Partner Article

Coventry firm to showcase technology

A Coventry company will be showcasing its cutting-edge technology at a major international show in March – and helping to promote the area at the same time.

Serious Games International (SGIL) at Coventry University Technology Park will use its Chatterbox product at MIPIM in France which attracts around 30,000 property professionals from across the world between March 11-14.

The business, which has a presence Internationally in Singapore and the USA, will install a Chatterbox station on the Coventry and Warwickshire stand at the show which will allow potential developers and investors to find out a range of information about the area.

SGIL has joined forces with Martin Reeves, the chief executive of Coventry City Council, to answer delegates’ questions whatever the time or day via a 3D avatar version of his usual self.

Martin has met with SGIL’s Chatterbox’s developers to answer a whole range of questions about Coventry and Warwickshire from planned developments to why companies should re-locate to the area.

His answers have been programmed in multiple languages to give information quickly and effectively to visitors to Coventry and Warwickshire’s stand at MIPIM.

Martin said this was a different way of promoting the business, investment and tourism opportunities available in Coventry and Warwickshire at MIPIM.

“It might be a bit scary to see another version of me, but 3D avatar is an excellent way of communicating information in a fun and effective manner,” he said.

“There are a whole range of questions for visitors to look at and all they will do is press a button and I will pop up on screen to give them the answer.

“I have met with the team at SGLI to record all the answers so property professionals will be able to access information whenever they want it.

“I will be talking about a number of exciting developments which are taking place including Friargate, Coventry and Warwickshire Gateway, the MIRA Technology Park Enterprise Zone and the National Automotive Innovation Campus as well as highlighting tourism opportunities, our links with Coventry University and the University of Warwick, and why we are different to other parts of the country.

“MIPIM is always a fantastic opportunity to showcase Coventry and Warwickshire to a global audience and the 3D avatar is another way of talking about our achievements.”

Craig Weeks, head of development at Serious Games International, said Chatterbox was a product which created realistic avatars of people in an engaging way that can be customised for different businesses or organisations.

“Our team has created a 3D avatar version of Martin which is extremely realistic and Chatterbox is a voice to voice communication method which gives specific data that is programmed in,” he said.

“It is a great way of creating a video spokesperson who is on duty 24/7 and this will give Martin the opportunity to promote the fantastic investment taking place in Coventry and Warwickshire as well as highlighting the plans for the future.”

Coventry and Warwickshire is attending MIPIM for the 21st year in succession. The partnership is led by Coventry City Council and supported by around a dozen private sector partners including CW LEP, Coventry and Warwickshire Place Board, Friargate Coventry LLP, Barberry and Wilmott Dixon.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Pete Squires .