Conferences
Software Enablers
As proof that the virtual world still likes to press the flesh for real and online, consider these upcoming new media events:
- BlogWorld & New Media Expo Yes, bloggers do gather in real time November 8-9 in Las Vegas for a new trade show and a seminar track about using social media. www.blogworldexpo.com
- eComeXpo The virtual trade show for e-commerce marketers you can experience on your own small screen. Next installment: Oct. 7-11. www.ecomxpo.com
- Forrester.com/events In Chicago, Oct. 11-12, learn how social media are changing consumer behaviors and attitudes with respect to brand, content and interaction. www.forrester.com/events
- HOW Design Conference Graphic designers gather May 18-21 in Boston to learn how to integrate creativity, business, and technology. www.howconference.com
Software Enablers
BDMetrics, IntroNetworks, LeverageSoftware, NetworkingMatch, Ning, and Onesite are among Web-based products that bring people together online.
Websites
The long list of social networking sites is growing. Following is a small slice of the big picture:
- Confabb.com: Post your conference by topic, date and location.
- Linkedin.com: Business-oriented social site used by millions for professional networking.
- Meetingscommunity.org: MeCo is one networking home for meetings professionals.
- Meetup.com: Post and find events by location and topic of interest.
- MPI Wiki: This allows visitors from the meetings industry to add, edit and remove content.
- MySpace.com: The “king” of social networking sites, it’s populated mostly by those in the younger demographic. A search for “meeting planning” or “meetings” yields lots of hits.
- SecondLife.com: The online 3D world that’s used by millions of registered users, including those who visit MeCo mansion, built by the meetings industry’s Dan Parks.
- Upcoming.yahoo.com: More events by location and topic. Invite your friends.
- YouTube.com: Video sharing by users enables event marketers and others to distribute demos and other video files.