I
am a #140 Character 2011
The
first Social Media event I ever attended was a #140conf holiday party in 2009. It was a lights up, music off holiday mixer in a village bar. I knew very little of Jeff Pulver or his
conferences that evening when he welcomed me with a hug. I wasn’t sure what to make of this new group
and Social Media was a new endeavor for me.
I arrived early and Geo Geller popped a frame over my head stood me in
front of the I’m a Character #140conf banner
and took my picture. I met the Guru of
Sales, Web Metrics Guru and lots of other gurus. Everyone was curious, everyone was
passionate. From then on I was a 140
Character.
In
2010 Jeff Pulver organized monthly meet ups where fascinating
people would come and share their social media successes and solutions. This amazing community of social media
pioneers came together to share their gifts with each other, offer support and
form fascinating friendships. Jeff was
always able to bring together a fascinating group of presenters and attendees.
I looked forward to attending 140 Conferences because after each one I left
with volumes of information. Many times
when working with clients I refer them to video archives of a 10 minute talk or
panel discussion from the 140 Conference.
My expertise in digital strategy increased with each event. The conferences allowed me the opportunity to
meet and learn from bloggers, educators, journalists, brand
managers and Non-profit organizations. I
met great folks who had a passion for this rapidly evolving medium. I incorporated many ideas shared at the
conferences and was successful with the projects I worked on. The earthquake in Haiti in January
highlighted the concept of real time
communication to the masses. Social media and real time communication was
heating up and we were witnessing the evolution of digital
communication. The #140 Conference in the Spring of
2010 was amazing. People gathered from around the world and came together to
impart wisdom at the 92nd Street Y.
There was an energy at the conference that ignited passions, sparked
creativity, and illuminated good will.
Many of us connected on twitter and formed real friendships. Brands conference in December 2010 focused on
the humanization of brands. I was
excited again about the growth in social media.
It was no longer just a theory or magic mix that somehow worked. Now, big brands were embracing social media.
The
140 Conference disappeared from New York City for a bit while Jeff created
serendipity around the world. I missed 140 Fashion, but did get to watch it live stream. The next
meeting was the 140 Conference Long Island.
It didn’t matter to me that the venue was not Manhattan. I love the conference and by then I wanted
to meet up with my social media brethren to catch up. The call for speakers went out and it wasn’t
until the last day I submitted my proposal.
I was accepted and given 5 minutes to share my experiences communicating
in real time. I was thrilled and
terrified to be sharing the podium with social media greats Peter Shankman and Trey
Pennington. I prepared and rehearsed and
was ready. I went over time, I didn’t
get to say all I wanted but I got the message out The audience clapped and laughed at my jokes,
tweeted my talk and offered me hugs.
We
are at the beginning of the new media revolution. Many pioneers I have met at the 140
Conferences are building the foundation for the way human kind will communicate
with each other. Thank you Jeff, and all
the 140 Characters for sharing your vision with me. I am a 140 Character.
