Social Media is constantly evolving. Therefore, it’s important to keep up with the trends. One of the best ways to explore the latest initiatives in social media marketing, design, and branding is to attend social media conferences and seminars. Below is a brief list of upcoming events around the country.
ARF’s Social Media Bootcamp: Social Media For Research and Marketing
When: October 27, 2010
Where: New York, NY
The Advertising Research Foundation’s Social Media Bootcamp is a half-day workshop that demonstrates how to best execute effective social media strategies across an organization.
Forrester’s Consumer Forum
When: October 28-29, 2010
Where: Chicago, IL
The key to successful marketing campaigns is knowing your audience. As consumers spend more time online in social media outlets, industries are starting to focus advertising efforts in arenas like Facebook and Twitter. This 2-day forum will discuss how to increase your business by getting in touch with social media marketing.
Monitoring Social Media
When: November 4-5, 2010
Where: New York, NY
This two-day seminar will feature PR and Marketing experts’ take on how best to monitor social media. Participants have the opportunity to hear speakers from Radian 6, Influence People, Brandwatch, and other prominent media organizations.
Small Business Technology Tour
When: November 9, 2010
Where: Atlanta, GA
If you’re a small business owner who is eager to utilize social media and other technological strategies in your marketing and advertising campaigns, check out the Small Business Technology Tour. This one-day seminar is specifically designed to educate small business owners on the latest and most effective e-marketing trends.
BlogWell
When: November 9, 2010
Where: Philadelphia, PA
BlogWell takes a look at a social media marketing for larger brands. Explore case studies on e-marketing efforts by companies like Johnson & Johnson™, Hershey’s™, and Scholastic™, and listen to advice from experts on how to improve your social media marketing efforts.
Social Media Bootcamp for CEOs
When: November 17-18
Where: Houston, TX
The Advertising Research Foundation’s Social Media Bootcamp for CEOs is a 2-day workshop that demonstrates how to best execute effective social media strategies across an organization from a CEO standpoint.
TWTRCON SF 2010
When: November 18, 2010
Where: San Francisco, CA
If Twitter plays a big role in your business, or if you’re curious as to how real-time technology can be used to amp up your marketing campaign, check out TWTRCON SF 2010.
unGeeked
When: December 2-4, 2010
Where: San Francisco, CA
This 3-day conference focuses solely on social media, marketing, and branding. The event features 11 speakers and uses a more participatory approach for its sessions.
Social IRL: Social Media Marketing Boot Camp with Sarah Evans
When: December 9, 2010
Where: Springfield, MO
Learn how to integrate social media tools into your traditional marketing approach. Sarah Evans, a respected PR consultant and blogger, will teach you the tricks of the trade in this one-day seminar.
2011 Washington Nonprofit Conference | Direct Marketing Association
When: February 17-18, 2011
Where: Washington, DC
This 2-day event is designed specifically for the non-profit sector. Learn how to use social media to your organization’s advantage in order to boost awareness and fund-raising efforts.
SXSW 2011
When: March 11-15, 2011
Where: Austin, TX
South By Southwest (SXSW) is known for its music festival, but its interactive conference offers multiple sessions on social media marketing and other seminars to boost your technological creativity. Register early to receive conference discounts.
SOBCon
When: April 28 – May 2, 2011
Where: Chicago, IL
The “SOB” in SOBCon stands for “Successful Online Business.” This 5-day event features seminars on best business practices for the online world and includes a heavy emphasis on e-marketing. This is a pricey event, so considering registering early (by December 16th) to save $200.
BrandsConf: Exploring the Humanization of Brands
When: December 2, 2010
Where: New York, NY
BrandsConf takes a look at the evolution of branding, what branding means in today’s real-time atmosphere, and the essential human voice that makes successful brands successful. Hear from the experts on how to take your brand to the next level.
PodCamp
When: See link for a list of upcoming dates
Where: See link for a list of upcoming locations
PodCamp explores all things new media with an emphasis on podcasting, social media and networking, video (i.e. YouTube) and blogging. PodCamp is conducted in bar-camp style (an open, ad-hoc gathering) with multiple sessions that you can actually sign up to lead yourself. These events are usually free or under $5 (unless you want a t-shirt). Upcoming locations include Topeka, KS (November 6, 2010), Phoenix (November 20-21, 2010), Cleveland (2011), and Cincinnati (2011).
Ad:tech
When: See link for a list of upcoming dates
Where: See link for a list of upcoming locations
Ad:tech is a global conference and exhibition that focuses on the latest trends in advertising technology. Attend key-note speaker sessions and visit the exhibition to check out cutting edge branding initiatives. Upcoming Ad:tech events within the United States include New York (November 3-4, 2010) and San Francisco (April 11-13, 2011).