Break Out Sessions - Which ones should I choose?
March 25, 2010
Along with the four plenary sessions you have the opportunity to select two breakout sessions that are of interest to you. It is important that you register early not only to pocket $100 in free Facebook advertising and early bird savings, but also to secure your choice of breakout sessions. Not sure which ones to choose? Here is a quick review of the line-up to help you decide which sessions most closely match your needs.
- Morning Breakout Session
- Afternoon Breakout Session
What are some of the speakers looking forward to about the conference? Listen to conversations in anticipation of the conference featuring:
Morning Breakout Sessions (you will be able to select one of the four):
1. "Social Media 101" (#BS1001)
Derek Johnson, CEO, Derekmedia and Tatango, Bellingham, WA
New to social media? Looking for a basic overview? This session will introduce you to how to build brand equity for your company, attract new customers, and enhance your online business presence using different social media networks such as Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, Twitter, Blogs and E-Mail. 
2. "Listening is an Act of Love - The Importance of Listening to Your Customers" (#BS1002)
Warren Sukernek, Partner and Vice President of Strategies, Lift9, Seattle, WA
We have all heard "listen before you speak". This especially applies to the world of social media. Learn about the 10 conversations businesses need to learn to listen for; how to get started; and best practices - adding value to your listening efforts.
3. "Online Video as Part of Your Social Media Strategy" (#BS1003)
Aaron Booker, Founder and President, Varvid, Bellingham, WA
Did you know that YouTube is now the second largest search engine after Google? Developing your own videos is a powerful way to connect with your audience. Learn from an industry expert on what works best for company announcement, client testimonials, case studies, and video blogging, as well as how to leverage this tool as a means of two-way communication.
4. "Don't Throw Out the Baby with the Bath Water!" (#BS1004)
Matt Barnhart, Principal Pivot Lab, and Shari Burk, Senior Strategist, Pivot Lab, Bellingham, WA
There is no need to reinvent your entire business strategy for social media. You can and should use your existing core messaging to fuel your approach to social media. Of course, your tactics may change but the soul of your company must be retained. We'll specifically help you tackle the following and more. Learn how to choose the right people for social media that will align with your compnany's personality and values; how to identify topics and responses that fit into your companies marketing strategy; and how to align with your organization's business objectives.
Afternoon Breakout Sessions (you will be able to select one of the four):
1. "Social Media: Your Secret Weapon in Combating Negative Feedback" (#BS1005)
Bonnie Southcott, Senior Interactive Producer, Toolhouse, Bellingham, WA
Use social media tools to listen to your customers, strike up a two-way conversation with them, and diffuse negative feedback. This presentation will teach everyone, from beginners to social media ninjas, how to leverage Twitter, blogs, and podcasts to develop healthy online relationships with their customers. Specifically, learn how to use social media as a powerful listening post; embrace the two-way conversation; and launch your story into the digital media ecosystem.
2. "Blogging, Tweeting & Revenues: But Really, Who Has the Time?" (#BS1006)
Anne-Marie Faiola, CEO, Bramble Berry and Otion, Bellingham, WA
How much time does it really take to have an active social media strategy? Learn from a business owner who uses social media as a marketing strategy to increase sales. How did Bramble Berry grow 28% in 2008 with a $0 advertising budget? Come to this presentation to take a look under the hood of Bramble Berry's social media strategy, see real numbers and learn from a busy entrepreneur.
3. "Trust Drives Transactions" (#BS1007)
Marty Yaskowich, Business and Strategy Director, Tribal DDB, Vancouver, BC
While businesses continue to operate under long-standing practices, time-and attention-starved consumers have moved on. Empowered with the ability to express and share opinions with a wide audience, consumers now trust each other and distrust marketers. This presentation examines this trend, explaining how shifts in culture, trust and business are making sales more difficult and how social media can help reverse this trend by making you part of the conversation.
4. "If you build it, they will come...not quite. Keys to successful corporate blogging." (#BS1008) 
Ethan Yarbrough, President & Co-Founder, Allyis Inc., Kirkland, WA
A corporate blog can be a powerful communication tool that builds brand awareness and nurtures a sense of engagement with customers. But, many corporate blogs fail why? Companies fall into the mentality of, if we built it, they will come. Whether you already have a company blog, or are thinking about starting one, you won't want to miss this session.
The reality is, getting readers to come to your blog, and more importantly, come back again, requires more than just putting content on a page and crossing your fingers you need a strategy. Ethan will draw from personal experience in his presentation as he discusses Allyis corporate blogging strategy, including: who blogs for Allyis, how often they do it, what they talk about, who is reading the blog, and most importantly, what kind of ROI has resulted from the efforts so far.
For more information on our star speakers, and to see the rest of the line-up for the conference, visit the Social Media Conference Web site.
First 300 registrants get $100 in FREE Facebook advertising credits. Get yours today! Also, don't miss out on the Early Bird Rate, and your preferred choice in break-out sessions (space is limited!). Register before March 11, 2010!
- $198 for TAG Members and CEV Clients
- $225 for non-members/clients
Not a TAG Member Already? Read about the great benefits and sign-up for membership HERE!
Registration rate after 5 p.m. on March 11, 2010: 
- $275 for all guests
Rock star Contest - Deadline for entry has been extended to March 11
Is your business a player in social media? If so, we want to hear your story!
Businesses and organizations that are participating in social media activities and want to share their story are encouraged to apply. Entrants must be registered for the conference. For contest details go to social media conferencenw.com/rock-star.
Join the Social Media Conference Conversation!
Follow us on Twitter @socialmediaNW and use #smconfNW to join the conversation! Don't forget to check out and join our groups on Facebook, LinkedIn and Youtube.
Thank You!
The Social Media Conference Northwest is produced in partnership between the Center for Economic Vitality (CEV) - Western Washington University and Technology Alliance Group for Northwest Washington (TAG) and made possible by our sponsors:
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