New York (PRWEB) September 15, 2008 — TheSLAgency, an interactive marketing firm specializing in Second Life and virtual world engagements, has been recognized for its pioneering Ontario Public Service (OPS) Careers Island in Second Life. The agency’s client, the Ontario Ministry of Government Services, was awarded the prestigious Innovation Merit Award last week at the annual Showcase Ontario government conference.

Ontario Public Service - Second Life - Traffic Monitoring Station

we see expanded government involvement in virtual worlds, including Second Life, throughout 2009 and 2010. Our government clients are reaping rewards already, and the programs we have planned for the next 18 months will only help them to continue to do so.

TheSLAgency created OPS’ virtual presence in Second Life, allowing for potential career-seekers to find information, testimonials and simulations on real world jobs via the virtual world. The interactive career experience allows Second Life users to analyze traffic patterns using live video feeds from throughout Ontario, to virtually test water samples for pathogens, and to experience other popular jobs in Ontario before applying to the job in the real world.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE COMPLETE PRESS RELEASE

The island is decorated with “nouveau-greco-zen” like design and scenery. The island is made up of seven primary parcels including two set back, private, tented destinations intended for small gatherings, relaxation and conversation. On the water you will find a dome pavilion filled with Second Life residents’ original artwork meticulously selected to add color and beauty to the environment. The central hub - a courtyard where new visitors arrive - offers a coffee cart and plenty of space for staging events. On the east corner of the sim is a “Japanese” sand zen garden motif with greco-roman coloring filled with seating and art to be enjoyed. The primary headquarters of eHQ, where you will find a large supply of in-world promotional books offered for free from eHarlequin.com, has modern decoration and includes a library showcase titles as well as a “sit back with a book” atmosphere. A little known secret which I found many residents unaware of is that beneath the headquarters of eHQ there is a set of catacomb-esque rooms to delve into your darker side…have fun exploring that! The last parcel of land contains a roman style forum or amphitheater which will be used for face to face chats with authors and enthusiasts in the coming months.

To showcase their Grand Opening, eHQ held a fantastic 3 hour event drawing in avatars from across the globe. Many visitors stayed for the majority of the event, enjoying live music by Mankind Tracer, Imandra Wycliffe and Jackdog Snook. Denizens of the virtual world tangoed, waltzed and shook in all manners to the music and when their virtual bodies could take no more they wandered the sim checking out all it had to offer. Promotional copies of the eHQ Desire series of books were given to those in attendance as well as 25 percent off coupons (still valid through the 31st of August, click here) were given to every individual in attendance as well 5,000 Linden Dollars to three lucky guests chosen at random.

All in all it is was a splendid affair and we look forward to seeing you at our next!

The presentation highlighted TheSLAgency’s work with The World Bank and The Ontario Public Service. For more information on the presentation, please view the dedicated Government Microsite set up for the conference, or read the press release.

TheSLAgency’s parent company, Moderne Promotions, is proud to announce that it has been chosen as one of the Top 100 Global Event agencies by Event Marketer Magazine. This is particularly exciting for TheSLAgency, as the magazine included us because of our mixed-reality events capability. Read more about the accolade here at Event Marketer Magazine or via our Press Release.

Recently, we launched a few new Second Life/virtual world B2B and Government-focused services. Based on our successful work with clients like the World Bank and the Ontario Public Service, we saw a need for SL programs catering to the public sector. See more about these programs and how they might be able to help your business by visiting: http://www.theslagency.com/b2b.html

We’d love for you to visit us this month in Second Life. Here are some Upcoming Events in Second Life:

• Ontario Public Service Interactive Recruitment Island - TheSLAgency is proud to show off one of its latest and greatest. Our work with the OPS recruitment initiative in Second Life has been a fun, interactive, fire-fighting (what?! YES! you can fight a virtual fire!) success. Visit the following page, or email us, to sign up for a one-on-one tour of this virtual recruitment space at http://www.theslagency.com/tour_invite.html

• Harlequin Books presents Gena Showalter’s “Dark Kiss” Second Life Event - June 21 @ ACTIV8 Island - email me for a VIP invite! - nick@theslagency.com

If you’d like to see your company listed amongst these events, or if you’d like to create your own presence and interaction in Second Life, email us and let’s start talking.

We hope you enjoyed this version of TheSLAgency’s Newsletter - stay tuned, as there’s more coming!

All the best,

Nick

Nick Vitale
Director of Interactive Media

An Event Marketer Magazine Top 100 Event Agency for 2008!

P: 516.694.1231
F. 516.694.1302
www.TheSLAgency.com
nick@TheSLAgency.com

gtalk: knuwkidd@gmail.com
flickr: knuwkidd
Second Life Avatar: Knuw Kidd

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