The digital lifestyle is now

In our increasingly technological world a new super expo will be opening this weekend focused on all things digital.


We all now live digital lifestyles; it is no longer an issue of future-casting or science fiction fantasy.

I was instructed to grab my partner, friends, family, dogs, cats, (even fairy penguins) and head down to experience an expo featuring the latest electronics products, video games and technologies from leading manufacturers, distributors and retailers.

The Digital Lifestyle Show opens in Melbourne next week and as the Director of the Expo, Greek-Australian, Peter Barlow, reassured me, “You don’t have to be a geek to partake in this show, it’s for the entire family – a one stop shop technology festival.”

This democratic digital space is open even for a technophobe like me.

The International Digital Entertainment Festival Incorporating the eGames Expo, Digital Lifestyle Show and the Digital ICT Skills and Careers Expo has been enthusiastically billed by the organisers as the ‘largest new technology exhibition in Australia.’

I was instructed to grab my partner, friends, family, dogs, cats, (even fairy penguins) and head down to experience an expo featuring the latest electronics products, video games and technologies from leading manufacturers, distributors and retailers.

The fine tuned, PR machine behind the expo says, ‘The home show of the future is here today!’

And all cynicism aside, it is shaping up to be an impressive expo featuring home theatre, music streaming, new MP3 players, a range of the latest video games, digital cameras, surround sound systems, LCD and Plasma screen TVs, Blu-Ray player/recorders, laptops, desktops, hybrid cars and mobile au-de colognes!

One needs the fantastic plastic to max out, or crack the kids’ piggy banks for all the cool stuff before Christmas.

The eGames Expo provides the games industry with a platform to showcase the latest and yet-to-be-released games and innovative products available in store soon. Being the biggest interactive event it offers visitors the opportunity to play for and win the many prizes, test the interactive technology, or buy the latest console.

The organisers of the Digital Lifestyle Show are Wired Events, “an innovative event management company focusing on cutting edge technology based events” Barlow underscores.

He adds, “It’s a home grown local company that has managed to organize this expo over the last four years”.

“I conceived the idea about four years ago as the video games industry was going through its next phase of maturity. The expo initially commenced in 2006 and has grown in stature and content since, [today] filling the Royal Exhibition Building space.”

Barlow was quick to point out that the event was created to “legitimise video games and the electronic game technology industry into the mainstream.” He said, “Naturally over the years the concept has flowed onto different digital, tech and domestic products as part of the Digital Lifestyle Show.”

It was a conscious effort on behalf of the organisers to house the program in the Royal Exhibition Building thus giving the Expo a family orientated people friendly atmosphere.
Barlow highlights of this year’s program.

“Everything is so exciting. [There are] a lot of new release and un-released games to check out and play, new electronic gadgets, communications, audio visual displays and off course the million dollar Panasonic Toyota Formula 1 Car as well as the F1 2009 racing game on Nintendo Wii prior to release date with lots more racing simulator action, competitions to enter and prizes to win.”

Peter Mousaferiadis, director of Pan International Creative Services, and the other Peter of Wired Events, says, “Pan International Creative Services runs Wired Events [and is dedicated to] promoting culture, education and technology to advance well-being for the whole community. Whether it be an arts or cultural production or a high tech event such as the expo, we do strive for excellence in product and presentation.”

There will be mini presentations by company representatives explaining their products in lay terms; whether it’s a thingamajig or a thingamabob, you are contemplating owning or just browsing for that watchamacallit gizmo that you know will go down well!

Leading experts from the Digital Industry will be on hand demonstrating how to get the most out of the digital experience in a user friendly atmosphere – ‘comfortable with digital’ – and indulge in some awesome gaming for free!

So much to see, do and immerse oneself in, have a browse, a play and catch up with friends at the expo’s two cafe areas, stay the whole day if you want to.
There is lots of activity for the whole family and all for the one ticket price.

As far as value for money and enjoyment is concerned it’s a great day out!

So pull your digit out, hop on the bus, tram, train or Super Mario and get to the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton this Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the digital experience of a lifetime!

The Digital Lifestyle Show begins Friday 30, October from 1.00 pm at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton and goes until Sunday 1, November. For more information go to: www.idef.com.au