Program

We’ll be adding more details on the program as we get closer to the event. If you have questions about the program or suggestions for speakers, please don’t hesitate to contact Charles Hudson, Host of the Virtual Goods Summit 2009, at charles@vgsummit.com.

Virtual Goods Summit University – Thurs, Oct 29

This year we’ll be offering a half-day seminar designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the key fundamental drivers of virtual goods business models. Our group of experts will cover topics ranging from why virtual goods are effective to the ins and outs of managing a virtual economy. Whether you’re new to the space or just looking for an opportunity to get additional insights and perspectives, we encourage you to join us for the day and learn from some of our industry’s leading thinkers.

9:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Registration and Coffee

Register in advance to save money and time at check-in.
10:00 AM to 10:25 AM

Virtual Goods – Why and How They Work
10:25 AM to 10:50 AM

Getting Started with Virtual Goods and Virtual Gifts
10:50 AM to 11:15 AM

Publisher Case Study – Launching Your Virtual Goods Offering
11:15 to 11:40 AM

Launching Your Virtual Currency
11:45 AM – 1:15 PM

Lunch

We'll have lunches available for everyone from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM. Grab a bite and take advantage of the opportunity to catch up with friends, check your Blackberry, or recharge your batteries.
1:15 PM to 1:40 PM

Managing Dual Currencies
1:40 PM to 2:05 PM

Publisher Case Study – Our Experience Launching a Virtual Currency
2:05 PM to 2:30 PM

Managing and Marketing a Virtual Goods Offering
2:30 PM to 2:55 PM

Managing a Virtual Economy – What You Need to Know
2:55 PM to 3:25 PM

Afternoon Break

Need caffeine? How about a cookie or a snack? We'll have refreshments on hand to keep you going through the rest of the day.
3:25 PM to 3:50 PM

The Second Life Economy – By the Numbers
3:50 PM to 4:15 PM

Subscription to Free-to-Play: The Turbine Experience
4:15 PM to 5:15 PM

The Payments Landscape – Virtual Goods Payment Options
5:15 PM to 5:40 PM

Optimizing Your Payments Infrastructure – A Publisher Case Study
5:40 PM – 6:15 PM

Networking Reception

After a full day of conference sessions and conversations, join the group for a beverage, a snack and great networking. See you bright and early tomorrow for the full-day Virtual Goods Summit!
6:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Official VGS University After Party – Hosted by Super Rewards

Join us at the official VGSU After-Party, hosted by Super Rewards, on Thurs., Oct. 29, at 6:30-9 p.m. at ThirstyBear Brewing Co. Bring your VGSU or VGS badge to get in to a fun night of free food, an open bar, and a great time of mingling. ThirstyBear Brewing Co is located at 661 Howard Street, just a few blocks from the Westin.

3rd Annual Virtual Goods Summit – Fri, Oct 30

8:30 AM to 9:30 AM

Breakfast and Registration

Join your fellow attendees for a light breakfast and some pre-conference mingling. Register in advance to save money and time at check-in.
9:30 AM to 9:45 AM

Welcome and Opening
9:45 AM to 10:05 AM

Trends in the US Virtual Goods Market
10:05 AM to 10:35 AM

Overview of the Asian Virtual Goods Market
10:35 AM – 11:30 AM

Panel: Lessons from the Leaders
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Panel: Virtual Goods and Social Networks
12:30-1:45 PM

Lunch

We'll have lunches available for everyone from 12:30 PM to 1:45 PM. Grab a bite and take advantage of the opportunity to catch up with friends, check your Blackberry, or recharge your batteries.
1:45 PM – 2:00 PM

Welcome Back from Lunch
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Talk: "Traditional" Game Designers Are From Mars, Free-to-Play Game Designers Are From Venus–What US Game Developers Need to Know about Free-to-Play in China
2:30 PM – 3:15 PM

Panel: Virtual Goods – A Global Perspective
3:15 PM – 4:00 PM

Panel: Virtual Goods and the iPhone
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Afternoon Break

Need caffeine? How about a cookie or a snack? We'll have refreshments on hand to keep you going through the rest of the day.
4:30 PM – 5:15 PM

Panel: MMOs and Virtual Worlds
5:15 PM – 6:00 PM

Panel: Payments Infrastructure for Virtual Goods
6:00 PM

Closing
6:15 PM

Official VGS After-Party at Harlot, Hosted By Offerpal Media

All attendees of the Virtual Goods Summit on October 30th are invited to the official conference after-party hosted by Offerpal Media, starting right after the conference from 6:15 – 9:00 PM! Join your fellow attendees for more networking, drinks and snacks at Harlot, one of SOMA's coolest venues. Playoffs to win a Wii, a flip camera, champagne and many more gifts... Harlot is located at 46 Minna St, just a few blocks and a short walk from the Westin.