PALGN: In a few words can you explain what the eGames & Entertainment Expo is?
Peter Barlow: The eGames & Entertainment Expo is Australia’s largest electronic games and digital entertainment expo. It is the place to go to see the latest and yet to be released games on all the platforms including Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, Playstation and PC as well as handhelds like DS Lite and PSP. There will be product launches including a World’s first in 3D gaming and getting to play on Nintendo’s Wii weeks prior to its release in Australia.
PALGN: How are you involved with the expo?
PB: I developed the concept over a few years and approached an experienced exhibition organizer, Australasian Exhibitions & Events P/L to run the expo. I am the content manager and focus on all the activities and interactive areas at the expo of which there are plenty.
PALGN: What was your motivation for founding the expo?
PB: Being involved in LAN cafes and LAN sponsorships I came to realize that there are lots of pockets of activity in our industry but there wasn’t the one pivotal event that the industry in Australia could come together and showcase their products to the general public and of course the dedicated gamers. I believe we now have that event.
PALGN: What kind of content can we expect to find on the show floor?
PB: There is a great variety of products and activities on the show floor. Everything from the latest and yet to be released game titles to product launches including world-first 3D products, NRG gaming systems from Altech and of course Nintendo’s Wii. There are lots of areas where you can join in the fun as well as the main stage which has a great list of industry speakers and activities.
PALGN: What is eSport and how will it be integrated into the expo?
PB: eSport is the serious end of game playing. Like with any sport it takes practice and dedication to achieve a level of success and involves team play and strategies. eSport will be showcased at the expo with the help of one of the best eSport teams in Australia, Team Immunity, and visitors will be able to watch and join in on some really serious game playing. Anyone who is interested in going to the next level will find the answer how to get there at the expo.
PALGN: What other events can we look forward to at the show?
PB: There are industry panels that will cover a range of interesting topics, competitions like the PC Build-off on the main stage where the winner gets to keep the Intel Core 2 Duo PC that they build, a Charity Auction where you could pick up a new PC for a song, Intel Viiv demonstrations right across the weekend and loads more.
PALGN: What’s the response been like from the industry? Has there been a lot of support?
PB: The response has been fantastic. When you have the Managing Director of Sony Computer Entertainment, the Regional Manager of Microsoft Entertainment, the National Sales Manager of Nintendo and the Channel Partner Manager from Intel all keynoting on stage during the expo you know that you have the support of the industry. And we really appreciate it.
PALGN: How about the public? Have you had feedback from people interested in attending?
PB: We are very excited about the response so far. We have had loads of enquiries and lots of requests for more information. The media, in particular, have been very interested in monitoring things as they develop.
PALGN: The Friday of the expo is set aside as a trade and VIP media event only. Can you tell us how this day will be different from the days the expo is open to the public?
PB: This session from 2-7pm on the Friday has now been opened to the public. Due to the response we have got we felt that we needed to give more time for the public to access the expo as well as get to see the significant industry speakers that will be keynoting on the Friday afternoon. One of those keynotes will be presented on a Playstation 3.
PALGN: What has been the most difficult part of organizing the expo, so far?
PB: Time. I have wanted to make this the best expo possible in its first year. As a result we have put as much time and effort as humanly possible into making it so.
PALGN: And the most enjoyable?
PB: Meeting and making friends with some of the backbone of the industry. The people that work at the top and the people that work in the trenches all making this industry the highly successful one that it is.
PALGN: What aspect of the expo are you most looking forward to seeing in action?
PB: On a personal level I am interested in the Intel Viiv demonstrations on the Digital Hub stand as I am still trying to get my head around how I can get an Xbox 360 to talk to the media centre and have movies downloading while games are being played and so on. Also really looking forward to testing my skills at tennis on the Wii. I may make a sportsman yet.
PALGN: Do you play many games yourself? If so, what is your favourite game?
PB: My all time favourite is Wipeout on Playstation. It was the game that I bought when Playstation was released and I have bought all the Wipeout’s including the PSP version since. On PC I play Medal of Honor Allied Assault. Watch out for the sniper – that’s me.
PALGN: If all goes well, are you expecting the eGames & Entertainment Expo to be an annual event?
PB: Definitely. No ifs about it. We haven’t worked so hard to establish the groundwork that has been laid not to continue to run the expo on an annual basis. We believe that the way we have developed the format will allow for substantial growth in the future not only in the gaming area but in digital entertainment in a broad sense.
The eGames & Entertainment Expo will be held on November 17-19 at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. Tickets are $16 Adults and $13 Concession with family and 2 days passes available.
More details: http://www.egamesexpo.com.au/
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PALGN would like to thank Peter Barlow for taking the time to answer these questions and wish him the best of luck for the future.
That's pretty cool, clever way to promote your console I must say.
Not what I meant. Wouldn't it be video, not powerpoint? Anyway, it's still a good way to promote your console. 
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