Telepresence World 2007 Conference to Explore How Telepresence Can Help Reduce GHG Emissions

Steamboat Springs, CO, April 13, 2007 --(PR.com)-- According to the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), many natural ecosystems have already been affected by global warming, as evidenced by documented changes in polar/glacial ecosystems, species migrations, growing seasons, and extreme weather events. In their report, “Climate Change 2007: Climate Change Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability,” released on April 6, 2007, in Brussels, the IPCC says that, based on data collected since the 1970s, the “observed increase in the globally averaged temperature since the mid-20th century is very likely due to the observed increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations.” Future climate shifts will severely impact biological and physical processes on a global scale, including all aspects of human activity. Responses to climate change include adaptation and/or mitigation in order to delay, reduce, or avoid negative consequences.

In the United States, approximately 6% of all greenhouse gases produced may be attributed to domestic business travel via car, bus, train, and air. Telepresence technology, which uses large, high-definition screens, life-size images, CD-quality audio, and high-speed broadband connectivity to provide a fluid, “in-person” experience, promises to dramatically reduce the need for business travel by increasing the value and utility of remote video collaboration and conferencing. Reducing the need for corporate travel for purposes such as conferences and meetings could result in a significant reduction in the production of carbon dioxide, a major component of greenhouse gases.

The Telepresence World 2007 Conference, which will be held at the University of San Diego June 4 – 6, 2007, will highlight the positive impact that this emerging technology could have on the underlying causes of global warming. Noted Mark Barounos, President of Hemisphere Expo Services, the organizers of the conference, “Many telepresence providers have already realized the importance of this new technology and the role it could play in helping to reduce GHG emissions. Global climate change is one of the foremost issues facing the world today and this is an aspect of telepresence that we want to emphasize. While reducing corporate travel can save individual businesses time and money, it can also help on a global scale by moderating future climate variability.” In November of 2006, Teliris, a leading provider of telepresence solutions (and a Diamond Sponsor of Telepresence World 2007) became the first telepresence provider to have one of its offerings—VirtualLive—certified by the CarbonNeutral Company to help reduce the “carbon footprint” of those who utilize VirtuaLive for meetings, rather than travel.

An entire afternoon of the conference will be devoted to discussing the environmental aspects of telepresence. In addition, Jon Price, Sales Director of the CarbonNeutral Company will address attendees about the business of “being green.” Leading telepresence providers, including sponsors Polycom, Teliris, Cisco, Telanetix, BT, DVE (Digital Video Enterprises), and Masergy will host live demonstrations for conference delegates so they can experience the incredible life-like reality of this technology, which far surpasses anything of this nature previously available. Media sponsors for Telepresence World 2007 include: CXO, CIOIndex, Business Management (bm), and VOIP-News.com. Telepresence World 2007 is supported by the Interactive Media & Collaborative Communications Alliance (IMCCA) and the International Society of Presence Research (ISPR). For further information on the Telepresence World 2007 agenda, speakers, registration, and sponsors, see: http://www.telepresenceworld.com.

Sponsor, speaker and exhibitor opportunities are still available for this landmark event. Please email info@hemisphereinc.com for details.

About Hemisphere Expo Services, Inc.
Established in 1990, The Hemisphere Group has produced events throughout Asia, India, and the Americas. Their events portfolio includes conferences, seminars, and tradeshows on topics ranging from aerospace to finance. Known today as Hemisphere Expo Services, Inc., they provide expertise in the production and management of events relating to high-technology advancements. (http://www.HemisphereInc.com).

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