Virtual Worlds Forum

SXSW to co-host Virtual Worlds Forum opening party

South By Southwest Interactive, Film and Music & Media Festivals to co-host Virtual Worlds Forum opening party South by Southwest Interactive, Film and Music & Media Festivals (SXSW), the influential emerging technology conference and festival held annually in the US, is bringing a taste of their events to the UK for the second year in a row in conjunction with Virtual Worlds Forum Europe 2008, in early October.

SXSW will be co-hosting the Virtual Worlds Forum opening party on Monday 6th October, between 6.30 and 8.30 pm. The venue will be Digress City, which is located in Moorgate, London. A total of 300 people are expected to attend the party, including representatives from the UK interactive, film, music and media industries, as well as a select number of speakers, sponsors and delegates attending the Virtual Worlds Forum.

Best known in the UK for the legendary music festival, SXSW annually attracts more than 13,000 music industry delegates and features 1800+ showcasing artists from around the globe. In 2008, more than 1000+ UK delegates made the annual pilgrimage to Austin, Texas, which has also featured many well-known British acts over the years, including Amy Winehouse, Duffy, the Darkness, Kaiser Chiefs, Lily Allen, Artic Monkeys, Joss Stone, Franz Ferdinand, Jamie Cullum etc

However, SXSW also incorporates two other stand alone festivals - SXSW Film and SXSW Interactive - which run at approximately the same dates as the music fest. In 2008, more than 7500 people attended SXSW Interactive, and once again the largest international presence outside of North America came from the UK.
Sasha Frieze, Executive Conference Director Virtual Worlds Forum Europe, says there is significant cross-over between the two organisations. ‘We’re delighted to be working with SXSW for the second time, especially after the success of last year’s partnership. Both SXSW and Virtual Worlds Forum Europe share a love of exploring creative and digital innovation, as well as promoting new business opportunities through these kinds of networking events.”

Hugh Forrest, event director at SXSW Interactive, says, “We had a great event last year, so teaming up with Virtual Worlds Forum Europe 2008 again to stage an event in London makes perfect sense and helps us further engage actively with our European audience and community.”

Attendance at the party has a limited guest list - speakers, sponsors and delegates on a first-come-first-served basis: register for VWF08 early to make sure you get on the invitation list.