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This Aussie 'electronic entertainment expo' sounds awesome!
Thu, 2 November 2006
by: Hillelman
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I am really excited about the upcoming event called GO3. I believe it is fantastic to see Australia getting a huge game and eletronics show of this nature and I'm sure everyone who reads Buttonhole would feel the same way. Recently the Event Coordinator of GO3, Mr. David Kazim, took the time to provide us with some very interesting information about the show. Thanks David! I hope you all enjoy the Q&A.
Q. A huge show like this must have been in the planning stages for quite some time. Who initialised the concept? What are some of the main things you needed to get into place to allow GO3 to come into being?
A. GO3 was conceived over 2 years ago. Planning started in earnest 1 year ago. After visiting E3 in Los Angeles I return to Australia wondering why we did not have a similar event for this region of the world. I spent a lot of time researching the industry to develop a business plan for the event. What we found was an industry that has had some amazing growth in recent times and is pumping out top quality work on a worldwide scale.
We already had the perfect venue at the PCEC so we have spent considerable time working with government bodies to try to establish an event that can become a trade basis for the industry in Australasia, opening up opportunities for trade with the influential Asian region of the world market.
Q. What are the main ways you've been promoting GO3 and making more people aware of the Expo?
A. Our marketing consultants have always said the promotion of our inaugural event would be an interesting task. The nature of the gaming industry allows for grass root promotions like almost no other industry. Within hours of us generating our marketing materials word was spreading around the internet and chat rooms about GO3. We have started advertising the event in some major industry publications and online but also looking to push viral PR angles as we are fast securing an amazing line-up of speakers that we think will blow away attendees. We will soon implement a direct marketing campaign to send this information out to members of industry organisations and other online areas. GO3 is also extensively advertised globally at other expos such as Tokyo Game Show and G-Star in Korea.
 | | The beautiful city that is Perth, Western Australia (home of GO3) |
Q. GO3 is being held at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre. On the GO3 website, you call Perth "Australia's Gateway to Asia and Europe." Could you please tell us more about why you've given Perth that description and chosen it to be the Expo's venue?
A. Australia is a big territory in terms of geographic distance. By its very nature the east coast becomes the gateway to the Americas and the west coast the gateway to Asia and the middle east and thus Europe. Western Australia has a natural association with the South-East region due to proximity and the local government has worked hard to foster trade relations with this region. The city of Perth offers attendees of GO3 from Australia, Asia and all over the world neutral ground on which to do business, and it does not hurt that it is one of the most beautiful places in the world!!!
Q. At this stage, is GO3 intended to become an annual event?
A. All of our planning to this stage is for GO3 to become an annual event on the international gaming calendar. We will sit down after the first event and see what we have learned (and can possibly do better) and evaluate that then.
Q. As well as the Press having a heavy presence at GO3, the show is also open to the public. How do people go about purchasing tickets for the event; is it a matter of lining up on the day, or can they order them in advance?
A. As with most consumer expos, we expect the majority of the ticket sales to happen on the day. Although, the public will have the option of purchasing tickets in advance and gaining express entry on the day. Keep an eye on our website for details.
 | | Come one, come all! The show is open not just to the Press, but the public as well. |
Q. What are some other planned features for GO3 - the sort of things all the keen gamers who visit Buttonhole would be likely to find exciting - you can tell us about?
A. We have planned a number of feature areas to keep everyone entertained. Our major stage will be run and supported by Nova 937 with lots of competitions, prizes and a variety of entertainment. The skate ramp inside the venue will be the hub for some of the hottest young skaters and riders to show us there tricks. Of course we will also have the industry's top companies showcasing their latest platforms and the hottest games in 2007.
Of course, we have the 2 day International conference with some of the most sought after speakers already listed, with many more yet to be added.
Q. GO3's planned LAN competitions, for over 600 people, sounds like a blast for all those multi-player enthusiasts. Any cool prizes in store for the players who come out on top?
A. We have teamed up with WALAN to run a massive computer gaming event in conjunction with the GO3 Expo. As part of this event, we are pleased to announce Australia's first nation-wide professional gaming tournament, the E-SPORT UNIVERSAL CHALLENGE! Players from each state will compete for a share in over $10, 000 in cash and prizes. We are currently looking for established computer gaming organisations in all Australian states and territories to hold regional qualifying rounds for the GO3 E-Sport Universal Challenge.
Q. I'm sure those in the 'electronic entertainment' related industries here in Australia will be pleased at the opportunity for additional exposure via GO3. Do you think something like GO3 could help lead to Aussies receiving some more funding, so the local game industry has a better chance of staying healthy?
 | | Reckon you've got what it takes? Test your skills in the E-Sport Universal Challenge! |
A. We see GO3 as being a great platform to drive international business opportunities for the industry in Australia. As such, we are working with the government on the structure of our event to maximise such opportunities. If we are successful I have no doubt this can grow the industry and perhaps lead to increased funding.
Q. Apart from video/computer games, what other kinds of things will punters be able to check out at GO3?
A. The boundaries of electronic entertainment are constantly being pushed outwards. We have had interest from online companies, major telcos and others who are leading the charge into new areas of handheld gaming entertainment. GO3 will be also showing the latest in Audio visual entertainment and technology, from home theatre to the latest gadgets.
Thanks again for chatting with us, David. We wish you all the best with GO3 and look forward to giving the show more coverage here at Buttonhole.
by: Hillelman
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