Virtual worlds marketing firm TheSLAgency has announced that it will present a panel titled "A New Life for Online Government," discussing innovative ways governments are using virtual worlds at this week's 2008 National Conference of State Legislatures in New Orleans, Louisiana, which runs from July 22nd to July 26th.

Utah State Senate chief deputy Ric Cantrell and experts from the Alabama Department of Homeland Security will join the panel. Governing Magazine editor and deputy publisher Mark Stencel will moderate.

TheSLAgency's vice president of interactive marketing Leigh Rowan intends to focus on how governments are currently using virtual worlds to provide services for and to collaborate with citizens on health, education, public safety and civic life. The presentation will also cover the potential for virtual worlds for interactive job recruitment, emergency planning and scenario training, and virtual collaboration.

The marketing agency has previously worked with The World Bank and The Ontario Public Service to reach new audiences through interactive events and presences in Second Life. Rowan's presentation will cover case studies of their work with both clients and its future plans. TheSLAgency is also launching an associated government-focused microsite for government entities.