The Eastern seaboard of these United States often gets the shaft when it comes to gaming conventions. PAX is in Washington, E3 is in California, as is the Game Developer's Conference, even Texas gets EIEIO. And when you consider that I hate to fly, it's almost like conference organizers are deliberately trying to make my life more difficult.

And then there's VGXPO. Located in the heart of Philadelphia (a brief train ride from our office) VGXPO has been, to date, the East Coast's  only answer to the bigger West Coast shows. Although not nearly as big, nor as organized, nor as well-attended, it's still a pretty cool show. Highlights from last year include the old-school video game cabinets, a hilarious cos-play contest and a fantastic debate between Lorne Lanning and Jack Thompson. 

This year's VGXPO will take place November 21, 22, and 23, once again at the Philadelphia Convention Center. This year, they have teamed up with the local NBC affiliate, with the hope of increasing the pre-show buzz and filling the floor. You can rest assured that even if you can't make it to Philly for the show, we'll be there from open to close, bringing you all the news that VGXPO provides.

Here's the full list of goings-on:

 

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'BREAKING IN' - THE GAME CONFERENCE

Each year VGXPO hosts 'Breaking In' - The Game Conference, a 2-day, one-track event, for folks that would like to make videogames for a living.

Co-sponsored by GameJobs.com, at this unique event, you'll be provided with everything you need to know to find education and job opportunities in the games industry.

EXPO HALL - GAMING COMPANIES

In the VGXPO Expo Hall you'll find many game companies displaying the latest and greatest games. In past years groups like DELL Computer, EA's Rock Band, NVIDIA, ATARI, NUBY, NBC-Universal, Ziff Davis, Tips and Tricks, Red Octane, Video Games Live, EB Games, Game Crazy, Patriot Memory, the PMS Girls, Panasonic, Phillips, Virtual Rush, and many, many others have been part of VGXPO.

COSPLAY COSTUME COMPETITION

Animation conventions are not the only place you see COSPlayers! For the fourth year in a row, VGXPO will play host to a huge COSPlay competition. Over 50 people participated in last year's competition - don't be left out, start working on this year's costume now!

VGXPO ARCADES

VGXPO is famous for the Videotopia Arcade and in 2008 we're going crazy, bringing even more arcade games to the expo... Expect over 100 arcade machines all set on free play.

GAMING COMPETITIONS

Videogame Competitions are a hallmark of VGXPO. Last year we held over 30 cash=prize competitions on console, PC and retro platforms. Expect more of the same in 2008!

THE VIDEOGAME MUSEUM

This history museum is growing and will be back showcasing games and systems from days gone past. In addition, the museum will be taking your donations again this year - if you have old games or systems that you want to donate to the museum bring them along with you to the expo.

VIDEOGAME CELEBRITIES

VGXPO provides visitors with the opportunity to meet some of the videogame industries living legends. In past year's we've hosted gaming greats like Lorne Lanning, Tommy Tallarico, Bill Kunkel and Ralph Baer. We even had controversial folks like the infamous Jack Thompson attend VGXPO.

This year we'll be expanding our celebrity guest list to include even more legendary game makers. Keep an eye on VGXPO.com for updates on the celebrities that will attend VGXPO in 2008.

BATTLE OF THE VIDEOGAME BANDS

Games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band have proved to be HUGE hits with gamers and at VGXPO we take music and gaming very seriously. The 2008 Battle of the VideoGame Bands is sure to be a big event at VGXPO.

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