:::: Vgxpo 2007 :::: Nov 2 - Nov 4 ::::

[Ed-Fleming]

I hope this posting finds you well. Over the past few months, David and I have been negotiating with convention centers regarding the 2007 event. America's VideoGame Expo 2007 will take place November 2 through November 4, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in downtown Philadelphia.

To help the expo grow, in both size and attendance, we've moved VGXPO to the PA Convention Center. The new venue is in the heart of Philadelphia and is located above one of city's largest train stations, the Philadelphia's Hard Rock Cafe, the Reading Terminal, and the Market East Mall. In addition, the convention center is just a few blocks for Independence Hall and the Philadlephia river front.

At the convention center we will be using Hall C, a 90,000 sq. foot expo hall, nearly twice the size of our expo hall in 2006. In addition to Hall C, we plan to utilize a number of meeting and ball rooms. In the future, if we continue to utilize this facility, we can grow the event size to use over 650,000 sq. feet of expo space and countless number of meeting and ball rooms.

VGXPO 2007 single day ticket prices will be $15.00 at the door and will include access to the expo hall, the VGXPO Arcade, VGXPO gaming kiosks, and keynote speakers. In addition to vendors selling new and classic games, the expo will feature videogame companies showing new product, game tournements, videogame music concerts, COS-Play and special guests from the videogame industry.

We'll be making an official announcement about the show next week at the Game Developers Confernce. In addition, the www.VGXPO.com website will be updated in the next few weeks with more information about the show & provide the ability to buy passes at a discounted rate.

Kind regards,

Ed Fleming

[CartCollector]

Are you going to do a convention in Dallas again? There isn't anything for those in the Metroplex to go to outside of OVGE, and that's a few hours away. And it's a much shorter drive/fly for those in San Antonio, Austin, Houston, etc.

[DogP]

Cool... I'm gonna try to make it this year... I missed last year because of an arcade auction, but this year the auction is a week before this :) .

DogP

[RCM]

I encourage everyone to go out and have fun and support Ed. He's a good guy and deserves the success. I'll be there.

[Ed-Fleming]

Sorry, not this year. We're focusing on growing Philadelphia now, and for the near future (2008) I'm planning an event on the west coast. As we grow, I'd love to see us return to Dallas and host shows in a few other cities as well. In the meantime, you should try to check out Quake Con. While its more PC based, its a fun show.

[xfrumx]

Hopefully I will be there,

Hopefully my band can play again(hint hint)

Either way hopefully I will be there

[mindlesspunk77]

awesome ed i will mot likely return as a vendor. (HINT HINT) YOU WANT THE KARE BEAR MAFIA TO PLAY!!!!!!! ( hint hint) amazing video game related band!

[Habeeb Hamusta]

Alright good I'll try my best to go as long as college doesnt get in the way.

[Ed-Fleming]

AMERICA’S VIDEOGAME EXPO 2007 ANNOUNCED

Video Gamers Across America Rejoice:
VGXPO Returns November 2 – 4, 2007
__________________________________________________ ______________

San Francisco (from the GDC), March 5, 2007 – Lunar Tide Communications, Inc. announces the return of America’s VideoGame Expo (a.k.a. VGXPO) November 2 through 4, in Philadelphia, PA.

“America’s VideoGame Expo is three days of videogame revelry,” stated Ed Fleming, founder and executive director of VGXPO. “Our convention is an annual gaming destination - where gamers and industry insiders can come together to celebrate videogames.”

Now entering its third year, VGXPO is a high-profile consumer convention, and is the largest gathering of video and computer gamers in North America. Attendees come to VGXPO to experience the newest games, encounter game industry legends, compete in tournaments, buy games and meet with friends. To make room for its incredible growth, this year VGXPO organizers plan to more then double its size.

To expand America’s VideoGame Expo, in both floor space and attendance, the expo has moved to the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Utilizing over 100,000 square feet of convention space, VGXPO’s show floor is now nearly twice the size of previous events. The new location, in the heart of Philadelphia, is located just a few blocks form the city’s historic Independence Hall, Liberty Bell and the Philadelphia riverfront.

"As an attendee of this event over the years, I've really enjoyed the history and community aspect that VGXPO creates,” said Tommy Tallarico, video game composer and creator of Video Games Live. “Each year it gets bigger and better and this year is no exception!"

Hosting VGXPO at the Pennsylvania Convention Center locates the event above one of the North East’s largest transportation hubs. This station will provide railroad access for attendees coming from the suburbs and regional cities like Boston, New York, Trenton, Wilmington, Baltimore, and Washington, DC. Easily making VGXPO the perfect day or weekend destination for over 100 million people.

“We have one rule for VGXPO - no gamer should be left out. We want to make VGXPO accessible to everyone,” said Fleming. “So to do this, we’ve made single day passes $15.00 and additional discounts can be found online. These passes will include access to the expo hall, the VGXPO Arcade, VGXPO gaming kiosks, and keynote speakers.”

"As the game industry continues to grow, so does the involvement of its consumers. They're getting more involved in not just playing but also helping test, design and steer where major projects are going,” said David Perry, CEO of GameConsultants.com. “This kind of event is very special as it brings together the talent that makes these games with the people that matter most, their audience."

VGXPO was designed from the ground up to be the perfect convention for game fans and marketers. In 2006, over 50 organizations participated in the VGXPO, including: NVIDIA, Atari, Comcast, Microsoft, Nyko, Tips and Tricks magazine, Game Crazy, 1UP Network, Game Developers Conference, Nubi/Pelican, Nintendo, and many others. This year, the event’s organizers plan to attract even more companies to the event.

"VGXPO provides a fantastic showcase for the NVIDIA-equipped PC as a mass-market consumer gaming platform," said Bill Rehbock, Senior Director of Content Partner Relations at NVIDIA. "VGXPO is a great venue for consumers to come and learn how NVIDIA-based PCs are the perfect platform for the gaming capabilities of Microsoft's new Windows™ Vista operating system."

This year’s VGXPO will feature: game publishers and developers will showcase new products, pro and armature tournaments, videogame music concerts, COS-Play, guests from the videogame industry, and vendors selling new and retro-classic games. Additionally, VGXPO will host the largest videogame job fair on the east coast, a conference seminar for students, and many other exciting events to be announced in the coming months.

For more information regarding America’s VideoGame Expo, visit us on the web at www.VGXPO.com

###

America’s VideoGame Expo, based in Philadelphia, is part of Lunar Tide Communications, Inc. a company that develops videogame related events and educational services. It’s core service, the VideoGame.Net Experience, is an educational program that teaches students in 6th through 12th grades videogame design and production. Since 2003, the VideoGame.Net Experience curriculum has been taught to over 2500 students.

[stonic]

:roll:

Let the 2007 Ed Fleming hyperbolefest begin...


Now entering its third year, VGXPO ... is the largest gathering of video and computer gamers in North America.

Flat-out lie. Apparently someone still believes their own bogus attendance numbers that were stated for the past 2 years.




Hosting VGXPO at the Pennsylvania Convention Center locates the event above one of the North East’s largest transportation hubs. This station will provide railroad access for attendees coming from the suburbs and regional cities like Boston, New York, Trenton, Wilmington, Baltimore, and Washington, DC. Easily making VGXPO the perfect day or weekend destination for over 100 million people.

I see the predictions for this year's attendance have increased as well (exponentially). What was it last year? 25,000? Or was that for the year before? It's hard to keep track of all these unsubstantiated figures you keep throwing around...

And are you still sticking to your prediction from last year of hoping to draw 100,000 people in 4-5 years?



VGXPO was designed from the ground up to be the perfect convention for game fans and marketers. In 2006, over 50 organizations participated in the VGXPO, ...

... which amounted to a total of about 7 vendors and a realistic estimate of 1,000 people in attendance, according to what people here had to say: http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=90949

You also stated that 2006 was "our transition year from a regional event to something with a national and maybe even international scope.". Plus you stated, "We are considering holding large events in Las Vegas and Orlando. We have 2006 (and 2007) dates on hold at convention centers in both Las Vegas, NV and Orlando, FL, but are waiting to commit on them based on exhibitor and vendor interest."

Now you're just having one show on the East coast, in the fall, in Philadelphia. Just like last year. Just like PhillyClassic used to. Why don't you just call it the PhillyClassic and get it over with?

[Ed-Fleming]

Now you're just having one show on the East coast, in the fall, in Philadelphia. Just like last year. Just like PhillyClassic used to. Why don't you just call it the PhillyClassic and get it over with?

For the record, Stonic and I don't see eye-to-eye on things (and that goes back for well over a year). And that's okay. He has his opinions on me and VGXPO and I respect that. Not everyone is gonna be a fan of me or VGXPO - so all I can do is offer this:

As most of you all know, I wanted to roll VGXPO out to the west coast this year, but IDG's E-for-All stopped those plans. At our current size we couldn't go head-to-head with a massive corporation like them. So, we've opted to grow VGXPO 2007 right here in Philly, and in the future, take it on the road.

I've looked at convention sites in Orlando, Dallas, Chicago, Vegas, LA, Seatle and San Fran. I share this info with you guys so you know what my plans are. I have this vision for VGXPO and I want you all to be part of it. If you're not interested in it, please just skip my posts.

I'd also say, for the record, I don't own the rights to Philly Classic. I did own it for about 6 months, but gave them back to Dave Neuman. Since that time, I am not affiliated with Dave or Mark Wolfe in any way. Those guys might do some other event in the future - and if they do, that would be great. But VGXPO and Philly Classic are two very differnt events. VGXPO supports the efforts of anyone that puts on a game show. It's a hell-of-a-job! If you are a show promoter, you know what I mean. You do it because you love games and you want to bring people together who also love games.

As stated above, I put my full support behind anyone that runs an independent game show - be it a future version of Philly Classic or any other show. If any show producer ever wants to chat, get advise or talk about other show related things, feel free to email or PM me.

I love VGXPO, its a lot of fun and most of the folks that attend the show agree. Last year, our attendance wasn't as great as we hoped, but it was still a huge show. VGXPO was big enough for us to turn a small profit, but it didn't get anyone rich. Honestly, the show is about gamers - all gamers. Be them retro/classic collectors, next-gen, pc, or whatever you're into.

I cannot really say anything more about Stonic's issues. From here out, I hope this forum topic talks about the show, who's gonna be there, vision for the future, and things like that. If you want to talk about past events, or shit kick the show, please start a new topic.

I'm gonna try to grow VGXPO as much as I can - I'd love to see it become this massive Comic-Con like event for gamers. I'd love to see VGXPO become a videogame mecca event that every gamer wants to go to. And in time, I think we can make this happen. Above all, this show is about gamers - so, I want this show to be everything you want it to be. If you wanna help, let me know, we want to use all of the suggestions (and volunteers) we can find.

If you all support VGXPO, I'll do everything in my power to get us there.

Cheers,

Ed

[stonic]

For the record, Stonic and I don't see eye-to-eye on things (and that goes back for well over a year).

Actually (for the record), it goes back 2 years, when you banned DP from your show, which you still won't even publicly admit to, or apologize for.



He has his opinions on me and VGXPO and I respect that.

No you don't. You're ignored every issue I brought up with you, and instead of answering them, you run crying to Joe in an effort to silence me.



Not everyone is gonna be a fan of me or VGXPO

My main issue is with some of the ridiculous claims you make, such as the show's past attendance numbers (which are obvioulsy inflated). So you can either drop all the b.s., or continue to keep sticking your head in the sand (in which case I'll keep reminding you of them).

Anyway, if VGXPO is profitable, as you say, then what do you care what I think? Just use the 'block user' option here and rid yourself of that mean 'ole stonic.

[Ed-Fleming]

I've tried to take the high road with Stonic. I wont ban him, or anyone, from posting here, that's not my style. There was one time where Stonic was asked to edit his post (and I think Stonic would admit it needed editing), but other then that I'm not going to stop him from posting here.

In addition, I don't want to get into some flame war with him, or anyone else. But Stonic, for my sanity, from here out, please stop the banter. This is my full time job, I take your, and everyone else's, comments and try to make a better show. David Kramer and I love what we do. We only want what's best for the show. The main reason I post on DP and AA is because there is a large core group that visits these sites and wants to learn about what's next at VGXPO. Here is my response to you, but from here out, if you've got more issues with us, just send me an email, or give me a call. I am a nice guy; I'd more then welcome a real conversation with you.

In regards to DP, I personally invited DP to be part of the show in 2006 and 2007. When VGXPO was part of Philly Classic, the old Philly Classic organizers didn't want DP to be part of the show - there was a big issue with the old organizers and DP, and a few vendors. As a matter of fact, the rift was so large, that some of the vendors said they would pull out of VGXPO if DP was at the show - I didn't want to create chaos, and was looking for a way to calm the situation.

At the time, I thought it best to keep the waters calm and invite Joe to the show as a visitor. From there, shit seems to have hit the fan. So, for the record, I've pulled out some old emails between Chris Chandler and me (Chris, if its not okay with you to show these, let me know and I’ll edit).

First, the details:

I was in contact with Chris Chandler in September of 2005, and through that time period, we were looking for ways to help repair the breach between all of these guys. Prior to September 2005, Mark Wolfe was in contact with Chris. At some point in the summer Chris asked Mark if DP could be at the show - Mark had said no.

You should know, at some point, before I was ever involved with Philly Classic, Mark had some major falling out with DP. I don't know the details, but it was nasty. Since then, I've learned that Joe, Sean and Jon tried to extend a welcome arm back to Philly Classic, but Mark didn't want to take that offer. It was a complicated situation, I really don't know the details, and it’s not my place to discuss it any further. However, the shit that went down was nasty, and it had an effect on the Philly Classic and DP communities. It’s my hope that someday everyone lets bygones be bygones.

Now, by the time we held the first two shows in August, I realized that Mark and I didn't work well together. I asked him not to be involved in the overall management of show, and to take a very different roll in the event. Mark didn't want to do that and left VGXPO in early September 2005. A few weeks later, I got an email from Chris about DP being involved in the show. At this point, a few of the vendors in the show balked and said they would walk out of VGXPO if DP had a booth.

This is what Chris and I had to say at the time:

From Chris on Sept 21, 2005
"Anymore word on if this would be okay? I know there has been some issues
lately with Mark leaving and everything, just curious if you had an update
for me..

-Chris"

To Chris on Sept 26, 2005
"I wanted to wait until I heard from some of the vendors, and it looks
like at least two would pull out of vgXpo if DP has a booth at the
show. I feel bad about this...

When I talk with guys like ******* and ****** they have such bad feelings
about them. I know that there must have been some major shit that went
down. Please let Joe and the gang know that I do not harbor bad
feelings toward him. Maybe they could extend an olive branch to these
guys and see if they bite. But, honestly I know that they have some
deep, and negative feelings, so I am not sure how effective the olive
branch would be.

If Joe came out to the show as an attendee that would be great, but I
just don't think the timing is right for DP to come with a booth.

Ed"

At the time I felt like shit. I wanted to offer them a place at the show, but didn't have the means to do it. In retrospect, I wish there was a different outcome. You should know, after the show, I called Joe, and at E3 last year, I talked with Jon and Sean. I apologized to them personally, and I asked all of them to come to VGXPO 2006. I think they gave it some consideration, but I know the timing was difficult with Joe's new store.

Recently, I've asked Joe to be part of the show again this year. I've also asked to be a vendor at CGE. I wish VGXPO was never part of the shit storm, but some how, we got in the middle of it.

In addition, this was one of the issues that caused the split between my involvement in Philly Classic. I still respect the old Philly Classic team, but I couldn’t take the baggage (or expectations) that Philly Classic gave VGXPO. Unfortunately, three years out and we're still associated with this.

I'll say this again; VGXPO is open to any game related organization that wants to be part of the show. I hope DP is part of VGXPO this year.

On issue of attendance: In 2005, NBC provided a lot for VGXPO, including a lot of TV ads. In Philly, we used 35% of the show floor, and had a large turn out to the show. NBC counted 25,000 attendees - we thought that number was a bit off and lowered the estimate to 17,000. We really thought those numbers were right and estimated modest growth from there of 20-25k people for last year's show. We had 1/4 of that number.

In 2006, our turn-style attendance was 5,500. This number included single day, weekend, free and vendor passes. In addition, we had 35 vendor booths at the show and about 20 other organizations participating as sponsors. Of these 10 were selling games (less were selling classics). Unlike Philly Classic, VGXPO is not just a collector’s show – it’s for all gamers, so beyond buying retro games, there were a lot of new games, and other things to do at the show. Looking at the show floor, we thought it was well designed for a 20,000-person event, but to large for 5000. Things were spread out to much, so while there was a constant flow of people coming in and out of the show, there was too much space for them to occupy.

So how to remedy this: If I've done something to upset you, I am sorry. I think the only thing I can do is ask DP, and anyone else that's into games, to come to the show.

I know I’m not perfect, I know VGXPO is not perfect. But, I know the vision of VGXPO is something great, however, the show still hasn’t reached the level of success I know it can reach. But maybe, with all of your help, we can make it great. There's an old Shakespeare saying that I think is apropos:

"Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them" -

We weren't born great and we have yet to achieve it. So, I leave it up to you, the gamers to help thrust it upon VGXPO.

Your fellow gamer,

Ed Fleming


Actually (for the record), it goes back 2 years, when you banned DP from your show, which you still won't even publicly admit to, or apologize for.




No you don't. You're ignored every issue I brought up with you, and instead of answering them, you run crying to Joe in an effort to silence me.




My main issue is with some of the ridiculous claims you make, such as the show's past attendance numbers (which are obvioulsy inflated). So you can either drop all the b.s., or continue to keep sticking your head in the sand (in which case I'll keep reminding you of them).

Anyway, if VGXPO is profitable, as you say, then what do you care what I think? Just use the 'block user' option here and rid yourself of that mean 'ole stonic.

[stonic]

I've tried to take the high road with Stonic.

By "taking the high road" you must mean "ignoring me". 'Bout time you realized that wasn't going to fly here.



I wont ban him, or anyone, from posting here, that's not my style. There was one time where Stonic was asked to edit his post (and I think Stonic would admit it needed editing), but other then that I'm not going to stop him from posting here.

Gee, how gracious of you. Unless you know something that I don't, only mods can stop (ban) people from posting here. And I don't see a 'moderator' tag under your name, so....

As for the edited post you're referring to, I posted 2 photoshopped pictures (one being a picture of Buddy Holly and the Crickets, and the other a picture of a "can-o-crickets") as a humorous response to you ignoring myself and others here (my way of "taking the high road"). Obviously you don't have a sense of humor. Duly noted.



In addition, I don't want to get into some flame war with him, or anyone else. But Stonic, for my sanity, from here out, please stop the banter. This is my full time job, I take your, and everyone else's, comments and try to make a better show. David Kramer and I love what we do. We only want what's best for the show. The main reason I post on DP and AA is because there is a large core group that visits these sites and wants to learn about what's next at VGXPO. Here is my response to you, but from here out, if you've got more issues with us, just send me an email, or give me a call. I am a nice guy; I'd more then welcome a real conversation with you.

Sorry, but considering how evasive you've been up 'till now, I'd prefer that our conversation remain out in the open.



In regards to DP, I personally invited DP to be part of the show in 2006 and 2007. When VGXPO was part of Philly Classic, the old Philly Classic organizers didn't want DP to be part of the show - there was a big issue with the old organizers and DP, and a few vendors. As a matter of fact, the rift was so large, that some of the vendors said they would pull out of VGXPO if DP was at the show - I didn't want to create chaos, and was looking for a way to calm the situation.

"Some of the vendors" = Atariage. Tell us, what reason(s) did they give for not wanting DP there?

As to how the whole fallout with PC came about, it started when the PC organizers (Mark Wolfe and company) concocted that whole GameJam/hacked website idea, and everyone (not just Joe) derided them on what a horrible idea it was. But rather than listen to the community, they proceeded to insult everyone:

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15844

And for reasons only known to Mark, he decided to take out his frustrations over his little failed experiment on Joe - one of PC's biggest supporters. And AtariAge was right there to capitalize on it. No surprise there. This was the same year they had their AGE show. But that's the AA playbook - eliminate your 'competition' by any means necessary (ex: Hozer Games, anyone?). They were also involved in getting DP banned from another show as well.

So if you didn't know before now, now you do. What I don't know is why you would agree to ban DP in the first place if you didn't know the whole story to begin with?! Or why you would wait this long before admitting to it. Yeah, I know you apologized to Joe about it, but quite frankly, considering all the fallout that resulted from that PC prank and the public knowledge that you banned DP from your show (and then trying to talk your way around it when I called you out), you owed the people here an apology. How do you think that made you look to everyone, when one year you're banning DP, and the next year you're posting here looking for support like nothing happened? But what do I know...



On issue of attendance: In 2005, NBC provided a lot for VGXPO, including a lot of TV ads. In Philly, we used 35% of the show floor, and had a large turn out to the show. NBC counted 25,000 attendees - we thought that number was a bit off and lowered the estimate to 17,000. We really thought those numbers were right and estimated modest growth from there of 20-25k people for last year's show. We had 1/4 of that number.

As I had already explained back then - using a mall store as an example - VGXPO was only a small part of this show. You seem to think if 25,000 people go to the mall in one weekend, all 25,000 people visited every store at the mall, and that's about as far from reality as you can get. Since CGE had a display at the last 2 E3 shows, maybe they should start claiming E3's attendance numbers on their website ("We had 70,000 people at our show in 2005 and 60,000 in 2006!")



In 2006, our turn-style attendance was 5,500. This number included single day, weekend, free and vendor passes.

Turnstile counter. That explains it.



In addition, we had 35 vendor booths at the show and about 20 other organizations participating as sponsors. Of these 10 were selling games (less were selling classics). Unlike Philly Classic, VGXPO is not just a collector’s show – it’s for all gamers, so beyond buying retro games, there were a lot of new games, and other things to do at the show. Looking at the show floor, we thought it was well designed for a 20,000-person event, but to large for 5000. Things were spread out to much, so while there was a constant flow of people coming in and out of the show, there was too much space for them to occupy.

Wasn't the show floor MUCH BIGGER in 2005? Hmm....



So how to remedy this: If I've done something to upset you, I am sorry. I think the only thing I can do is ask DP, and anyone else that's into games, to come to the show.

I never asked anyone to boycott your show, did I? All I wanted was for you to be upfront with people here.

And honestly, if you want 5-digit attendance figures ala E3, you're not going to do it with a PhillyClassic-style show (and vendors) or by solely advertising it on DP and AA. Otherwise you're only going to bring in (at best) a few thousand people. But again, what do I know...

[Ed-Fleming]

I'm about out of energy to continue this topic, and I don't really have any additional responses to Stonic. I give up.

If you were at VGXPO, you know what were about. VGXPO is a humble show, but its also a hell of a good time - we are about gamers and making an event that they want to come to and have fun at.

VGXPO a unique show, it mixes the best of CGE/Philly Classic, E3, GDC and Comic-Con. There is really nothing else like it. This is a business afterall, each year we plan to grow the show - otherwise my wife & kids would kill me ;).

The vendor/exhibitor list (and hall) got bigger in '06, and I expect it will grow even larger this year. For attendance, we doing all we can to make the show attactive to every gamer: we've moved the expo to down town Philly - its right on top of the train station; We've lowered the price for tickets too; In addition, to newspaper, game mags, web/online and cable ads, we're working toward doing network TV ads in '07.

Let's close this thread now. IF people still want me to put updates on the site, then let me know. Otherwise, someone else can start a new one and use it as an official update for future VGXPO info.

Cheers,

Ed

[GrandAmChandler]

Let's close this thread now. IF people still want me to put updates on the site, then let me know. Otherwise, someone else can start a new one and use it as an official update for future VGXPO info.

Cheers,

Ed

Locked per OP's request.

-GAC-

[digitalpress]

For the record, I never hold grudges and have nothing bad to say about Ed, Mark (the last person I dealt with when it was PhillyClassic), VGXPO or Atari Age. I still imagine a world where every corner of this niche gaming world can co-exist in some kind of harmony. I wish I had the time to extend olive branches like I used to - I can barely keep on top of the projects that directly affect ME!

Stonic is one of my best friends and I know he's looking out for me (and the DP community as a whole). If we switched places I'd do the same for him. Hopefully he doesn't come across as the bad guy here. I think he's just looking for answers.

Best of luck with this year's show, Ed. November is a tough month for me but I'll try to get some representation there to exhibit.