I need your input for Bloggers Connect SF ‘09

by Daniel Rothamel on March 27, 2009 · Comments

in Inman, Inman Connect SF, Social Media, Video Posts


(I actually made a special version of this video for this blog, but had a major uploading FAIL. I decided that, rather than let my head explode, I would just use the same video I used for the Inman Blog post)

Inman Connect SF ‘09 is Gonna Rock!

I am super excited about Connect SF ‘09. The new program is looking really good, we have a cool keynote speaker lined up (announcement forthcoming), and there is all sorts of exciting stuff in the works.

I want Bloggers Connect SF ‘09 to rock even HARDER!

One of those exciting things is Bloggers Connect. As the Community Manager for Inman News, Bloggers Connect is kinda my baby. As a proud papa, I always want to see my baby do well. That is one reason why I decided that we needed to completely eliminate the panels from Bloggers Connect (as we did with Bloggers Connect NYC). Its also why I tried the Blog Makeover (which I think went well). Feedback from Bloggers Connect NYC was great, and I want to make sure that Bloggers Connect SF ‘09 is the best one yet. I want the program to be interesting and valuable for ALL the attendees, and I want the room to be jam-packed with folks who are looking to share and learn about social media.

I’ve got some ideas for what the program is going to look like, but I’m more interested to see what you folks think about it. What are some must-see things that you want in the program? I can tell you already that there are going to be some form of live-labs for folks to try things as they learn, and we are going to be looking for some Ignite-style presentations, too, so be on the lookout for announcements.

So, the program is coming together, and now is your chance to tell me what you think. What speakers do you want to see, what topics do you want to cover, what format would work for you? Send me your ideas, no matter how crazy they may seem. You can email me at: Daniel@Inman.com

And hey, if you want to beat the rush, and save yourself some coin. . .the early-bird pricing for Connect Registration is still available.

  • I kind of like the panel discussions, was eliminating them a time constraint issue or do they feel there isn't much value to them?

    The live labs portion sounds really cool as does the Ignite-style portion.
    How about some more.

    Will there be a second issue of blogger trading cards or will they become even more valuable due to collector status if it isn't duplicated? :-)
  • Daniel Rothamel
    Nick,

    There were a number of reasons that the panels were eliminated, the most important of which was that most people felt that they weren't getting enough value out of them. Putting together panels (and choosing moderators) is an art and a science. I think that many times we missed the mark on both.

    Here's another feature for you-- we will be delivering all of the visual aids from any of the presentations to attendees ON THE SPOT, via email. No need to wait days or weeks to get the material.

    Also, there will be opportunity for what I like to call "post-game analysis." We plan to have teleconference discussions with presenters and attendees after Connect is over, so that everyone can follow up on ideas and questions.

    Like I said, this is gonnna be very different, and very cool.
  • Daniel Rothamel
    oh, I forgot--

    I think that the trading cards will remain extremely rare. :-)
  • Who are the speakers you currently have lined up?
  • Daniel Rothamel
    No one firm, yet. Just ideas. You volunteering? :-)
  • I'm so far behind on reading my RSS reader. I think the best way to make it great is to have me speak! Just kidding. Sort of. Honestly though, I think you should look at doing lots of very short presentations. Like ten minutes each, with five minutes for Q&A. If you get a lemon, it will only last ten minutes. short sessions force speaker to get right to the point. Put them on a big timer that everyone can see. Go gong show on them if they go over.

    This idea is a little more radical, but how about assigning your speakers a subject? Get yourself a list of speakers, then come up with a list of topics you want to cover, then assign one to each speaker. This will add continuity to the day for those attending an force the speakers to work just outside their comfort zone. I think it would be a great way to organize it.
  • I like Todd's idea...but I think you should shoot for more like 20-25 minutes. Or mix it up! But in "my-tech-opinion" 10 minutes is a bit short to dive into the meat of topic or provide how-to implementation strategies. Just one twit's opinion!
  • Hi Daniel,
    I will be a first time attendee for Bloggers Connect SF. So I really have no idea what to expect. I like the short topic ideas as well. I've been to other conferences and after 45+min of listening to the same person, my mind begins to wander. 10min does seem too short though 20-40 min. sounds like a good range.

    See you there.
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