Virtual Energy Forum WebsiteEvery day we hear more and more about the perils of air travel, it's hard on the passengers and hard on the environment! Frank Romano has long eschewed airplanes, now it is clear that he was ahead of his time. (But then, Frank has always been a bit ahead of his time!) How else does one get from Seattle to Boston for On Demand, for example, in a reasonable amount of time? Round trip by train takes longer than the event itself! Attempts have been made in the past to introduce "virtual" trade shows and conferences; the time may have come for them to succeed. I'm inclined to think that the technology has finally matured enough to make it possible! Check out the Virtual Energy Forum; it's a two day online-only event to be held June 10 and 11. Location? Your desk! The event is focused on how leading companies can adopt better energy management practices to cut cost, while at the same time adopting clean energy alternatives -- presenting alternative energy technologies, policies, and best practices in a live, interactive environment. Pat Tierman, VP HPYou may want to hear Pat Tiernan, VP Social and Environmental Responsibility, HP, present: "The Role Of IT In Reducing Climate Change Impact." Here's where the technology makes it possible; the Virtual Energy Forum will feature:
  • Live streaming video presentations from alternative energy thought leaders - with the opportunity for attendees to ask questions of these experts in real-time.
  • Six industry-specific tracks of live video and panel presentations that will present green case studies in industries such as consumer products, healthcare, government, education, retail and high technology.
  • A virtual exhibit floor and virtual booths featuring over 30 leading technology product and service providers.
  • Live chat among attendees and exhibitors, with the opportunity to easily exchange contact information and collect materials in a virtual briefcase.
  • Meet-the-Expert live video chats that will provide attendees access to experts in specific energy areas.
  • An emerging technology showcase featuring award winning companies with green products or services.
Will virtual events ever replace "place-based" events? Who knows? You can experiment with this one, wait until your "holodeck" is constructed, or you can attend a virtual event on Second Life as an avatar.