Gamertell

What, you thought E3 was the only big video game event this month? Sillihead.

The casual game industry is having its own gathering July 16-19, 2007, in Seattle, WA, put together by the Casual Games Association (CGA).

Lest you think this is a casual affair, as the name “Casual Connect” might imply, there are some big hitters attending this year, including Peter Moore (Microsoft), Nolan Bushnell (uWink, Atari) and Steve Youngwood (MTVN/Viacom), who are giving keynote addresses. Other names - and companies - of note include John Vechey (PopCap), Jason Akel (Casual Game Marketing), Mark Cottam (Mumbo Jumbo) and many, many others

The event has three tracks broken into speakers, roundtable discussions and meetings, making it industry event. The sponsors column on the site shows at least 60 companies, making this at least as well, if not better, represented than E3 2007. Premium passes have already been sold out, while standard access passes, at $450 pre-order and $550 on site, are still available, They include CGA membership, access to sessions, lectures and parties.

Here’s a list of the Social Events at the convention:

Monday, July 16, 2007

• 7PM - 10PM Invite only pre-party hosted by King.com
• 4PM - 7PM Badge Pick-up and Reception @ Benaroya Hall

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

• 6PM - VIP Party at Venom for Speakers & Press hosted by Sandlot Games
• 9PM - Real Party at the Trinity Nightclub

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

• noon - 2PM - Press Review and Lunch hosted by Pogo.com
• 6PM - Government Reception hosted by the Canadian Government
• 8PM - MumboJumbo presents the Seattle Art Museum

Considering how much casual games sales have increases the past few years and the infusion of casual games into game systems, this could be one of the most lucrative industry expos of the year. I also find it interesting that this is going on the same time as the Home Media Expo, going on July 17-19, 2007, in Las Vegas, NV.

Site [Casual Connect] Read [GameIndustryBiz]