Social Media Week Vancouver – September 24 – 28, 2012
SMWVAN is back for it’s second bi-annual year (once a year isn’t enough – SMW takes place twice a year, every February and September) peaking interest from social media mavens, professionals, and new-comers alike. Taking place in 14 cities across the globe – Vancouver being the only Canadian city – SMW has boomed since it’s conception and is now a worldwide event exploring the social, cultural and economic impact of social media around the world (take a look at their infographic if you want the SMW12 recap).
So, what is Social Media Week?
Social Media Week is one of the world’s most unique global platforms, offering a series of interconnected activities and conversations on emerging trends in social and mobile media.
How else can I get involved?
There are a number of ways to get involved in Social Media Week. In addition to being an event attendee, the organizers encourage the community to participate in submitting events, nominating someone else or volunteering yourself to participate as a speaker / panelist, providing event space, or just volunteering in general to help promote, produce and curate events. Or, if you are more interested in organizing at a higher level you can contact the Global Team or any of the City Organizers by filling out one of our simple forms to get involved.
What will you learn about?
While some people use social media for business, use it as a medium to engage socially with friends or have no sweet clue how to use social media – SMWVAN has something in store for you. With categories from Advertising & Marketing, Business & Entrepreneurship, Culture & Lifestyle, Education & Learning, Health & Wellness, Media & Publishing, Networking & Parties, Politics & Government, Science & Technology and Society & Environment – there are a multitude of speakers with varying expertise ready to share their experiences and knowledge with you.
Session to watch out for:
Currently there are 29 events being hosted by various organizations around the Vancouver area. This year the Dragons’ Den Social Summit is coming to SMWVAN and offering the opportunity for three local entrepreneurs to pitch their social media, mobile, or tech startup idea in the form of a 3-minute video to the dragon’s den panel. The winners will present their pitch to the panel consisting of Jim Treliving, Bruce Coxon and 3 BC Based Guest Dragons live and in-person in the CBC Studios in Vancouver on September 28th from 1-5pm.
Winner of the pitch contest is guaranteed VIP front of the line access to the next Dragons Den audition in any Canadian city it happens in. Also be prepared for a finance offer or deal at the event. The judges will choose from the top 10 finalists which 3 become the winners of this contest and earn the right to jump the queue and pitch the Dragons with their idea.
The event schedule looks like this:
1:00 pm — Introduction by Socialized! Agency
1:10 pm — 1:55 pm — Keynotes by the Dragons
2:00 pm — 2:05 pm — Introduction Molly Duignan, Producer CBC Dragons’ Den
2:05 pm — 2:20 pm — Pitch One
2:20 pm — 2:35 pm — Pitch Two
2:35 pm — 2:50 pm — Pitch Three
2:50 pm — 3:00 pm — Dragons Discuss and Announce Winning Pitch
3:15 pm — 4:45 pm Meet the Dragons + “Decisions: Making the Right Ones and Righting the Wrong Ones.” book signing sponsored by Boston Pizza.
Can’t make it but still want to follow along? The event’s hastag will be #DRAGONSUMMIT – get on twitter and participate there!
I am planning to attend the following:
- Old Media vs. New Media: Journalism in 2012 – Media & Publishing on Thursday, September 27th from 2-4pm.
- Social Media Monitoring, Intelligence, and Brand Chatter – Advertising & Marketing on Monday September 24th from 4-5pm (if space permits)
- Social Media & Entertainment – The New Game Changer Culture & Lifestyle on Wednesday, September 26th from 5:30-7pm
Tweet at me @ThePRLife if you are attending these as well!
For more information and details on specific events, follow @SMWVAN for updates and conversation – better yet engage with them and find out what sessions are suited for you.
Sessions start Monday, September 24th so there is still time to get yourself registered for an event – or two – or many – check out the schedule! Some sessions are already full – but many are still open and waiting for you to register.
