As the Orlando Science Center’s largest annual event, the Otronicon festival in 2011 attracted more than 2,500 people a day who saw and experienced the latest in video games, interactive technology and virtual reality. The 2012 edition of the 4-day event, which starts Friday, Jan. 13 and ends Monday, Jan. 16, 2012, promises to build on its past success as it celebrates advancements in interactive technology. Festival-goers can experience larger-than-life video game experiences, state-of-the art medical and military simulators, robotic surgery demonstrations, and game design workshops taught by industry professionals.

Over the past six years, Otronicon has established a unique reputation for itself as Orlando’s biggest interactive technology expo—no small feat in a place that attracts 50 million tourists each year to area theme parks and beaches. Otronicon has become a symbol for the Orlando-area’s growing importance as a technology incubator. And as it has built its reputation as a major new millennium technology festival, Otronicon has also gained credit for inspiring young students who realize they can seek rewarding careers in interactive technology, virtual reality and even designing video games.

As a sponsor partner of Otronicon and Orlando Science Center since the very first Otronicon seven years ago, Bright House Networks will once again be the exclusive Internet service provider through its Road Runner Lightning wideband high-speed Internet service.  Bright House Networks will also host the “Bright House Networks ReBoot Lounge” on level 3, where guests are invited to take a moment to post their experience on Facebook or send out a Tweet as they enjoy taking a brief break in a comfortable lounge featuring post-modern decor.

This year’s event promotes the area’s reputation as a technology leader with the theme, “made in Orlando, played in Orlando” and seeks to promote interaction with creative professionals involved in the industry.  Some of the new features of Otronicon 2012 will include:

-          An expanded EA SPORTS Arena: Last year, EA SPORTS debuted at Otronicon with their Virtual Playbook, and this year the gaming giant offers a new experience based on what really goes “in the game.”

-          Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is making their first appearance at Otronicon this year, demonstrating how they use modelling and simulation to create some of the world’s most memorable attractions.

-          The military is expanding its presence with an all new experience in robotics and simulation.

-          Back by popular demand, not one – but two Virtusphere simulators with all new experiences.

-          Expanded offerings in Medical SimCity with new advances in medical simulation and robotics.

And of course, there will be plenty of video games to play, ranging from classics such as Pong and Pac-Man to the super-popular Rock Band, which has one of the most spirited, and competitive, contests each year.

Ticket information and Otronicon 2012 hours are available at the official event website at www.otronicon.org.

Have you attended a past Otronicon event? Which technology demonstration impressed you the most?