When people say "ION Network", Evergreen Events is hoping they think "networking". In addition to the networking breakfasts and Nexus rooms to facilitate high-level connections, the exclusive ION Network has just been launched to add to the many compelling reasons to attend the 2008 ION Game Conference in Seattle, WA during May 13-15.

The easily navigable, indispensable ION Network offers registered attendees full access to conference speakers, advisors and attendees. Attendees may browse profiles, post news and opinions on the forum, join groups, send private messages to connect directly with their fellow 2008 ION Conference participants. The ION Network makes sharing game industry views and making key connections with some of the most influential names in the online game industry as convenient as the push of a few buttons. The ION Network can be visited here: http://ionnetwork.ning.com.

"I’m looking forward to meeting as many attendees as possible before May 13th," said Peter Freese, Conference Director for the ION Game Conference. "I expect I’ll be using the ION Network to arrange meetings, link up with old friends in the business and much more, as many others belonging to this network will be doing."

As the ION Game Conference continues to reduce the six degrees of separation within the online game business, the clock is ticking down on the opportunity to pre-register online for the conference itself. After March 17th the early registration rate, which offers savings of 50% off the full price for a pass, will no longer be available. Pre-registering online for the ION Conference also helps ensure access to the event, since capacity is limited and may sell out before registration is closed. The Seattle Marriott Waterfront hotel, the site for the 2008 ION Conference and all official event activities, is offering a special discounted rate for attendees, of $209 for single or double occupancy. This rate is only available until April 14, 2008 and hotel rates will then be subject to market rates thereafter.

Further value is being added as new high-powered speakers are added to the triple-A roster of online game industry mavens contributing to the ION Game Conference:

• Robert Mitchell: Director of Technology, Sony Online Entertainment
• Scott Jennings: Lead Designer, NCsoft
• George Dolbier: CTO, Games and Interactive Entertainment, IBM
• Phil Adam: President, BigWorld Distribution
• Joseph Ybarra: Senior Vice President of Strategic Operations, Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment
• Tom Sperry: CEO and President, Exit Games USA

The ION Game Conference is an annual game industry event designed for an international attendee audience, for those who strive to network and learn about new online game development and business trends, at the highest level. Visit the official website http://www.ionconference.com/ for the latest news and information about the ION Game Conference. To review the global and diversified advisory board supporting the ION Game Conference, visit http://www.ionconference.com/advisors.php. To keep informed about the latest news about ION and the online game industry, sent straight to your e-mail Inbox, sign up for the free ION Connection newsletter at http://www.ionconference.com/signup.html.