This groundbreaking event, funded by Northern Net, examined whether cutting-edge technology could change the nature of collaboration.

We brought together a global panel of experts to participate in a real-time debate hosted in a 3d environment. Panel members (from BP, Linden Labs, IBM, Queensland University of Technology, BRC Imagination Arts and Wood Holmes) attended the debate either as avatars or by live video link. The debate was chaired by Phil Jones, of Brother UK, who attended both as an avatar and by video link from a real-world location. We provided three ways in which the public could attend: i) by registering an avatar and attending virtually, ii) by watching a live web stream or iii) by attending the real world location (along with the Chair) and watching the debate projected on a large screen. In each case the audience was able to directly address questions to the panel members.

The debate was a great success drawing an ‘in-world’ audience from four continents. The real world venue was filled to capacity and many more watched the live web stream.

You can watch the death of distance highlight video here.

A podcast of the event is available here.