User:Djmcknight/Conference 2.0

Conference 2.0 The use of social technologies for conferences. Social networking, blogging, rating, discussions are just some of the types of social media used.

Before, During and After the conference. A solution can start with the collection and organization of speaker materials. It then combines that content with social technologies and conference engagement methodologies to maximize participant's networking and learning experience.

Social Networking/Building Community Defined

•	Building Community is a primary goal. This is done by developing professional social capital. Social capital has many broad definitions but for the purposes of social networking, conferences and associations, social capital can be defined as the actual and potential perceived aggregate networking value of a person and his/her connections (and their resources). One dimension of social capital is reputation and perceived knowledge and access to resources in and outside one’s field. Social capital doesn’t have to be earned only online but “Given the importance of developing professional social capital, before during and after the conference, attendees want to know they are going home with the most optimal list of contacts possible. In a sea of hundreds or even thousands of strange faces at events, how do they know they are meeting the right people, the ones with whom they are most likely to develop a meaningful connection?”

•	Is the person next sitting next to you a potential research partner, a prospective employee, or mentor? •	Successful implementation would include these services: group moderation, marketing services that further the engagement of attendees on the Online Conference 2.0 tool. Engagement of attendees before the conference will “break” the ice and be a catalyst for better networking and conversation at the conference. Conference 2.0 will ultimately be an “economy” for conference attendees to earn and spend social capital.

References and links

 * Dan Fost (March 11, 2008). "Welcome to Conference 2.0", CNN.
 * Aral Balkan (June 20, 2008). Building Conference 2.0, InsideRIA.com.
 * Conference 2.0 page at Wikispaces.com
 * Conference 2.0, Omnipress.com