Real-world companies have started to use virtual worlds such as Second Life to improve their corporate communications. Is this science fiction, frivolous gaming, or the next place where you will encounter your audience?

In this podcast, Laura Jaffrey interviews a panel of digital world consultants who are working on the nexus of virtual worlds and business communication. Together, they explore how businesses leverage virtual worlds as a platform for both learning and technical communication, with numerous examples.

Duration: 23 minutes

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The Panel

Kim Kerr, President and Managing Director of the The Red Divas (division of 1366196 Alberta Ltd) has helped organizations like TELUS Mobility, The Absolute Group, and Diamond Management & Technology Consultants, to leverage Facebook, Second Life and other applications. The Red Divas provide consulting, marketing, branding, sales and concierge services for 3D worlds and social networking applications and are the marketing and sales company for B3D, ECMedia, and Proven Corp. Kim has twenty-five years of experience in information computer technology, sales and marketing, social media and 3D virtual worlds, achieving positive results from her commitment to building long term relationships with clients, suppliers and strategic alliances.

Dan O’Shea is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania (B.A), George Washington University (M.S.A) and Fordham University School of Law (J.D.), and is currently advising ECMedia, Inc., Green Grotto Studios, B3D Media, Inc., Proven Corporation Co., Ltd., and The Red Divas on 3D virtual world development and expansion in the education and training market. He has advised the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center on creation of a proposed global online continuing medical education program, Clark College (near Portland, Oregon), where he is developing a new leadership training program, and is currently advising the Akribis Group on international expansion. An arbitrator in private practice, he teaches in graduate programs at the University of Phoenix, the Thunderbird School of Global Management, and Henley-Putnam University.

Marc Girolimetti, Founder of Green Grotto Studios, has created a successful 3D world presence for Playboy Enterprises, Warner Brothers, Digital Influence Group and RatePoint, games for FedEx, product presentations for IntraLinks, a sales tool for Alienware, as well as helping small businesses like The Bluebird Cafe, Mark trucking and Rigging, and 3DPetPortraits. Prior to founding Green Grotto Studios, Marc also worked with Invista, DuPont, BestBuy, Microsoft, EMC, Dell, Adobe, Symantec, Fidelity Investments, The Boston Red Sox Foundation, Aids Action Committee, The Boston Food Project, The Boston Foundation for Sight and The Boston Medical Center. Marc, a graduate of Babson College, is currently teaching a course on Second Life to MBA students at Babson College and will soon be leading undergraduates at Boston University in a course on entrepreneurship.

Music: Twink by A Trillion Barnacle Lapse