SL23B Announced: "The Golden Age of Hollywood," Applications For Exhibitors, Performers, Being Accepted

 

 Earlier today, Linden Lab announced it was planning for the Second Life 23rd Birthday, or SL23B. The theme this year is "The Golden Age of Hollywood."

 

Save the date! On June 23rd, Second Life turns 23. The 23rd annual Second Life birthday celebration (SL23B) will take place from June 18th through July 19th, 2026. Get ready for a full month of live music, performances, community exhibits, and celebrations across the grid.

This year’s theme is The Golden Age of Hollywood. Think classic cinema, red carpets, vintage glamour, and the magic of the silver screen. 

 

Linden Lab would also announce they were accepting applications for Exhibitors and Performers.

 

We are inviting Residents from across the community to create non-commercial exhibits that reflect the depth and diversity of Second Life. From art and roleplay to communities, nonprofits, and interactive experiences, exhibits highlight the many ways people connect and create together.

 

 

Performances are a major part of the SL birthday celebrations, bringing energy and entertainment to stages throughout the event. We are looking for a wide range of performers to join the festivities. DJs, live musicians, singers, dance troupes, theater groups, particle performers, lecturers, workshop hosts, and community storytellers are all welcome to apply. Performances help create the lively atmosphere that makes the birthday celebration memorable for visitors from around the world. 

 

Those interested in being an exhibitor for the SL23B need to fill out this form on Google docs.  Exhibitors are not required to follow the theme, though "We encourage you to share what makes your Second Life experience meaningful. Your interests. Your communities. Your creativity." Some exhibition sims will be Adult-rated, and you can apply to be in one. It's pointed out an exhibit cannot be commercial and one cannot sell anything there (you can offer gifts) or be blatantly advertising (simple mentions of sponsors are okay). Political messages are considered not appropriate for the celebration, and what is considered hateful content is prohibited. People are asked if they want a small, medium, or large plot, and will need to explain why if they want medium or large, and if it's water or land. As there are a finite number of plots, applying does not guarantee a spot. 

 

For performers, they need to fill out this form on Google docs.  While DJs and live musicians certainly come to mind, there can be others such as comedians, particle show makers, script class teachers, and more. They are also required to show up at least an hour before their sloted time and if late a replacement will be found to fill in the slot. They are also required to bring in their own audio stream. For events in Gemeral-rated sims, the clean versions of songs must be the ones used. 

 

Both those wishing to be exhibitors or performers have until May 18 to apply. Applications for SL23B volunteer staff and shops for the SL23B Shop and Hop will be offered at a later date. 

 

For the blog post in full: Click Here. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

SLB Exhibit Takedown Begins

 

 With the SLB over, the only ones around on the sims are Linden Lab's employees and the exhibitors. So some have been picked up right away. 

 

Others are being left around for a few more days, for other exhibitors and the Lindens and Moles (and maybe one busy fox reporter) to see.

 

More on the SLB when time permits,

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Last Day To Submit SLB Applications

 

For those still wanting to submit applications for exhibitors, volunteer staff, and performers , today Monday May 19 is your last chance. After Midnight, no more applications will be accepted. 

If past history is any guide, within several days the first exhibitors will get emails from Linden Lab saying they've been approved, where their plots are, and how to get into the exhibitor group. 

Stay tuned for further updates. 

SL22B Open For Exhibitor Applications

 

 

Yesterday, Linden Lab announced the theme, and logo, of the SL22B, this year's Second Life Birthday celebrations: "Myths and Legends." They also announced that applications for those wishing to be exhibitors of the event were being accepted. 

Just like last year, your exhibit does not need to stay in theme. Share your Second Life passions with us. Your interests. Your communities. Your world! Every year we celebrate because of you, the amazing and creative Residents who have chosen to call Second Life home. What has drawn you into this world, and what keeps you here? These annual festivities are an opportunity to show us what fuels your Second Life. Let's celebrate that together! 

 

 As the announcement says, while exhibits in theme are encouraged, staying firmly in theme is not a requirement. There's also that there will be two groups of exhibition sims, General Audience and Adult, so exhibits need not be kid friendly. But while exhibitors can be from a store, they cannot be commercial advertisements. While gifts are fine, tip jars are prohibited. Exhibits cannot be used as party venues before Sunday June 29, and even then there are restrictions. Scripted bots cannot be part of an exhibit. Exhibits should avoid political content, and anything the Lab considers hate material is prohibited.

Those interested in being exhibitors need to fill out this Google doc (here). There are only a limited number of parcels available for exhibits, and sending an applications does not guarantee acceptance.

 

The deadline for applications is May 19. 

 

 For more information, check the Linden Blog.

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

SL Newser Is In "The Birthday"

 

 

 The sims for the Second Life Birthday are now open to exhibitors. This includes the Newser. And so we're throwing our hat into the ring, so to speak. Or rather, marking the plot with my hat. 

Unfortunately, that will be about the only picture from inside the SLB grounds we'll be able to show. The Lab has stated they want a news blackout of anything going on inside these sims. But we can still show maps. And since our last map picture, the sims have started to be grouped more together. 

This year's Second Life Birthday lasts from Friday June 21 to July 21, a full month. The theme this year is "Elements."

 

SL21B Theme Chosen, Lab Announces Applications For Exhibitors Being Accepted

 

 

 Yesterday, Thursday April 4, Linden Lab announced both the theme of the upcoming Second Life Twenty-First Birthday Celebrations, and that applications were being accepted from those wishing to be exhibitors for the event. The theme this year is "Elements."

This year’s Birthday theme is Elements. This theme invites us to explore the fundamental components that make up our vast virtual landscape and the diverse communities within it. From the fiery passion of creators and artists to the fluid adaptability of our social environments, from the solid bonds within our communities to the fresh breezes of innovation that propel us forward, "Elements" is a celebration of the core forces that shape our experiences in Second Life.

As in the past few SLB events, exhibits are not required to be in theme. There will also be a separate adult-themed exhibition area apart from the main general-audience rated area. In the application form exhibitors need to fill out, it was stated exhibits cannot be commercial, "this is a party, not a mall or sales fair," gifts were okay, tip jars are not, bots are not allowed, political themes and what the Lab considered "hate material" are not allowed, and more. 

Applications need to be turned in by Sunday May 12. The event itself lasts from June 21st to July 21st, a full month of "fun-filled days of live music, performances, shopping, and amazing community exhibits!"

Stay tuned for more details.

Bixyl Shuftan

SL20B Ends

 

 

Unless there's been a *very* last second reprieve by Linden Lab, then the Second Life Twentieth Birthday has come to a close, the sims closing to the general public at Midnight last night, both the exhibits and the "Shop and Hop." While exhibitors and Lindens and Moles can still travel the sims for the next few days, the rest of us can't. 

We'll have a few more SL20B related stories, but we will be focusing more on other stories, such as the upcoming "Burning Man: Conception" event.

*Addition* The Shop and Hop will still be open until later today, and while the sims were supposed to be closed, I was still able to get an alt over. 

The following was also posted by Squeaky Mole in the Second Life Birthday group:

SL20B Has Ended & Group Chat Closed

Hello everyone, I want to thank everyone for enjoying Second Life's 20th birthday with us. However the time has come, SL20B is officially over.

Group chat will be temporally muted until the next Shop & Hop. The remains will remain open a little longer but will be closing today.

Thanks again everyone, and happy birthday!

 

SL20B Update

 

 

 It's less than a month until the Second Life Twentieth Birthday celebrations. On the map, a search for sims with SLB in their name turned up this collection of regions, far south of the main group of the Grod's sims.

There was no one single landmass of SLB sims, but they were in several groups, the largest sixteen in size. While there will be a separate area for the adult-rated sims, there were none that I saw which had that rating. And the SL19B symbol was still on the map. So clearly, more work on the sims is forthcoming.

 

As for the exhibitors, on May 26, those still in the Second Life Birthday Exhibitors group from last year, at least those who were still there, got the following message from Missy Mole:

 

If you are still in this group then you have applied and been accepted to build an exhibit for SL20B. Congratulations! We are just about finished setting up the regions for you to come in and start building. Information about your parcel size and location will follow over the weekend. It is safe to say that 99% of you received the parcel size you requested.

 

But unlike most years, setting up the exhibits will not be happening in May. On May 30, Missy Mole had another message.

... I almost have the parcels all assigned for those of you that filled in the acceptance form. I was hoping to have the regions open today but I am going to say we will be open by June 1 now. I know people are very anxious to get onto the regions and start building but you will still have two full weeks to finish the exhibits. I'm sorry for the delays but hopefully everything will be perfect when you get onto your parcels 

Stay tuned for more information

Bixyl Shuftan

The SLB Exhibits Come Down

 *

Monday July 11 and Tuesday July 12 were the "takedown" days of the Second Life Nineteenth Birthday exhibits. By the second day, many were gone, and the exhibit sims were full of empty area with just grass between the roads and sidewalks, which were now empty aside from the occasional exhibitor. 

In both the Second Life Birthday and Second Life Birthday Exhibitor groups, there were expressions of sadness that the time for the exhibits was coming to an end. But there was also a sense that there was quite a bit of good work done, and a job well done by all.

"... cleaned my parcel up and had to stand there for a moment.  Thank you, all you moles that made it happen and as smoothly as it went.  A lot of really good exhibits this year."

"Good night, SL19B friends. See you next time (if not before)!"

Bixyl Shuftan
 

SL19B Update: Exhibitor and Volunteer Applications Now Open

 

Yesterday, Thursday March 31, Linden Lab announced it would began accepting applications from those wishing to be among the exhibitors and of the volunteer staff of the SL19B anniversary event for Second Life. For exhibitors, while going with the theme, Steampunk, is encouraged, it is not necessary to build strictly within it.

The theme for SL19B is Steampunk, but don’t let that make you feel limited! Just like last year, your exhibit does not need to stay in theme. Share your Second Life passions with us. Your interests. Your communities. Your world! Every year we celebrate because of you, the amazing and creative Residents who have chosen to call Second Life home. What has drawn you into this world, and what keeps you here? These annual festivities are an opportunity to show us what fuels your Second Life. Let's celebrate that together!

Those wanting to be exhibitors are asked to fill out a Google docs form (link). There are rules such as no "promoting buying and selling of goods and services" (stores and businesses can still have an exhibit, but have to follow rules), and exhibits need to be within the guidelines of a general-rated sim (for example no adult furniture). Scripted bots are not allowed at exhibits. While having a party at one's exhibit is fine, exhibits cannot "be used as a performance/music/DJ venue for the entirety of the event." Nor can exhibits be political in nature. And as there are a finite number of exhibit parcels, there is no guarantee of being accepted. People can request a larger-sized parcel, but must explain why the size is needed. Exhibitors can have two co-builders with access to the plot.

If you have the Second Life spirit and stamina to promote SL19B events and serve as a guide for huge crowds, we’d love for you to fill out the volunteer application by May 8th, 2022!

Those wanting to be volunteers have another Google docs form to fill out (link). They are expected to be courteous to others and be able to work in shifts of at least two hours. They must wear assigned t-shirts and need to have an overall appearance and profile that fit within the General-rated maturity level theme of the SL Birthday. Applicants are asked if they want to be greeters or stage crew, and if one of the latter which position. Those applying are also asked which type of mesh body they usually wear so a crew shirt that properly fits will be available.

Like with performer applications, those desiring to be exhibitors and volunteers for the SL19B have until May 8 to apply. As a reminder, the SL19B takes place from June 16 to July 5.

To read the announcement on the Linden blog, Click Here.

Bixyl Shuftan
 

SL18B Update

 

For the past several days, the various exhibitors have been getting their plots on the sims assigned for exhibits for the SL18B. Just yesterday, the Newser was assigned it's own (in SLB Pizzazz). In the past, we'd show a picture of our mostly bare plot with the placeholder. But that wasn't the case last year this one due to Linden Lab's media silence rule in regards to the sims for the event, one that Missy Mole reminded the exhibitors of a few days ago.

A reminder that there should be no teasers or random pictures posted or shared from the Birthday regions. Not even of your own exhibit. You are all co-conspirators in a massive secret that will be revealed on opening day, Thursday, June 17. Until then, not a word or a picture about what the regions look like. 

The only pictures we can show are those of the Second Life map, which one can take from anywhere inworld (exhibitor or not).  The sims are still split and spread apart. What has changed is that shapes are appearing where the exhibits are, so far the only clues that can be shown as to what they look like.

The  SL18B will officially open to all on Thursday June 17.

Stay tuned for further details as they become available.

Bixyl Shuftan
 

SL18B Update

The SLB is open to some of the exhibitors. The Lab has started contacting them one by one and assigning them a spot. The Newser hasn't been assigned one yet, though it will most likely be soon.

Several of the SLB sims, Astonish, Captivate, Incredible, Sparkle, Electrify, Pizzazz, and Sparkle, have been separated from the others. Presumably these are the sims the exhibits will be on (the Newser's exhibit last year was on Stunning, and the one at the SL16B was in Sparkle). This is similar to when the sims were separated in two groups last year in the days before the event opened. But this time the sims in question have been further split in four separate groups. 

More to come.

Bixyl Shuftan
 

SL18B Update: Map Names Changed, Newser Officially In As Exhibitor

In our last update about the Second Life Birthday sims, they were back up, but still having their SL17B names.  Checking again after a tip, the "17" was gone, and some water sims at the edges were added. 

Yesterday, the Newser was contacted by Linden Lab, informing us that we were once again welcome as an exhibitor. This marks the tenth year we've been doing so. In the Second Life Exhibitor's group, it was stated, "We had 275 applications for 175 spots." So competition for the spots was fierce. 

The announcement also stated the sims should be open to exhibitors sometime today, May 24. Unfortunately, one thing they won't be open to is published photographs of the area, even teasers of placeholders and closeups of Linden builds that reveal next to nothing about the whole thing. Which is unfortunate as teasers we've done in the past such as the bathroom with the three sea shells stirred up interest without revealing much of anything.

Hat tip: Daniel Voyager 

Bixyl Shuftan
 

EOTB: SL18B Shop and Hop Applications Open, Last Day For SL18B Exhibitor And Performer Applications

     

For merchants wishing to take part in the Second Life 18th Birthday shopping event, now's your chance to ask. A few days ago on the official Second Life blog, Linden Lab announced they were accepting applications for the SL18B Shop and Hop event. 

Our annual multi-region inworld birthday shopping event is coming back this summer, and we’ve just opened up the new application form for merchants who want to participate! 

The SL18B Shop & Hop event, to be held June 17th through July 1st, is the official multi-region shopping event of the 18th annual Second Life birthday celebration (SL18B). This event brings together many of the top merchants across SL for exclusive items and discounts on some of the best creations in Second Life.

Merchants wanting to take part in the event are asked to fill out a form (link). Among the guidelines:

* All items displayed and/or advertised in the store MUST be for sale at the Shop and Hop for the duration of the event.
* Merchants are required to have at least a 20% discount on ALL items, including gachas.
* Merchants are required to provide a new and exclusive, for the duration of the event, non-group gift.
* Stores are highly encouraged to limit themselves to 3 gachas. Gacha resellers will not be permitted.
* Items need to be appropriate for a moderate audience and adhere to the Linden Lab ToS.
* Content should not contain or reference political issues or figures.

The participants' set-up time is June 9-13. The Shop and Hop itself will run from June 17 to July 1.

Also, exhibitor and performer applications are no longer being accepted after today, Monday May 10. Originally, the deadline for both was Friday May 28. Applications for volunteers are still scheduled to be accepted until May 28. 

Bixyl Shuftan
  

EOTB: SL18B Now Open For Exhibitors to Apply

 

On Friday, Linden Lab announced the theme for the Second Life 18th Birthday, the official anniversary event of this virtual world, "Hidden Worlds." It would also announced they were now accepting applications by exhibitors for the event. 

This June, Second Life will be turning 18! The 18th annual Second Life birthday celebration (SL18B) will be held from June 17th to July 1st. Get ready for fun-filled weeks of live music, performances, shopping, and amazing community exhibits!

This year’s theme for SL18B is Hidden Worlds, but don’t think that limits you! Just like last year, your exhibit does not need to stay in theme. If you are inspired by the thought of the hidden worlds around you, show us! Or, share your Second Life passions with us. Your interests. Your communities. Your worlds! Every year we celebrate because of you, the amazing and creative Residents, who have chosen to call Second Life home. What has drawn you into this world and what keeps you here? This year at the eighteenth annual Second Life Birthday, show us what fuels your Second Life and inspires you. Let's go exploring!

For those wanting to take part as exhibitors, they need to fill out a form (link here). Near the top, it states there's been some changes since last year, so read through them. Among the rules are that the exhibits shouldn't be commercial, should have a general rating, can't have any "bots," and more. Exhibitors may ask for two co-builders to be allowed to build at the plot. Exhibit plots need to be claimed by June 1, and all builds finished for inspection by June 9.

The deadline to apply is May 28. The Lab has reminded that applying is no guarantee of being accepted. There are not yet applications for volunteers or performers, though people wishing to apply for those are asked to keep an eye out "over the next few months." There was also a reminder for the call for musicians for Music Fest.

To read the blog post in full: Click Here.

Bixyl Shuftan

SL17B Applications For Exhibitors Open

On Friday March 13, Linden Lab announced that it was accepting applications for exhibitors for the Second Life Seventeenth Birthday celebrations.

In Second Life, you can explore the (virtual) world from the safety and comfort of your own home -- and that’s why we’ve selected  “vacations and road trips”  as this year’s SL17B theme. Whether you teleport directly or travel to your favorite SL destinations by plane, train or automobile, we hope to see a wide variety of community exhibits and experiences that celebrate the spirit of Second Life escapism and travel.

Residents interested in setting up an exhibit need to fill out an application form and send it. Those interested should read the SL17B Exhibitor Policies set up by the Lab. While the exhibits won't be required to hold to the theme as strictly as previous years. there are still plenty of rules to follow, such as needing to be a new build not seen in previous years, limited to 468 prims, limited to a 32x32 parcel (may have tree branches over sidewalk that do not hinder movement), under 75 meters (can request permission for higher), should not sell items, and others. The deadline to submit an application is May 22.

The announcement also reminded residents that applications for musicians interested in taking part in auditions for the Music Fest were being accepted. The deadline for this is May 18.

The SL17B is scheduled to take place from Thursday June 19 to Friday July 10.

To read the blog post in full, Click Here.

SL16B Exhibit Takedown Starts Early

When making plans to see exhibits at a Second Life Birthday event (or camps at a Relay Weekend one), it's advisable not to wait until the last day the builds are supposed to be up as a few will take them down a day early, either due to being busy all day in real life or thinking it's a day or two before it really is. And with the Second Life Sixteenth Birthday sims scheduled to be open to Monday July 8, it was presumed most of the builds would still be around then. But for whatever reason, the Lindens made the decision to take down the sims on Monday instead of Tuesday

It's that time of the party. The gifts are all open. The cake has been cut. People are starting to look at their watches. Everything is over but the clean up.

It's been a great celebration! We are so glad all of you were a part of it! Now it's time to grab your no copy items and blow up/tear down your exhibits. The regions will disappear some time on Monday, July 8.

So there were exhibitors rushing to take down their builds, or in the case of the Sci-Fi Convention group, blowing theirs up. And there were people rushing to try to find those they hadn't seen yet, or look at a favorite one more time.

It's unclear what time the sims will be closed to the public, if they haven't been already.

Bixyl Shuftan

SL16B Sims Open to Exhibitors

Yesterday, Sunday May 26, the sims of the Second Life Birthday were open to exhibitors. The Newser, and other people applying to have exhibits at the grounds of the event celebrating Second Life's anniversary got notecards notifying them they had been accepted.

Hello and welcome to Second Life’s 16th birthday celebrations! We are thrilled to have you joining us this year! It is hard to believe that 16 years have passed since Linden Lab first opened the doors to this wonderful adventure we call Second Life. We are excited to have you bringing your building skills and creative vision to the party. This year to memorialize Second Life’s “Sweet Sixteen” we are going all out with a rock-around-the-clock extravaganza. So pull out the poodle skirts and the leather jackets and meet us for a ice cream soda at the diner because this year we are going “back to the future” and partying 1950s style.

People were asked to contact one of three moles to get invited into the Exhibitors group, and to get their plot for their build. As people were asked to mark plots with something to tell others they got it, The Newser quite literally threw it's hat into the ring, or rather our fedora.

And what will be the building of the Newser's that reflects both the 1950s and Second Life's vision? Well, you'll see. We'll show you a couple sneak peeks between now and then though.

Stay tuned.

Bixyl Shuftan

SL15B Exhibitor Parcel Claim Deadline Today

For the first round of exhibitors of the Second Life Birthday approved by email, and were able to claim parcels on the SL15B sims starting last Friday, time is running out. The deadline to make your claim is today at Noon SL time. So if you haven't, get there.

No word yet about the deadline for the second round of exhibitors.

http://www.slcommunitycelebration.info/

Image Credit: Vivena

SL15B Open to Exhibitors

 The early part of the Second Life Fifteenth Birthday is over. The exhibitors, at least the first round of those approved, were notified a few days ago in their emails. And starting at Noon today, they could ask to be invited to the exhibitors' group and claim their plots. Ant the Newser "threw it's hat in the ring" once more. Our build will be at SL15B Spectacular.

Already, some exhibitors are putting their builds up. So we can't show you an expanse of plots waiting to be claimed as the builders were that fast. We may show you a few sneak peaks over the next few weeks. But we can't reveal too much, not yet, at least of the builds. But there's still plenty to write about in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for further updates.

The sims open to all on Sunday June 17 at Noon SL time when the celebration begins.
 
http://www.slcommunitycelebration.info/

Bixyl Shuftan