Even with the lousy state of the dollar and air travel, fmx/08 is a can't-miss event for people who want to network, be seen, and learn cutting-edge techniques and technology. Courtesy of fmx.

Considering the lousy state of the dollar and air travel, I'd think twice about attending any European conference. It comes down to a personal cost-benefit analysis and you must weigh a lot of personal factors. There is one Euro-conference I am going to -- fmx/08, and for good reason.

fmx is by far the most important, forward looking and entertaining media conference in Europe. Heavily funded by the regional government of Baden Wittenberg, Germany, as well as significant industry sponsorships, it represents one of the best values I've seen for people who want to network, be seen, and learn cutting-edge techniques and technology. That said; fmx is also possibly the most fun I have all year.

Why would you want to travel all the way to Stuttgart, Germany for what is officially billed as "The 13th International Conference on Animation, Effects, Games and Digital Media?" For me it represents an unprecedented opportunity to meet with, and even have coffee with, some of the most active and important people in the business from Hollywood to Bollywood. fmx is not just about Germany, it's about the world of digital entertainment.

Most presentations are in English and if they're not, you simply put on headphones for simultaneous translation. Besides that you'll find film and game people you know or would like to know. Hollywood definitely takes fmx very seriously and sends many of their best people.

I've made good friends at fmx every year and we stay in touch. From a business standpoint it certainly has compounded my journalism opportunities. In this article I'm going to give you taste of what you can expect at fmx/08 this May 5th through the 8th in Stuttgart, Germany.

Getting There
First you should know that if you go to their website, and click on "service" and then on "Airline Partnerships" you'll find you can get up to a 20% discount on Star Alliance flights. They also have nice hotel deals. So go to fmx and then stay a bit longer to tour Europe.

When you get there, you'll be overwhelmed by the possibilities and you'll have to make some choices. Many events take place simultaneously in various venues within the Haus der Wirtschaft, Stuttgart's huge state-of-the-art conference center.

It will be easier if you understand that presentations are divided into three main branches:

fmx/conference
This includes lectures on up-to-date topics ranging from cinema and television to games and mobile entertainment. International speakers will discuss and share artistic, aesthetic and technical visions, opening their digital tool kits, analyzing new developments and debating the future of 3D.

fmx/forum
Here studios and technology companies present their latest achievements and introduce new products. Researchers, hard- and software vendors, as well as users discuss new technologies and practical applications. You'll find hands-on demonstrations and a wide variety of intensive master classes. This is also where hopefuls can meet with recruiters looking for new talent.