for corporate training and human resourcing. This is an area of virtual worlds that will see amazing growth in the next several years.

The speakers presented on the topics of 'virtual law', 'kids and teens in the virtual worlds' and understanding the immense emerging market of virtual worlds and the impact it will have on the 'mainstream' market.

In all, I met dozens of people with an interest in doing business in virtual worlds. I enjoyed speaking with everyone and left with a feeling of great prosperity and knowledge that, I admit, is more than most people have of the impending wave of life in 3D.

 

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