This is big! And definitely one of the most exciting virtual events we’ve worked on to date.

We are designing and managing the Death of Distance, a unique mixed-reality debate exploring how distance should not be a barrier to business communication. The event takes place on Tuesday 27 April, in Manchester’s MediaCityUK. Hosted in a 3D environment and taking place in real-time, a panel of leading business experts from around the world will participate either as avatars, by live video conference link or in person. The event will also be available to watch live online and the conversation can be followed on Twitter using the hashtag #DofD.

We believe this is the first time a mixed-reality debate has taken place in the North West and we’ve got an impressive line-up from the international business community to take part. Professionals from businesses such as IBM and BP will discuss their experiences of how new technologies can enhance collaboration, create new business opportunities, and stimulate the creative and digital supply chain. Our panel of experts will participate from the far corners of the globe including San Francisco, Brisbane and Newcastle.

Guest speakers include Adam Nelson, Executive Director Business, Linden Labs (attending as an avatar from San Francisco, USA), Joe Little, Senior Technology Consultant, BP (attending as an avatar from Sunbury-on-Thames, UK), Neil Katz, Distinguished Engineer, IBM (attending as an avatar from Fort Lauderdale, USA), Stuart Smith, CEO, Woodholmes (attending by video conference from Newcastle, UK), Professor Justin O Connor, Queensland University of Technology (attending as an avatar from Queensland, Australia) and Donna Davidson, BRC Imagination Arts (attending by video conference from Durham, UK)

The panel of experts will be chaired by Phil Jones, sales and marketing director at Brother UK. He says: “In a globalising world that has its foot hard on the accelerator, finding new ways to connect with people have to be explored.  In many cases distance is irrelevant and it is these areas the debate will look to explore. I’m particularly keen to hear about how businesses are using avatars to communicate virtually and how this affects the overall experience when compared with video conferencing. I’m really looking forward to pulling it together on the night.”

There are three ways you can take part in the event. To find out more go to www.virtualnorthernnet.co.uk and register your interest. But hurry – places are limited and are being offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

The event is being delivered through a collaboration between ourselves, The White Room and The Hamilton Project.