Corporate Planners Unlimited, Inc. has announced a two-day educational online seminar, Experience the Future Now, marking the highly anticipated launch of its virtual mega convention centre, Virtualis, on 23-24 April 2008 (9am–3pm PST).

Virtualis is the largest and most meticulously designed convention centre in SecondLife. The convention centre boasts state-of-the-art facilities with educational breakout rooms, a grand ballroom, and an exhibition hall.

Guests must RSVP by April 20, 2008 to experience Virtualis firsthand and be a part of the thought-provoking, free seminar.

Corporate decision-makers and event planners who attend Experience the Future Now will gain cutting-edge knowledge about the SecondLife culture and economy and discover the overall value and ease of planning and attending events in Virtualis.

The scheduled presenters include some of the most prestigious entrepreneurs, event planners, educators, and attorneys in the US who will cover diverse topics such as Virtual Event Design and Management, Beyond Recycling: Ten Easy Steps to Greener Meetings and Events, Emergent Technologies and Negotiating International Contracts.

Presenters on the agenda include: B. Joseph Pine, Author of the Experience Economy, Speaker, and Management Advisor, Strategic Horizons LLP; Jim Carroll, Trends and Innovation Expert; Barbara Dunn, Esq., Howe and Hutton, Ltd.; Joan L. Eisenstodt, Founder, Eisenstodt Associates; John S. Foster, Esq., Foster, Foster, Jensen & Gulley, LLC; James P Hogg, Adjunct Professor, Rosen College of Hospitality Management, University of Central Florida; Stuart Mann, Ph.D, Dean, Harrah College of Hotel Administration, University of Nevada-Las Vegas; Marianne McNulty, CMP, CTIE, Owner, Clever Concierge, LLC; Gloria Nelson, CSEP, Chief Experience Officer, Gloria Nelson Event Design, LLC; Bonnie Wallsh, Chief Strategist, Bonnie Wallsh Associates, LLC; and Loriann White, CMM, Co-Founder, Association for Green Meetings and Events (AGME).

The groundbreaking Virtualis was founded by Dan Parks, President of Corporate Planners Unlimited, Inc., after discovering initial success in Second Life with his MeCo (Meetings Community) Mansion, a 16-room property filled with a collection of information, networking opportunities and unique presentation areas of pertinent educational content for professionals in the event and meetings industry.

“In light of economical trends and Second Life’s global reach and technical capabilities, the presence of Virtualis is the most logical and efficient solution to augment face-to-face meetings,” said Parks. “My team of experts and I have spent the past 15 months not only learning the technology from a business standpoint, but have built a vast database of resources that includes the ‘best of the best’ relating to talent and collaborators of all types to design and execute meaningful and memorable events.”

Marianne McNulty, CMP, CITE, co-presenter of the first virtual Certified Meeting Professional Boot Camp in Second Life, adds: “The absolute – and almost literal – beauty of presenting in Second Life is attendees receive focused presentations of the materials in a setting which is soothing and relaxing all while being physically in the comfort of his/her own surroundings. This is no four square walls experience!”

To attend Experience the Future Now by contacting Dan Parks at cpudan@mac.com.