This year's IGDA VIP luncheon was much the same as years past. Held at the Il (that's I L) Forniao over at the Sainte Claire across the street, the luncheon is for all the volunteers that help the IGDA as a way of thanking them for their work in the past year. No I don't get in just because I'm press, I am a volunteer myself.

The Il Fornaio ballroom	The courtyard (where the annual meeting was held) with food ready to go

So the first order of business was to eat. EAT!! I was starving by this time and went through two plates of food before IGDA Executive Director Jason Della Rocca took the podium to welcome everyone and give the usual spiel about the volunteers present. He then handed out three MVP awards to volunteers who have gone to incredible lengths to help the IGDA and the game development community. The recipients this year were Brian Robbins, Michelle Hinn and Jim Charne.

Jim Charne and Michelle Hinn give short acceptance speeches
Brian Robbins accepts his award

Following the awards? Dessert!! And general schmoozing. Good times.

Mmmm dessert...	Nick Smolney (left) talks with Jeff Ward (right) and Warren Spector (second from right)
Dave Weinstein (right) engaged in conversation	Mike Sweeney (left) listens in as Eric Lamendola (right) carries on a conversation
Hal Barwood (left) in an animated conversation. Wade Tinney (right) partakes in a drink	Brian Robbins (left) and Noah Falstein (right) engaged in seperate conversations