Filed under: News and developments by Digado

Back after a relaxing (and snowy!) easter weekend and catching up with the news. I noticed the official press release of the vBusiness Expo (sign-up) by the Clever Zebra team. They have launched an ambitious plan to become the business ‘hub’ into Second Life, starting with the expo starting April 24, covering all of the 4 major topics over 4 days (24-27 of April):

Virtual workspace (vWorkspace)

There are many uses for virtual worlds beyond sales, marketing and other immediate commercial goals. For example: virtual worlds are being used as a collaborative environment, as well as a distance management tool and for employee education. The virtual workplace discussions, panels, interviews and lectures will focus on sharing ideas, and broadening knowledge of how virtual environments can be used by companies as collaborative works spaces and viable alternatives to carbon heavy travel.

Virtual marketing (vMarketing)

In many ways marketers are still feeling their way in virtual worlds. We’re only just getting started, and there’s a long road ahead. It’s a road of experimentation, testing and analysis of results, but one of discovery and revelation as well. Through discussion and the sharing of ideas and data, we can accelerate the learning process. Track two for the vBusiness Expo will focus on virtual marketing. The emphasis will be on real examples and case studies that everyone can benefit from.

Virtual commerce (vCommerce)

Like marketing in virtual worlds, virtual commerce is far from mature. The promise that virtual worlds hold for commerce is exciting though, and full of possibilities. Track three for the vBusiness Expo will look at how companies are using virtual worlds to sell real goods and services. We’ll discuss the technicalities of setting up shop in a virtual world, study how others are experimenting in the space and debate the future impact virtual worlds will have on retail.

Virtual education (vLearning)

In track 4 sessions for the vBusiness Expo, we’ll focus upon the educational uses of virtual worlds. Second Life itself is home to more than 200 universities and colleges and exec ed courses, employee onboarding and staff training are common among businesses already engaged with virtual environments. We will also take this opportunity to run 101 sessions for those new to virtual worlds, with the goal of bringing new people up to speed quickly.

I’m looking forward to this, mostly because I know some of its ‘keynotes’ already (really want to see Kzero’s case presentation on their L’Oréal campaign) and it will be a nice opportunity to see ‘the buzz’ from within Second Life.

Posted on: March 23, 2008 | Share on: